Jessica Stevens
Jessica Stevens is a seasoned strategic operations leader with extensive experience in multi-unit store openings and turnarounds across the fast food and convenience retail industries. Beginning her career at age 16 in fast food, she earned her first management position by 18 and quickly developed a passion for building operational infrastructure that enables brands to scale. Over the years, Jessica has successfully opened and stabilized more than 10 locations for major brands including Whataburger and Murphy USA, demonstrating expertise in bridging complex corporate strategies with front-line execution.
Currently, Jessica serves as Store Manager of Murphy USA’s flagship location in Madison, Alabama, the largest of its kind in North Alabama. In this role, she oversaw the end-to-end launch of the facility and previously stabilized a struggling nearby location, bringing operational clarity and team cohesion. Her responsibilities span hiring, training, onboarding, financial management, sales strategy, and in-depth operational reporting. Known for her systems-thinking approach, Jessica creates high-efficiency processes that empower her teams to perform at peak levels while maintaining strong standards for customer service and safety compliance.
Jessica’s leadership philosophy emphasizes the balance between hard skills and soft skills, ensuring standards are not only met but embraced by her team. She thrives on developing employees’ potential, finding satisfaction in moments when team members realize their own capabilities in high-pressure environments. With a career defined by operational excellence, multi-unit culture-building, and hands-on leadership, Jessica continues to drive performance and growth in every location she manages, leaving a lasting impact on both her teams and the communities they serve.
• ServSafe Manager
• National Leadership Conference (NLC) with Murphy USA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a blend of personality, clear communication, and the ability to balance hard and soft skills in management. In fast-paced environments, I focus on guiding my team, resolving conflicts, and keeping operations running smoothly. What drives me most is seeing my team grow and succeed—like handling a busy night on their own for the first time—and knowing I played a part in that achievement.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to take initiative. If you know the needs of the business, do that.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women in this field is to learn as much as possible about your job. Don’t wait for someone to ask or notice you—if you have the skills, ideas, or qualifications for a role, speak up and make it known.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The field is very over-saturated with no real potential for development for individuals. A lot of management involves soft skills; without a relationship, those are hard to teach.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are confidence - being able to say no and stand firm in my decisions - and work-life balance. I've come to learn that work-life balance is a very important value that you need to have professionally and at home as well.
Locations
Murphy USA
Madison, AL 35758