Do you own a Gas Station in California? We are the EXPERTS in Gas Station Real Estate!
We are a dedicated commercial real estate team specializing in the acquisition and sale of gas stations, car washes, and convenience stores. With decades of industry experience, we bring unmatched expertise to every transaction. Our extensive network of pre-qualified buyers, combined with a proven, structured sale process, ensures quick and seamless transaction timelines.
Our Team
Decades of Hands-On Experience
Mike Bohnert
Managing Executive Partner/CEO
DRE#01738478
Mike Bohnert brings 30+ years of major integrated oil company experience. Mike advises clients on company sales, divestitures acquisitions, accelerated development, market conversions from direct to wholesale, market withdrawals, and strategic planning. Mike has managed and overseen business transactions exceeding $2.7 billion for clients such as GE Capital, Sunoco, BP, Costco, ExxonMobil, Circle K and Home Depot, and was involved with bankruptcy liquidations for Swifty Serve and Clark Retail. Mike holds a B.S. Degree in Business Economics University of California at Santa Barbara, and an MBA University of Phoenix. Mike is a licensed real estate broker in California and a member of NACS, WPMA, SIGMA and the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance.
James B. Cole
Lead Legal Counsel
James B. Cole, a partner in the firm since 2004, focuses his private client practice on transactional matters and litigation related to business and real property matters. In addition to buy/sell agreements, land purchase agreements, leases and other contract matters, Mr. Cole is instrumental in the formation and maintenance of corporate and LLC entities for his clients. He has extensive trial experience in the areas of real property, breach of contract, premises liability, construction defect, business, employer defense and serious personal injury. Mr. Cole began serving as a Judge Pro Tem and arbitrator on behalf of the Santa Barbara Superior Court in the mid 1990s and is currently serving in the capacity of settlement master. He has volunteered in those same capacities for the Ventura County Superior Court when those programs are being utilized by the Court. He is regularly retained as a private mediator, due to respect from both sides of the Bar. Honors/Memberships/Service: Settlement Master Santa Barbara County Superior Court, Association of Southern California Defense Counsel – Former Ventura County Director, AV Rated Attorney Martindale Hubbell and Ventura County Trial Lawyers Association.
Matt Deline
Senior Vice President/Business Development
DRE# 01709463
In 1992 Matt started San Diego Hotel Reservations and later expanded to Palm Springs and Phoenix. SDHR Inc. became the official hotel reservation service for The America’s Cup, two Super Bowls, and numerous city events. He served on the Boards and Committees at the SD ConVis, the Chamber, and the BBB, until he sold the company in 2003. Matt was licensed to sell real estate in 2005 and later joined forces with BridgeBilt LLC, where the company purchased, remodeled, and sold over 500 homes. Matt was primarily responsible for the capital raise of $125,000,000 to fund asset purchases. In 2012 Matt opened RES Ventures, LLC with the purpose of facilitating large block Single Family trades for companies purchasing rental homes, and non-performing residential notes. RES Ventures has successfully participated in the sale of over 1500 properties totaling over $300,000,000. Matt joined Keller Williams Real Estate in 2019. He received a BA in Business with an emphasis in Finance from the University of San Diego.
Brad Craig
Senior Vice President/Business Development
DRE#02190623
Brad began his career in 1980 at the Union Oil Company, dedicating 27 years to the 76 Brand in various field and management roles. Over the past 15+ years, he has built deep experience in wholesale fuel distribution, having worked with Tower Energy, Circle K, and most recently, 7-Eleven. Brad is widely respected as a Manager, Mentor, Trainer, Co-Worker, and Friend. His 45-year background in the petroleum industry and long- standing professional relationships make him an invaluable asset to Gold Coast Energy clients. Brad’s expertise spans over Service Station and Convenience Store operations, fuel brand development, trade area analysis, location valuation, and uncovering opportunities for operational improvements, all of which help our clients make smarter buying and selling decisions.
Ramzi Dughman
Business Development Manager
DRE#02261309
With over 22 years of experience in the gas station industry, I offer deep operational expertise backed by a proud family legacy in the business. Throughout my career, I’ve successfully overseen everything from daily operations to the ground-up development of a large-scale gas station, convenience store, and express car wash. My background spans new construction, remodels, site optimization, and sales growth. I understand every phase of the process—from vision to execution—and I know exactly what buyers and sellers are looking for, because I’ve been in their shoes.
Stephen Vivier
Senior Acquisitions Associate
DRE #02253043
Stephen Vivier holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. With four years of experience in commercial real estate, he has worked on transactions totaling more than $2 billion across institutional-grade properties in California and Texas. A sharp eye for identifying high-value acquisition opportunities allows Stephen to excel in financial underwriting, due diligence, loan structuring, and commercial real estate negotiations. He works directly alongside principals Mike Bohnert, Matt Deline, and Brad Craig, supporting clients through every phase of the transaction process. Stephen is committed to helping buyers and sellers navigate market complexities with clarity, precision, and integrity. His addition to Gold Coast Energy strengthens our ability to execute deals efficiently while maintaining the high level of service that our clients expect.