The Future of Fuel Retail

Werlien Prosperie III is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of 360Fuel, where he is redefining energy delivery and retail automation. A proven business leader, Werlien began his entrepreneurial journey at just 19 by founding Gas Pump TV, a digital out-of-home advertising network he successfully scaled to over 400 locations nationwide.

Today, he leads 360Fuel's mission to integrate AI-powered site automation, IoT-connected supply chains, and clean energy infrastructure for independent retailers. Holding three patents in fueling automation, Werlien combines deep technical innovation with a strategic foundation refined at the Wharton School of Business. By democratizing advanced technologies and aiming for net-zero infrastructure, he is building 360Fuel into a generational brand for clean, fast, and automated energy delivery.

Benjamin Cowart serves as the Chief Development Officer and Lead Board Member at 360Fuel, bringing over 39 years of executive experience in energy, petroleum refining, and environmental technologies. In his current role, he drives strategic development, capital formation, and infrastructure partnerships to position 360Fuel as a transformative retail energy platform.

Previously, Benjamin was the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTNR), which he built from the ground up into a vertically integrated enterprise. Over 24 years at Vertex, he executed over $600 million in M&A and infrastructure investments, including the landmark 2022 acquisition of Shell’s Mobile, Alabama refinery. A recognized industry voice and former President of the National Oil Recyclers Association, Benjamin holds an executive credential from Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

Andrea Course is the Chief Investment Officer and serves on the Board of Directors at 360Fuel, bringing over 15 years of experience in climate technology, venture capital, and institutional capital strategy. A globally respected leader in the energy transition, she plays an instrumental role in advancing 360Fuel’s capital strategy, shaping site-level investment structures, and supporting pre-IPO positioning as the company scales its smart fueling platform.

Previously, Andrea served as Investment Director for Shell Ventures and led global digital innovation programs, translating emerging technologies like AI and robotics into enterprise-scale deployment. She also led venture investments at Schlumberger and currently serves as Managing Director of Course Investments, having contributed to over $1.4 billion in climate-focused investments throughout her career. Andrea holds a B.S. in Engineering Physics, an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, and an MBA in Organizational Leadership.

Brian Broussard is the Chief Technology Officer at 360Fuel, where he transforms high-level product vision into robust, scalable systems. With over two decades of experience in robotics, manufacturing automation, and enterprise software, Brian oversees the engineering and manufacturing of 360Fuel’s next-generation fueling and retail infrastructure—including TRON robotic fueling, solar-powered kiosks, and AI-driven platforms.

An inventor with multiple U.S. patents, Brian previously spent over eight years at McKesson, where he developed pharmaceutical automation systems that significantly reduced costs and co-authored the U.S. NTEP Count by Weight Standard. His disciplined approach to system reliability is rooted in his 11 years of service as a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard. Brian holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Christopher ("Chris") Carlson is the Chief Financial Officer at 360Fuel, bringing over two decades of experience leading public and private companies through transformational growth, M&A, and capital market execution. He oversees all financial and regulatory functions, structuring strategic capital and preparing 360Fuel for future liquidity and institutional investment.

Prior to joining 360Fuel, Chris spent over 20 years at Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTNR), serving as CFO and Corporate Secretary. There, he architected the company’s financial systems, led its successful NASDAQ uplisting, and drove significant expansion through organic growth and strategic acquisitions while ensuring strict SEC and SOX compliance. Chris holds a B.S. in Business Finance from the University of Houston and previously held strategic roles at FuelQuest, Inc., a pioneer in petroleum logistics software.

John J. Watson is the Executive Vice President of Operations & Development at 360Fuel, bringing over 15 years of experience at the intersection of energy, technology, and real estate. He plays a key role in modernizing fueling infrastructure through AI, IoT, and renewable energy systems, having previously helped shape 360Fuel's strategic roadmap as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations.

Beyond his work at 360Fuel, John is a General Partner at several energy transition firms—notably overseeing a 200MW solar portfolio at Atlas Renewables—and serves as Chief Development Officer at Nikola Management LLC. A former U.S. Navy Lieutenant and patented inventor of a modular LED lighting system, John combines technical operations with capital strategy. He holds a B.S. in Marine Engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and pursued Finance studies at New York University.

Abbey Huang is the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain at 360Fuel, where she manages OEM relationships, global component sourcing, and manufacturing logistics to support the company’s ambitious production and deployment goals. Driven by a vision to bring cutting-edge technology to the traditional fueling sector, Abbey is focused on building a fully integrated, highly efficient supply chain ecosystem that reduces complexity and drives profitability for all partners.

With over 15 years of experience in international business and global trade, Abbey possesses deep expertise in bridging cultural and commercial gaps between Asian and American markets. Fluent in both Mandarin and English, she previously spent nearly a decade in senior leadership roles within the energy storage and commercial LCD/LED display industries. In those roles, she led teams of over 20 professionals to drive market expansion, consistent revenue growth, and robust supplier networks.

A collaborative and goal-oriented leader, Abbey believes in empowering her teams through clear direction and trust. Outside of her professional work, she is a passionate sports enthusiast who stays active through golf, tennis, skiing, and Pilates, and enjoys connecting with others through shared interests in music, reading, and travel.

Shyam Desai is the Senior Vice President of Digital & MarTech at 360Fuel, overseeing digital strategy, marketing automation, and business development. Blending his expertise in AI-driven marketing workflows and convenience store technology, Shyam architects the digital platforms that amplify 360Fuel’s market presence. A seasoned entrepreneur with a background in commercial property management and retail marketing—including managing high-ROI digital campaigns and membership acquisition strategies for multi-location brands—he brings deep operational, sales enablement, and revenue-growth expertise to 360Fuel.

Alex Stankovic is the Senior Vice President of Retail Infrastructure at 360Fuel, where his expertise is instrumental in modernizing retail infrastructure and redefining efficiency across fueling sites nationwide. With over 20 years of leadership experience in the retail and fueling industry, he specializes in optimizing site infrastructure, cultivating marketer and retailer partnerships, and driving measurable growth across large-scale retail networks.

Prior to joining 360Fuel, Alex held key strategic and operational roles at prominent organizations including RaceTrac Petroleum, Empire Petroleum Partners, W Stores, and Hess Corporation. His deep background spans operations, territory development, and sales strategy. A proven leader dedicated to excellence and innovation, Alex has been recognized throughout his career with honors such as the RaceTrac Chairman’s Council Award and the Hess Every Day Hero Award.

Elena Perales is the Senior Vice President of Business Development at 360Fuel, where she leads the company’s national sales strategy, market expansion, and strategic partnerships. Tasked with driving top-line revenue and accelerating the adoption of 360Fuel’s next-generation retail infrastructure, Elena oversees the entire sales organization to bring AI-powered automation and clean energy solutions to independent gas retailers and convenience networks nationwide.

Drawing on a robust background in traditional fuel distribution, Elena possesses a deep understanding of the legacy energy supply chain and the day-to-day operational challenges facing site owners. This unique perspective allows her to effectively bridge the gap between conventional fueling models and 360Fuel’s frictionless, net-zero future—ensuring that partners and customers achieve maximum profitability and efficiency as they transition to modern energy platforms.