Introducing Our Speaker

This week’s meeting featured a speaker with strong Bakersfield roots, familiar to many from Breakfast Rotary, Lives Club, and Chamber events. He also shared a bit about his background—Eagle Scout, active in his faith, and influenced heavily by family. He recognized a few folks in the room from past connections, including Charlie Mo. (AT&T) and Steve Roach (Scouting and church).

Career Journey

He walked us through his career path, starting at AT&T in sales and later moving to Apple, where he managed the California channel business and worked with major carriers. Although the work was rewarding, he admitted it created tension with his personal priorities. After Apple went through a restructuring, he decided it was time to shift direction and focus on building something that would make a positive impact locally.

Starting Fuel Runner

This led to the creation of Fuel Runner, a business centered on serving the community and creating local jobs. He was inspired by the idea that knowing your “why” matters, and his “why” is centered on family, faith, and contributing to Bakersfield.

He identified several issues he wanted to address: unsafe fueling practices, limited middle-class job opportunities, and safety concerns at certain gas stations. Fuel Runner aims to make fueling more convenient for families, safer for the community, and more efficient for businesses.

How It Works

Fuel Runner is essentially mobile fueling through an app—like DoorDash, but for gas. Users download the Fuel Runner app on iOS or Android, sign up for a $29.99 monthly subscription, and receive fuel at regular pump prices (for example, $4.39 for regular).

The business is independently owned (not a franchise), created by the speaker along with Mason Lawton and Jared Martin of J&M Precision. All equipment is DOT-approved and fully permitted.

Fuel Runner serves both residential users and commercial fleets. For businesses, the service can streamline fueling, paperwork, billing, and generator fill-ups. There are some limitations with companies that have their own on-site tanks.

Motivation and Purpose

He emphasized that the goal isn’t just convenience—it’s about doing work that benefits others. Personal loss and life changes helped him refocus on service, community, and building something meaningful.

Q&A Summary

A few highlights from the Q&A:

• Not currently a franchise, but plans to become one.

• All assets are owned outright.

• Partners are Mason Lawton & Jared Martin.

• Equipment is DOT and state approved, with proper weights-and-measures compliance.

• Fuel is supplied through direct transport relationships.

• Marketing is mainly word of mouth, social media, and QR codes.

Club Announcements

• A $50 donation was made to CALM in honor of the speaker.

• Jeremy announced Bingo Night at the Boys & Girls Club near Walmart. Tickets are $30 and include food, music, and prizes.

• Members were encouraged to stay involved; connect with Steve, Justin, Mike, Andrea, or Juan for upcoming activities.

Closing Thought

The speaker encouraged everyone to think about their own “why” and what motivates them to serve in the community.