The Wills Group, parent company of Dash In, has named Mark Samuels as its new executive vice president of convenience retailing effective as of Oct. 1, the company announced on Wednesday.
This is a new position for Dash In, a company spokesperson confirmed.
Samuels, who was “instrumental” in bringing the c-store’s Neighborhood concept store to fruition, is expected to lead efforts to transform the Dash In and Splash In ECO Car Wash businesses and oversee further expansion across the Mid-Atlantic region.
In an interview in March, Samuels said the company is looking to open six to 10 stores a year over the next few years.
He was also an important part of the company’s “renewed food service strategy,” including introducing its signature Craveable Menu. That menu was then expanded for the company’s next-generation store design in Loudon County, Virginia, earlier this year.
“Samuels has continually pushed our team to examine what convenience retail innovation could look like for Dash In, while also leading Dash In’s focus to go above and beyond when it comes to customer service,” said Julian B. “Blackie” Wills III, president and CEO of the Wills Group, in the announcement.
Samuels started his career with the Wills Group as the Baltimore-area manager for Dash In Food Stores in July 1997, according to his LinkedIn bio. Since then, he’s worked his way up through the company, including serving as director of pricing and marketing, vice president and general manager for SMO Motor Fuels and Potomac Energy Holdings and his most recent position as vice president of retail.
“I am honored to take on this expanded leadership role at the Wills Group,” said Samuels. “This presents a unique opportunity to prepare the team for scaling our new convenience concept across the region, while continuing to innovate.”
This news comes two months after Julian Wills took over the president and CEO role.
Based in La Plata, Maryland, the Wills Group has nearly 300 retail locations across the Mid-Atlantic region, including more than 55 Dash In stores along with Splash In ECO Car Washes and SMO Motor Fuels.
