C-Store Leadership: Vince Hammock on Building Trust and Teamwork

image of Vince exemplifying c-store leadership

August 21, 2025

C-Store leadership is about more than keeping shelves stocked or managing schedules. It’s about creating an environment where people thrive, both the store team and the customers who walk through the doors. That’s exactly how Vince Hammock approaches his role at Homedale Market, a top-performing store and a place that feels like home to many.

Building Trust and Leading with Care

Vince Hammock didn’t start in convenience but once he found his way into the industry, he knew he was in the right place. Today, he manages the Homedale Market, one of the top-performing stores in the company. In fact, it consistently holds the number two spot across the chain, second only to a grocery location. That kind of performance doesn’t happen by accident. For Vince, it comes down to people, discipline, and a relentless focus on getting better every day.

“My store is fast-paced, high-volume, and filled with regulars. 90% of our business comes from repeat customers. It feels like family here, both my team and the people we serve.”

From Gas Pump to C-Store Leadership

Vince didn’t step into leadership overnight. He started out pumping gas, moved through grocery, and eventually found his calling in convenience retail. Each stop along the way taught him something different—discipline, pace, and the importance of staying close to both customers and employees.

Those lessons now fuel his work at Homedale Market, where in less than a year he’s built trust with his team and helped the store maintain top rankings in the company.

C-Store Leadership in Time Management

Running a high-volume store requires structure. Vince’s secret tool? A notebook.

“I carry it everywhere,” he says. “I write everything down, check it, re-prioritize, and follow through. Without my notebook and pen, I’d be lost.”

But he doesn’t let schedules become too constraining. “This business is unpredictable. You never know what’s coming, so you build routines—but you stay ready to adapt.”

Trusting the Team

Vince resists micromanagement. Instead, he builds trust and good habits. “I want my team to know the routine, know what’s important, and run with it. Once that’s in place, it almost runs itself.”

That trust didn’t come easy. When Vince first arrived, the team had already gone through several leadership changes in a short period of time. “They didn’t know what to expect from me. My biggest challenge was proving they could trust me, not just for myself, but for them and the company too.”

He overcame that challenge by treating each person as an individual. “You’ve got to read the room, understand personalities, and make sure everyone knows they matter. Development isn’t a one-time thing, it’s constant. Relationships, skills, trust its ongoing.”

Advice for Leaders Coming Up

For aspiring managers or assistants looking to step into bigger roles, Vince’s advice is straightforward: listen and lean on your team.

“Everybody has something to teach, from a 2-year-old to a 102-year-old. If you listen, you’ll learn something valuable every single day.”

He also stresses the importance of being present. “Don’t be the boss in the back office. Be part of the team. Show that you’re working for them as much as they’re working for you.”

Finding Joy in People

Despite the challenges, Vince is clear about what he loves most: the people.

“You learn so much about people in this business, your team, your customers. Some folks don’t see convenience as making a difference, but we do. I enjoy that. Day by day, minute by minute we’re impacting lives.”

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