How Upside and GPM Investments have built a 9+ year partnership

GPM Investments operates thousands of gas stations across 33 states, some company-operated and some dealer sites. Mike Nowotny, GPM's Senior Vice President of Operations, is responsible for all of the dealer locations.

The challenge GPM faced was one that plagued the whole industry: declining fuel volume. GPM wanted to protect its gallons and grow share at its company-op locations. On the dealer side, GPM needed a way to remain competitive against the corporate giants encroaching on their territory.

That’s what led GPM to Upside in 2017, though Mike admits he was skeptical at first. Many vendors promise gallons, but few can back up the claim that they’re growing them. But Upside's model gives him confidence. It proves with certainty that the partnership is truly changing behavior and winning GPM gallons it wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

"Upside genuinely cares," he said. "They seek feedback. They do something with the feedback, and it's refreshing to know they're trying to grow with us and modify their product for us."

The results speak for themselves. Across participating dealer locations, GPM has seen incremental gallons, and the most engaged stores are performing especially well.

Nearly a decade into the partnership, Mike’s advice to other retailers is simple. Hear what he had to say above.