One Voice: Julie Jackson

One Voice: Julie Jackson

February 2021   minute read

This month, NACS talks to Julie Jackson, chief operating officer at Jaco Oil Company & Fastrip Food Stores.
Julie Jackson

What role in the community do you think convenience stores should play?

Convenience stores are a public convenience and necessity and play an important role in the community. Most are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of options with a quick in and out for time-starved customers. We serve a wide range of customers, from travelers passing through to the local little league team to those looking for a safe haven. Larger format stores serve as the local grocery store in smaller communities. They also provide great employment opportunities and, of course, tax revenues to local municipalities.

What does NACS political engagement mean to you, and what benefits have you experienced from being politically engaged?

Political engagement for our industry is critical at the local, state and federal levels. I have found that most elected officials are very interested in our industry and are surprised when they see firsthand all the regulatory issues we deal with. I have had the opportunity to host several congressional visits at sites in Southern California (thank you Paige Anderson and NACS), which is always fun and productive, and I have met with other California state officials at their offices. It has been helpful to establish these relationships, so that I am able to discuss an important topic that could affect our industry (hopefully before a vote is made!). NACS has been very helpful coordinating with the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance (CFCA), as California is typically the genesis of regulations that eventually affect the rest of the country. Belonging to a state or regional trade association is extremely helpful, and I highly recommend it.

What federal legislative or regulatory issues keep you up at night?

2020 has been the year of COVID-19. Focusing on the health and safety of employees and customers has been front and center. We continue to navigate the ever-changing directives of county, state, federal, CAL OSHA and the CDC to ensure proper training, protocols and compliance are in place. Of course, there are other important issues such as the flavored tobacco ban and conducting business in California. There is always something to keep up with.

What c-store product could you not live without?

Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso!