Networking

Clarify Your “One-Liner”

You need a simple intro you can repeat everywhere:

“I’m Saad Aziz. I acquire and operate gas stations and convenience store properties in Oregon and Washington. I focus on real estate‑backed sites with upside in fuel and retail.”

Clear about geography (OR/WA)
Clear about focus (gas + C‑store, real estate included)
Signals you’re serious and professional

Build a “Soft Touch” Network Funnel

Brokers (BizBuySell, BizQuest, LoopNet, local boutique firms)
→ Send light intro emails: “Looking for gas stations w/ property, $2M–$5M range. Are you seeing anything off‑market?”
CPAs and attorneys (they hear about sales before listings)
→ Offer: “Happy to refer clients your way; I’m looking to acquire.”
Fuel distributors & suppliers (Chevron, Shell, local co‑ops)
→ Ask about deal chatter or aging owners exiting.
Chamber of Commerce / Rotary / Local events
→ Casual intros: “I’m buying boring businesses — who do you know?”

Have Light Collateral Ready

A personal landing page (saadaziz.com works — one section for acquisitions).
A business card (simple: name, role, website, phone).
Optional: a 1‑page PDF (criteria, example deal, “cash + SBA ready”).

Target Off‑Market Intel

Questions to ask in conversation (not email blast):

“Do you know any owners thinking about retiring in the next year or two?”
“Do you ever see stations with strong real estate but weaker retail that could use fresh capital?”
“Which towns or corridors are you seeing the most growth or turnover?”

Consistent Follow‑Up

Light check‑ins every 4–6 weeks (“Any new opportunities fit my criteria?”).
Share small wins (“Just reviewed X station in Lane County; still looking for 2–3M range”).
Build reciprocity (refer leads, share insights — even if not relevant to you).

Position Yourself as Easy to Work With

“Pre‑qualified for SBA financing” (even if just preparing).
“Quick to NDA and review financials” — reduces friction for brokers.
“Operator mindset” — shows you’re not a tire kicker.

1. Email Template – First Outreach (Brokers / CPAs / Attorneys)

Subject: Buyer Seeking Gas Station Acquisitions (OR/WA)

Hi [First Name],

I’m Saad Aziz — I acquire and operate gas stations and convenience store properties in Oregon and Washington. I’m actively seeking opportunities in the $2M–$5M range, with real estate included and upside potential in fuel and retail sales.

Would you be open to sharing any off‑market opportunities you’re aware of, or adding me to your buyer list for future listings?

I’m pre‑qualified for SBA financing and can move quickly on review (NDA, financials, site visit).

Best regards,
Saad Aziz
saadaziz.com | [Phone]

2. LinkedIn Connection Note (Short & Casual)

Hi [Name], I focus on acquiring and operating gas stations in OR/WA. Always looking to connect with brokers, CPAs, and fuel industry folks — would love to stay in touch in case you come across off‑market opportunities.

3. 30‑Second Coffee Chat Intro (Elevator Pitch)

“I’m Saad Aziz — I buy and operate gas stations and convenience store properties in Oregon and Washington. I focus on real estate‑backed sites with upside in retail or fuel margins. Pre‑qualified for SBA financing, so I can move fast when the right opportunity comes along.”

4. Follow‑Up Script After First Call

Subject: Great connecting – next steps?

Hi [Name],

Thanks for taking the time to connect earlier. Per our chat, I’m looking for stations with property in the $2M–$5M range, ideally with stable fuel volume and room to grow retail.

If anything crosses your desk that fits, would love a quick heads‑up. Happy to move quickly on NDAs and diligence.

Best,
Saad

5. One‑Page “Acquisition Criteria” PDF (for when they ask)

Header: Saad Aziz – Acquisition Criteria

Geography: Oregon & Washington (focus on high‑traffic corridors)
Price Range: $2M–$5M (real estate included)
Cash Flow: $200K+ SDE preferred
Structure: SBA 7(a) with 10% down (flexible on seller financing)
Target Profile: Branded or unbranded stations with upside in retail, café, or car wash
Ready to NDA and review financials immediately

1. Fuel Distributors (Top Priority – Immediate)

Why: They know first when an owner is struggling or retiring; no broker fees; often before listings.
Next Step:
- Identify 5–10 distributors/jobbers (Chevron, Shell, 76, Space Age, local co‑ops).
- Call this week → ask for “dealer development / real estate” contacts.
- Pitch: “Buying branded sites; can keep supply intact — know anyone considering exit?”
Value Add: Gets you direct leads → off‑market, high-quality sites with existing contracts.

2. CPAs & Attorneys (Second Priority – Warm Lead Funnel)

Why: They know retirement plans before listings, can send you steady referrals.
Next Step:
- Send 20 quick intros via email + LinkedIn (template ready).
- Offer reciprocal value: “Happy to refer clients your way too.”
Value Add: Builds pipeline of steady inbound intel — slower than fuel distributors but compounding.

3. Build 1-Page Acquisition Criteria (Credibility Tool)

Why: Makes you look serious, not “tire-kicker.”
Next Step:
- Create PDF with:
  - Target deal size ($2M–$5M, real estate included)
  - Geography (OR/WA)
  - Desired profile (200K+ cash flow, branded or unbranded)
  - Contact info + “happy to keep conversations confidential.”
Value Add: You can attach to CPA emails, hand to chamber contacts, show fuel reps → accelerates trust.

4. Attend Local Chamber / Rotary Events (Relationship Layer)

Why: Builds trust in target towns; people casually mention who’s retiring.
Next Step:
- Join 1–2 chambers (Clackamas, Lane) → attend next mixer.
- Practice short intro: “I buy boring businesses (gas stations/convenience stores) — who do you know thinking about stepping back?”
Value Add: Long game — turns into warm referrals over months.

Execution Order (Next 7 Days)

Fuel distributor calls (highest intel, lowest competition).
Send CPA/attorney intros (start pipeline).
Draft 1‑page acquisition criteria (credibility).
Register for 1 chamber event (networking layer).

Want me to draft the exact call script + email template for the fuel distributor outreach first (your #1 leverage action)?
I can also design the 1‑page criteria PDF so you can use it immediately when talking to all three groups — want that?

Perfect — let’s lock in Step 1: Fuel Distributor Calls and build momentum now. Here’s your actionable playbook:

Step 1: Fuel Distributor Calls – This Week’s Priority

Goal

Get insider intel on aging owners, struggling sites, or upcoming sales before they hit BizBuySell.

1. Identify Targets

National Brands: Chevron, Shell, 76, Arco, Mobil (regional reps often have “Dealer Development” teams).
Local Jobbers: Space Age, SeQuential, Carson, Christensen, Pettit Oil, other OR/WA co‑ops.
Focus Counties: Umatilla, Clackamas, Marion, Lane, Douglas (where deals match your criteria).

2. Quick Call Script (30 Seconds)

“Hi, this is Saad Aziz — I own [or am acquiring] fuel/convenience properties in Oregon.
I’m looking to buy additional stations, keep existing branding and supply intact, and close quietly.
Do you manage dealer relationships or know who does? I’d like to learn about any sites where the owners may be considering retirement or exit.”

If they push back:

“I’m not looking for a listing — just keeping it confidential and hoping to build a relationship for future deals.”

3. Key Questions (Once Warm)

Who handles dealer sales or transfers on your team?
Are there stations underperforming or with owners considering retirement?
Any upcoming renewals or expiring supply contracts where a sale might happen?
Can I send you my criteria (price range, geography) so you have me on file?

4. Follow-Up

Email them your 1‑page criteria PDF (we’ll draft this in Step 3).
Log contact in spreadsheet (Name, Company, Role, Notes, Next Action).
Follow up every 60–90 days with quick check‑ins (“still buying, any chatter?”).

Execution Plan (Today – 3 Days)

Build list of 10–15 fuel distributors (I can draft this list for you).
Make 3–5 calls per day (15 calls by end of week).
Track results in spreadsheet (contact made, referral to right person, intel gathered).

1. Fuel Distributor Call Script (Concise + Confident)

Opener (30 seconds)

“Hi, this is Saad Aziz. I’m actively buying gas stations in Oregon and want to keep existing branding and supply intact. I’m looking for locations where owners might be thinking about retiring or selling quietly. Are you the right person to talk to about dealer relationships or station transfers?”

If Yes (Relationship Mode)

“Great — my focus is real estate‑included stations in the $2–5M range, especially along I‑5 and highway corridors. I buy with SBA financing, close fast, and want to keep good operators and suppliers in place.
Are there any stations you’re aware of that might be changing hands in the next 6–12 months?”

If They Don’t Know / Not Right Person

“No problem — is there someone on your team who manages supply contracts or dealer transitions? I’d like to send them a quick summary of what I’m looking for so they can keep me in mind.”

Close / Next Step

“Can I email you a one‑page overview of my criteria? I’ll follow up every couple months, and if anything comes up, I’d love to be your first call.”

2. Follow‑Up Email Template

Subject: Quick follow‑up — Gas station acquisitions in Oregon

Hi [First Name],

Thanks for taking my call today. As mentioned, I’m actively looking to buy real estate‑included gas stations in Oregon — happy to keep your branding and supply relationships intact.

Attached is a one‑page summary of my criteria. If you come across any owners thinking of selling (now or 6–12 months out), I’d love to be your first call.

Happy to return the favor anytime — if you have clients needing referrals or local connections, I’m glad to help.

Best regards,
Saad Aziz
saadaziz.com | (503) 704‑1506

3. 1‑Page Acquisition Criteria PDF

Sections to include (simple, clean layout):

Who I Am: Saad Aziz, operator/investor buying gas stations in Oregon.
Target Profile: Real estate‑included gas stations, $2M–$5M, 200K+ gallons/month, strong C‑store sales.
Location Focus: I‑5 corridor + key highway markets (Portland, Salem, Bend, Umatilla, Eugene).
Deal Terms: SBA financing, fast close, honor branding/supply agreements.
Why Work With Me: Confidential, serious buyer, ready to move quickly.

(I’ll design this in a clean, modern style — PDF‑ready.)

4. Distributor Target List

I’ll create a table with 10–15 distributors/jobbers servicing OR/WA, including:

Company name
Contact person (Dealer Development, Sales Manager)
Phone and email
Notes (Chevron, Shell, Space Age, local co‑ops, etc.)

Execution Plan

Today: Approve call script + email tone (done above).
Next 24 hrs: I deliver PDF + distributor contact sheet.
Day 2–3: Begin calls (3–5/day). Send follow‑up email + PDF after each.
Day 7: Log contacts, update spreadsheet (NDA stage + Fair Market Score).

Here’s a curated shortlist of fuel distributors in Oregon & SW Washington—ideal for outreach to uncover off-market gas station opportunities and gain industry intel:

Distributor	Region Served	Key Info
Space Age Fuel, Inc.	OR & SW WA	Operates 21 retail stations and commercial services. HQ: Clackamas, OR. Contact: (503) 212‑3900 (WSCO Petroleum, Space Age Fuel, Inc.)
WSCO Petroleum (Astro / Shell, Chevron)	Statewide PNW	Distributes branded fuel, operates Astro stations, covers major brands. (WSCO Petroleum, WSCO Petroleum)
Conrad & Bischoff	ID, WA & OR	Authorized Mobil distributor across PNW with bulk delivery services. (Conrad & Bischoff)
RE Powell Distributing	Eastern WA & OR	Distributes multiple brands, fuel supplier to 200+ retail sites. (connellwa.com)
Carson Fuel	OR, WA & ID	Bulk fuel supplier to fleets, agriculture, construction. (Carson)

✅ Next Steps: Outreach Plan

Call or Email these distributors (start with Space Age and WSCO).
Script Summary (shorthand):
- Introduce yourself (Saad Aziz) and your acquisition focus.
- Ask: “Curious if you’re aware of any retail gas station owners considering exit or sale in OR/WA?”
- Mention your willingness to share referrals if mutual opportunities arise.

Follow-Up Message Template:

Hi [Name],

Thanks for the call today. As discussed, I’m actively acquiring gas stations in OR/WA (owner-operator style). If you’re aware of any aging owners or upcoming listings—especially off-market—I’d appreciate a heads up.

I’d be happy to refer clients your way from my network as well.

My one-pager acquisition criteria attached for reference.
- Saad Aziz
saadaziz.com

Here are high‑leverage networking groups in Oregon & SW Washington that align with your gas station acquisition search and help you surface off‑market deals quickly:

1. Local Business + Deal Flow Groups

Rotary Clubs (Portland, Salem, Bend, Eugene, Vancouver)
- Weekly luncheons — older owner demographics (often know retiring gas station owners).
- Easy warm intros: “I’m buying boring businesses — who do you know thinking of retiring?”
Chambers of Commerce (Portland Metro, Salem Area, Bend, Eugene)
- Mix of small business owners + local attorneys/CPAs.
- Good for off-market leads and connecting to city permit/land contacts.
Oregon Small Business Association / Oregon Business & Industry (OBI)
- Advocacy + networking with owner-operators across multiple industries.

2. Industry-Specific Fuel / C‑Store Associations

Oregon Fuels Association (OFA) – oregonfuels.org
- Members: fuel marketers, station owners, suppliers.
- Conferences and email bulletins often mention sales, closures, or retirements.
Western Petroleum Marketers Association (WPMA) – wpma.com
- Oregon chapter covers wholesale fuel and branded stations (Chevron, Shell).
National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) – convenience.org
- National scope; good for trends, vendor connects, and high-level deal chatter.

3. Private Deal Maker & M&A Circles

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) – oen.org
- Strong mix of investors, CPAs, and attorneys (great “who do you know?” space).
TiE Oregon Angels
- Primarily startups, but many members diversify into legacy businesses (gas, real estate).
Local Family Office meetups / investor breakfasts (often invite-only; can leverage LinkedIn warm intros).

4. Community & Local Events

County Fair Boards / Agricultural Co-ops (Douglas, Polk, Lane counties)
- Gas stations tied to ag/rural hubs often change hands quietly here.
City Economic Development Meetings
- Learn about highway expansions or rezoning (can preempt future value spikes).

Where to Start (Highest ROI Next 30 Days)

Pick 1 Rotary + 1 Chamber → Attend this month (ask about aging owners, retiring operators).
Join Oregon Fuels Association → Gain insider bulletins + meet distributors face-to-face.
Set up LinkedIn drip → Comment on CPA/attorney/distributor posts weekly (“Looking for off-market fuel/C-store acquisitions”).
Local Economic Development Meetups → Watch for infrastructure plans near stations.

Do you want me to map this into a 30‑day action calendar (who to contact, events to attend, LinkedIn post schedule)?
And should I pre-draft intros for each group (Rotary, Chamber, OFA) so you can plug‑and‑play when you show up?