Leadership

Kevin began with Jay Petroleum, Inc. in December 2001, following a 23-year career with two different McDonald’s franchise organizations. Beginning as a part-time cook in high school, he progressed through the Management Development Program and attended Hamburger University. He left there while in the position of Director of Operations. He held this position with two franchises in Indiana and Texas. Kevin began his career with JPI as an “Internal” Business Consultant, worked his way through the positions of Director of Operations and Vice President – Operations. And in 2020, became President of the company. His tenure with JPI includes time involved with the Franchisee Advisory Board for Subway Business Development Agency-Northern Indiana, as well as being a member of the Indiana Food & Fuel Association’s Convenience Store committee, Board of Directors, and Executive Board.

Kevin is married and has a daughter, three sons, and one grandson. He is an avid movies and sports fan, particularly Indiana University basketball, and enjoys a round of golf when he can squeeze it in.

Christopher Braun began working in a convenience store while attending Huntington University back in 1990. Over the years he has filled many roles including that of Cashier, Assistant Manager, Store Manager, Supervisor, POS Systems Coordinator, Director of IT, Vice President of IT and now holds the role of Senior Vice President. He also spent 3 years as a manager for Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers. Chris and his wife Linda have 4 children and 3 grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys bowling, camping, and singing in church or at special events.

Laura has been with Jay Petroleum since October 2000 where she started as a Store Manager. She was later promoted to District Supervisor, Director of Operations and currently holding the position of Vice President of Operations. Laura graduated from Ivy Tech in 1986. Prior to JPI, she had a career at McDonalds lasting over 13 years. There she held the position of Store Manager. Laura has one daughter, Katie and two adorable granddaughters, Addison and Charlotte. Laura has been a member of Delta Theta Tau Philanthropic Sorority since 1992, she was a National Officer for 7 years, including the position of National President 2015 – 2016. She also enjoys attending her granddaughters’ activities.

Joday has been with the company since 2017. He started as Director of Accounting then transitioned to Vice President of Finance. Joday has over 15 years as a Cost Accountant in the manufacturing field as well as seven years as Controller in the Healthcare industry. He is responsible for all financial operations for the company including the preparation of financial statements, outside audits and the administration of the ESOP and 401(k). Joday has degrees in Accounting and Business Management from Northwood University. He enjoys his family and spending time on the golf course.

Alex was hired by Jay Petroleum in December of 2011. He was a recent graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor’s of science in computer and information technology. He was originally hired to run the IT helpdesk. He was later promoted to Director of IT to handle all aspects of the IT department. His most recent promotion was to Vice President of Facilities and now he manages the maintenance and IT departments. He and his wife Kaity have two daughters and enjoy spending time outdoors as well as attending their sporting events.

Sharon was hired by Ottawa Oil Company in July 1988 and her first job there was working at Ottawa Tire Sales pumping full serve gas. As she worked towards her Associates Degree in Accounting, she transferred to the Ottawa Oil office doing various accounting related tasks. Sharon then returned to school to earn a Bachelor degree in Business Administration at the University of Findlay. In 2020, Jay Petroleum Inc. acquired Ottawa Oil Co. Inc., and she then took on the role of Director of Accounting. Sharon is happily married to her husband Steve and has three children, Kaitlin, Marissa, and Derek. In her spare time, she enjoys scrapbooking, taking walks, spending time with her family and friends, and vacationing at Hilton Head Island.

Spencer Lewis was hired on with Jay Petroleum in May of 2018 as a Marketing Supervisor and was promoted to his current role as the Director of Marketing in October of 2020.
He attended Bluffton University to obtain a B.A in Organizational Management, while working in various roles at Coca-Cola. Currently, Spencer resides in Ohio with his wife Emilie and his daughter Wren. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his family, play guitar, and watch football.

Carroll began his career with the Ottawa Oil Company (OOC) in March of 2013 and transitioned to Jay Petroleum following their acquisition. His experience in the transportation industry dates back to 2007. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. In his free time, Carroll loves spending time with his wife and daughter but particularly enjoys the company of his three dogs.

Amanda has been with Jay Petroleum since December 2020. She started out as a manager at our location in Leipsic, Ohio. She then was promoted to Food Service Supervisor. Most recently she has taken the position of Food Service Director in April 2024. Amanda is a graduate of Leipsic High School class of 2006. She was a member of the Army Reserve from 2005 – 2008. She is a mother of two teenage girls and loves spending time with her family and reading.