Annie Gauthier, CFO/Co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Company (Y-Not Stop), is the 2025-2026 NACS Chairman of the Board. Gauthier will also lead the NACS Political Engagement Committee.

In 2005, Gauthier joined her family company, which now owns and operates 15 Y-Not Stop convenience stores in Louisiana. She created the company’s first human resources role and moved into accounting and finance before succeeding her mother as CFO in 2014. Gauthier and her two brothers have continued to grow the business since they bought it in 2016.

Gauthier spoke with NACS Magazine about her personal journey into the industry, Y-Not Stop, and her role with NACS for the upcoming year. 

What brought you into convenience, and why has it been a career that you’ve loved ever since?

I grew up in this business but never wanted it for my career. I fell in love with our industry while I was in college working for the Louisiana Oil Marketers & Convenience Store Association in Baton Rouge. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and other areas of the Gulf South 20 years ago, I was wowed by how the industry showed up. In the middle of such uncertain times, suppliers and retailers, like my family, just kept plugging away and working crazy hours to find ways to take care of their communities. Courage, sacrifice and selflessness were everywhere.   

I love how the convenience industry offers a tangible benefit to every community across the world, making a real difference for our customers and our team members. And it’s a fun business, too! It’s never boring!

What are you looking forward to about serving as chairman this upcoming year? What are some top priorities on your mind for the year ahead?

I’m excited to serve as chair in this transitional year for NACS. With the legendary Henry Armour transitioning from CEO to his new international role and past chair Frank Gleeson bringing his unique perspective as the fourth NACS CEO in 65 years, NACS is poised to move boldly into its next chapter. I’m excited to work with the board and staff to continue to build on past successes, to fully realize existing initiatives and to map the future. A successful CEO transition is a priority, and I am confident that it will be smooth because Henry and Frank both share incredible professionalism, pragmatism and passion for the industry. 

What’s one of the most important things you’re focused on right now in your business? 

I am focused on strengthening our store managers’ leadership and coaching skills so we can build the best workplace and create customer superfans.  We’ve made strides the past few years, and we continue to learn and level up. 

On that note, tell us about the TeamFest your company hosts every year. Why is this a critical part of your company culture and employee development?

TeamFest is an annual employee celebration event and training session we host every year. Every team member is invited to join a half-day session and we give them full pay.

The event evolved from all-team meetings my parents started decades ago. Our first TeamFest was in 2017, where we brought in our key supplier partners to share samples and product knowledge with our team. We have expanded it since then to include over 30 partners, as well as games run by our ops team, company updates and team recognition. 

At TeamFest, I really want the new team members to learn what we stand for, to connect to what we do and to commit to stay and grow with us. With the right training and support, these new team members are our future. TeamFest is one way we show our love of our industry and connect them to something bigger than themselves and their store.

What’s a motto or mission statement you have for running your business?

I believe in moving forward intentionally and optimistically. I frequently quote St. Francis of Assisi: “Start with doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, then suddenly you’re doing the impossible.” I also remind myself and others of the competing ideas of “better done than perfect” and “better right than fast.” We are free to choose; we are not free from the consequences of our choices. So choose wisely.

How did you first get involved with NACS, and what benefits have you gotten from being engaged? What’s your advice to those who aren’t involved with NACS yet?

I started attending the HR Forum and the State of the Industry Summit early in my career, and then went to my first NACS Show in 2012. I then attended Executive Education courses in 2015 and 2016. I joined the Convention Content Committee in 2017, the NACS Board of Directors in 2018, and chaired the Retail Engagement Committee in 2023. Most recently, I served as NACS vice chairman and treasurer. 

I’ve benefited from NACS in three key ways: building community among retailers, suppliers and NACS staff; learning about our industry’s challenges and opportunities; and growing as a leader. 

My advice to anyone who is not involved yet is simple: if you want to grow yourself and your business, get involved. NACS has something to offer anyone who wants to learn and grow, from events to education to advocacy and more. Attend an event that catches your attention. Meet new people during the networking breaks. Go deeper with acquaintances you’ve met before. Sign up for an Executive Education course—the three I’ve done were all transformational, and I still keep in touch with people I met there 10 years ago. Interested in serving on a committee? Talk to a board member or staff member to learn more.