Management Team


Tom Bower III: President and CEO

Tom Bower III started working with Clipper Petroleum in 1977, joining his late father Tom II in the business. Throughout his 37 years at Clipper, Tom has worked in various fields including service station attendant, service station manager, convenience store manager, convenience store supervisor, fuel truck driver, and tires/batteries/accessories sales representative. In 2004, Tom became the President of Clipper Petroleum. As President and CEO of Clipper, Tom is responsible for total company operations.

Tom graduated from Roswell High School in 1969. He completed his college undergraduate degree at Wofford College in 1974 where he played football and is a member of the Wofford College Hall of Fame. Tom also earned a J.D. degree at the University of Georgia School of Law in 1977. Tom currently serves on the Georgia Oilmen's Association Board of Directors and the United Community Bank of Gainesville Advisory Board. In the past, Tom has been a youth basketball/softball coach, President of the Georgia Oilmen's Association, President of the North Hall Softball Booster Club for 5 years, Member of the Hall County Humane Society Board of Directors, and Member of the Wofford College Terrier Club Board.

Tom and his wife, Maria, have three daughters, Haley, Caroline, and Anna. In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with his wife and girls, going to Wofford football games, and hanging out with his four dogs.


Steve Hall: General Manager & Senior Vice President

Steve Hall joined Clipper Petroleum in 2001, following a 29 year career with Atlanta based petroleum jobber W. H. Ferguson & Sons. As General Manager of Clipper, Steve is responsible for directing the executive team, operations, finance, marketing, and real estate activities.

Steve attended the University of Georgia and Georgia State University and has served as past Director of the Gwinnett Rotary Club, Member of the Peachtree Corners Kiwanis Club, and President of the Peachtree Corners Executive Association.

Steve and his wife Joy have two children, Katherine and Brad. In his free time, Steve enjoys hunting and spending time at his farm in Elberton, GA.


Andy Williams: Director of Wholesale Operations

Andy Williams began working at Clipper Petroleum in 1978. Throughout his 33 years at Clipper, Andy has worked in the warehouse, driving fuel trucks, and making sales calls. As Director of Wholesale, Andy is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with Clipper Petroleum's dealer network.

Andy received his degree in Business Administration from Brenau College. In the past, Andy has served as a Member of the Cumming Park & Recreation Board, Member/President of the South Hall Rotary Club, and Little League baseball coach.

Andy and his wife Marie have two children, Lindsey and Drew. In his free time, Andy enjoys fishing, reading, golfing, and gardening.


Mark Linkesh: Director of Real Estate

Mark Linkesh joined Clipper Petroleum in 2007. Prior to joining Clipper, Mark worked as a real estate broker/developer for 17 years. During his time as a broker/developer, Mark was involved in over $100 million of real estate developments, including over 25 CVS Pharmacy developments. As Director of Real Estate, Mark is responsible for managing the real estate owned by Clipper and its related entities. He is also responsible for seeking out new locations for Clipper and its dealer network.

Mark completed his degree at Furman University where he played basketball.

Mark and his wife Nancy reside in Gainesville, Georgia. In his free time, Mark enjoys hunting and farming.


Ed Hong: Vice President of Retail Operations

Ed Hong began working for Clipper Petroleum in 2010. Prior to joining Clipper, Ed worked 15 years with ExxonMobil, holding various operations and marketing positions within their U.S. Fuels Marketing division. After his tenure at ExxonMobil, Ed worked for FleetCor Technologies for 3 years where he initially served as Vice President of Marketing of its Mannatec division and later became the General Manager of Mannatec. As Vice President of Retail Operations, Ed is responsible for managing the Circle M Food Shops division, which includes 31 convenience stores and 5 Subway restaurants in Georgia and South Carolina.

Ed earned a degree in Economics and Psychology from Vanderbilt University. Ed is a youth soccer/baseball coach and a Member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, GA. At his church, Ed has held various leadership positions and is an active member of the New Hope Sunday School class.

Ed and his wife Carol Anne have two children, Elizabeth and Daniel. In his spare time, Ed enjoys playing tennis and golf, following his beloved Boston Red Sox, and spending time with his family.


Lynn Cleveland: Retail Support Manager

Lynn Cleveland has worked for Clipper Petroleum since 1988. Throughout her 23 years at Clipper, Lynn has worked as an internal auditor, buyer & merchandiser, Director of Retail Operations and now she works at her current position as Retail Support Manager. As Retail Support Manager, Lynn works directly with Circle M Food Shop Store Managers and Territory Managers, providing human resources support and vendor management support.

Lynn earned a degree from the University of Georgia. She is a Member of the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores (GACS), National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), and an active Member of Chestnut Mountain Church. In the past, Lynn has worked as the PTSO Secretary, a high school girls youth leader, and a youth baseball coach.

Lynn and her husband Mike have two children, Dustin and Cason. In her free time, Lynn enjoys going to the lake, spending time with family/friends, snow skiing and shopping.


Jimmy Cain: Director of Maintenaince

Jimmy Cain began working for Clipper Petroleum in 2011, following a career of 33 years in the oil industry. Prior to working for Clipper, Jimmy was the President of Willis Oil Company for 11 years. Also, Jimmy worked for OSAN Petroleum for 22 years where he served as Vice President/General Manager. As Director of Maintenance for Clipper, Jimmy is responsible for all maintenance for Clipper operated stores and dealer operated stores.

Jimmy is a graduate of Lanier Technical College. He also attended Gainesville College and Brenau College. Jimmy serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores (GACS), the Co-Director of the Georgia Oilmen's Wingshoot Fundraiser, and a past Member of the Griffin Rotary Club.

Jimmy and his wife Nancy have four children, Kristi, Brandi, Jenny and Beth. In his free time, Jimmy enjoys spending time with his family and doing yard work.


Dorothy Streander: Controller

Dorothy Streander began her employment for Clipper Petroleum in 2002. Prior to working for Clipper, she was employed for five years as Controller at W.H. Ferguson and Sons. As Controller for Clipper, Dorothy is responsible for managing the accounting and finances of both Clipper Petroleum and Explorer's Transport.

Dorothy attended the University of Georgia. She has one daughter, Kathleen and three grandchildren. In her free time, Dorothy enjoys playing with her dog, gardening, cooking and being outdoors.


Rhonda Palmer: Wholesale Operations Manager

Rhonda Palmer has worked for Clipper Petroleum since 1988. Throughout her 23 years at Clipper, Rhonda has worked as an accountant and made commercial fleet sales calls. As Wholesale Operations Manager for Clipper, Rhonda is responsible for maintaining relationships with Clipper's dealer network and communicating brand standards to Clipper's dealer stores and Circle M Food Shop stores.

Rhonda attended Gainesville College and Lanier Technical College. She is a Member of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and a past Member of the Gainesville Traffic Association. Rhonda also currently serves as the Youth Director at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA.

Rhonda has one daughter, Shelby. In her free time, Rhonda enjoys hanging out with her youth group, coaching youth basketball/softball, and spending time with her daughter.


Corporate Office

Site Navigation