Dash In Parent Company, Wills Group, Elects Blackie Wills as Chairman of the Board
As Dash In’s parent company, Wills Group marks its 100th year in business, the company has elected Julian B. (Blackie) Wills III as Chairman of the Board. Blackie will continue to serve in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment follows a Board decision on January 27, 2026, and reflects a thoughtfully planned leadership transition centered on continuity, stewardship, and long-term growth.
Blackie succeeds his father, J. Blacklock “Lock” Wills, Jr., who has served as Chairman of the Board since 1998 and will continue to support the company as Chairman Emeritus. The transition preserves family leadership while reinforcing a governance structure that has guided the Wills Group through decades of growth and change.
“I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Board for Wills Group and to help preserve the continuity of family leadership for the next generation,” Blackie said. “We will maintain the stewardship that has guided this company for decades, while continuing to evolve the organization to better meet the future needs of communities we serve.”
That evolution is visible today. The company operates nearly 60 Dash In convenience store locations across Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, with a growing presence in North Carolina. What began as a regional, family-owned fuel business in 1926 has grown into a multi-state convenience retailer serving millions of customers each year, while remaining closely connected to the communities where it operates.
Blackie has served as President and CEO since August 2023, following his role as President and Chief Operating Officer. His career with Wills Group and Dash In spans more than 18 years and includes leadership roles across marketing, wholesale operations, supply and distribution, sales, real estate, development, and retail strategy. That progression has shaped a leadership approach grounded in operational understanding and an appreciation for how strategic decisions impact people, partners, and communities.
The Chairman transition reflects years of mentorship and intentional preparation under Lock’s leadership. “Blackie’s vision and leadership give me, and my fellow Directors, great confidence in the future of our company,” Lock said. “His election as Chairman recognizes Blackie’s performance and reflects the Board’s full support as he leads Wills Group into its next phase of growth and prosperity. As a fourth-generation leader of the business, Blackie also ensures our proud legacy will continue and evolve as a family enterprise.”
Governance, Market Expansion, and Innovation
As Chairman, Blackie will continue to guide Wills Group’s strategic direction while placing greater emphasis on governance, Board oversight, and shareholder value. This structure strengthens the Board’s role in guidance and accountability, while allowing the leadership team to remain focused on execution and performance.
That governance framework is especially important as Wills Group expands into new markets. In recent years, the company has moved into North Carolina, developing new Dash In locations and acquiring additional sites for future growth. The expansion reflects the same disciplined approach Wills Group has applied as it grows into new communities.
Innovation remains a key component of that strategy. Wills Group has invested in initiatives that enhance the guest experience and strengthen operations, including modernized store designs, elevated foodservice offerings, digital engagement, and continued growth of its Splash In ECO Car Wash brand. As the Board evaluates new opportunities, innovation is balanced with cultural alignment and operational discipline.
Culture, Community Engagement, and the Century Ahead
Growth and culture have advanced together at Wills Group and Dash In. The company has earned Great Place to Work® recognition for four consecutive years, reflecting sustained investment in its people, leadership development, and workplace culture. As the organization grows, maintaining those standards remains a priority alongside financial performance.
That people-first mindset extends beyond the workplace and into the communities Wills Group serves. Through Community Engagement efforts focused on Nourishing Children and Families, Reimagining Outdoor Spaces, and Advancing Waterways and Watersheds, the company partners with nonprofit organizations to support long-term community well-being. Since 2006, Wills Group has invested more than $7 million in community programs.
Blackie’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the organization. As Wills Group enters its 100th year, the company remains focused on executing its growth strategy, expanding into new markets, and strengthening the governance and operational foundation needed to support its next phase.
“Reaching 100 years is a tremendous milestone, and one I’m proud to have played a small role in helping the organization achieve,” Blackie said. “Looking ahead, our focus is on positioning Wills Group to endure and grow well into its next century.”
Together, the leadership transition and centennial milestone signal stability, confidence, and continuity as Wills Group enters its next chapter, guided by strong governance, disciplined growth, and the values that have shaped the company for a century.
