GACS L.E.A.D. Academy

Have you thought about what the future leadership of your company looks like? Or noticed an employee with strong potential and wondered how to help them grow into a successful leader?
​Launching in 2026, the GACS L.E.A.D. Academy is an eight-month leadership development experience created to strengthen the future of Georgia’s convenience store industry. This premier program is designed to move leaders from managing daily operations to confidently shaping long-term vision.

Who Is This Designed For?

• Owners
• Decision-makers
• High-potential team members

What Will Participants Gain From Participating?

• Stronger leadership skills
• Greater confidence in decision-making
• A strategic, forward-focused mindset
• The ability to transition from operator to visionary leader

Organizations that invest in the L.E.A.D. Academy can expect stronger retention, improved culture, better decision-making, and a deeper bench of leaders prepared to step up!

Meet Our L.E.A.D. Academy Facilitator

Dr. Larry Grays

Dr. Larry Grays is an accomplished speaker, writer, and leadership consultant with extensive experience in the retail, grocery, and convenience store industries. As the founder of EPL Consulting, he is passionate about helping organizations grow by developing strong, high-performing leaders.
Under Dr. Grays’ guidance, the Academy combines expert facilitation with real-world insights from successful industry operators — delivering practical, industry-specific leadership development, not generic coursework.

​​Locations, Dates, Speakers, & Experiences Across Georgia

October 22, 2026
Columbus Iron Works – Columbus, GA
Dinner & Walk the Trade Show Floor
Speakers:
Slaton Whatley (Whatley Convenience Stores LLC),
Glenn Snow (Jet Food Stores of Georgia, Inc.)

December 8, 2026
Core-Mark Facility – Cartersville, GA
Facility Tour
Speakers: TBD

January 26, 2027
Westin Hotel & Georgia Capitol – Atlanta, GA
Day on the Hill
Speakers: TBD​
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February 23, 2027
Tifton Coca-Cola Plant – Tifton, GA
Coca-Cola Facility Tour
Speakers: TBD

​March 23, 2027
Location TBD
Activity: TBD
Speaker: TBD

April 2027
Peachtree City, GA
Activity: GACS PAC Golf Tournament
Speaker: TBD
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June 6–9, 2027
Jekyll Island Club – Jekyll Island, GA
Graduation Ceremony

Investment & Commitment

​Program Investment: $1,500 per participant

• Required reading materials included
• Registration fees for GACS events included
• DISC assessment fee not included
  
  

Enrollment is intentionally limited to 15–30 participants to ensure meaningful interaction and high-impact learning.
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Because this is a cohort-based experience, participants are expected to attend all sessions. One absence is permitted. Additional absences require re-enrollment in a future class.