Charles Conti

Senior Principal Consultant

Wired and Wireless Networks, Mobile Devices, Server Hardware and Software, Fuel Logistics, Total Cost of Ownership, Automation, Store Operations, Foodservice  

Charles Conti brings a rich background to Impact 21 with over 24 years in the convenience store industry. An experienced leader, mentor, and solutions architect, Charles extends his ability to understand issues and implement efficient and effective solutions to his clients. He helps them select appropriate solutions and negotiate favorable terms with vendors. Charles applies his knowledge of networking, mobile device management, and troubleshooting to achieve clients’ needs. His leadership skills gained as a Marine officer enable clear concise communication throughout the team. While some people are like firefighters, waiting for a situation to evolve so they can come to the rescue, he is more like Smokey the Bear, looking for ways to ensure that things go as desired and minimizing the risk of an unplanned situation.

Charles served in many roles at PDI Technologies, most recently as Director of Hardware Product Management. He worked with service providers and hardware manufacturers to create and implement PDI Secure Networking and to ensure high quality and security standards. Charles ensured that his clients’ needs for a secure, affordable, and appropriate infrastructure were anticipated and met. He worked to evolve PDI Hosting Services, designing hardware and third-party software solutions by interacting with software product managers and sales teams. As Manager of PDI Direct, he applied his personal ownership experience in convenience store operations to create cost effective solutions, crafted for each customer. His active management of products and services enabled greater value for customers and profitability of organization. As the IT Help Desk Manager, he trained and developed a team of IT professionals to support resources throughout the U.S. He applies knowledge from his MCSE, PC and server certifications to implementing appropriate solutions to his clients.

As the owner of Conti Enterprises, Inc., in Texas, Charles gained hands-on experience, where he designed, built, and operated CK’s Convenience Store/Cajun Kitchen, a C-Store store with proprietary foodservice. The foodservice expanded into Bon Appétit Catering, winning food, and service awards throughout central Texas. Charles also trained new PDI consultants and developers on software usage at the C-Store.

Charles holds the honor of serving in the United States Marine Corps as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He was responsible for personal and professional development of Marines assigned to his command and for all aspects of daily and long-term maintenance of assigned aircraft while in the U.S. or deployed. He was accountable for the operational readiness of all aircraft and Marines. Deployed numerous times to remote locations with minimal notice, Charles managed the logistics and execution of deployment and maintenance operations. Successfully completing numerous overseas deployments, he was honored with a Navy Commendation Medal. While serving as USMC Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Charles achieved his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Orleans.

Though spending 20+ years in Texas, Charles returned to his roots in Louisiana, where he is active in several local charitable organizations, including serving as board member and former Mardi Gras King of the Krewe of Poseidon. He is an avid Scuba Diver and a highly ranked Competitive Pistol Shooter. Charles’ favorite quote is “Life is a journey, not a destination. Take time to enjoy the trip,” and boy does he ever.