Convenience Matters
451 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 25 ratingsWhether it’s for food, fuel, drinks or snacks — about half of the U.S. population is at a convenience store every day. We sell 80% of the country’s fuel and we are 4% of the total U.S. economy. We’ll talk about what we see at stores — and what the future may hold — as long as it’s convenient.
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Episodes
How Stuckey's Is Bringing Back the Road Trip - Episode 336
May 16, 2022 04:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBStephanie Stuckey is on a mission to revive the Stuckey’s brand and experience for road trippers. Related Links: Stuckey's NACS Magazine | "Roadside Revival" Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Stephanie Stuckey, CEO, Stuckey’s Corp Stuckey's is a roadside chain and family-owned business headquartered in Eastman, Georgia, that has proudly sold pecan log rolls and rubber alligators to highway travelers since 1937. Prior to taking over the company a few years ago, Stephanie...
Road Tripping With the Gas Station Gourmet - Episode 335
May 09, 2022 04:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBScissors? Pool noodles? Find out more tips of the trade from someone who knows all about road trips. Related Links: Gas Station Gourmet NACS Magazine Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky and Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Al Hebert, Founder, Gas Station Gourmet Al knows convenience stores. He created Gas Station Gourmet in 2007 and has been writing a column for NACS Magazine since 2011 to bring the story of America’s independent convenience stores—especially those with unique foodservice—...
Navigating Your Customers' Path to Purchase - Episode 334
May 02, 2022 04:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBNACS research unlocks "moment of truth" insights on convenience store shopper behaviors and their purchasing decisions. Related Links: Convenience Voices Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky About our Guest: Leroy Kelsey, Director of Research, NACS Leroy works with NACS retailer and supplier members to cultivate and share industry performance benchmarks as well as operational and category metrics that support industry advocacy efforts. Prior to NACS, he worked at Intel, Motorola and Safe...
Cultivating a Sense of Community by Design - Episode 333
April 25, 2022 04:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MBA known brand creates awareness that attracts customers to your forecourt, entices them to shop your store and establishes it as a community gathering spot—especially in small towns. Related Links: Cenex Cenex LIFT Initiative NACS Magazine: "Face LIFT" Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Akhtar Hussain, Director of Refined Fuels Marketing, CENEX Akhtar Hussain is the director of refined fuels marketing at CHS, where he is responsible for Cenex brand marketing, retail deve...
Is the Great Resignation Over? - Episode 332
April 18, 2022 04:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBMcKinsey experts share why employees leave their jobs, what employers think are the reasons and what it would take to keep employees from quitting. Related Links: McKinsey & Company NACS Leadership Forum | NACS Magazine How To Attract Employees Marshfield Hills General Store Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Annie Valkova, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company Annie Valkova is an associate partner in McKinsey's Chicago office, where she focuses on serving retail cl...
BBQ Finds a Home at a Former Service Station - Episode 331
April 11, 2022 04:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBThe bones were good at the location Pitmaster Carey Bringle chose for his latest BBQ restaurant, Bringle’s Smoking Oasis. Related Links: Peg Leg Porker Bringle's Smoking Oasis Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chris Blasinsky About our Guest: Carey Bringle, Pitmaster and Founder of Peg Leg Porker Bringle founded his first restaurant, Peg Leg Porker, in 2013. Peg Leg Porker is named after Bringle and his greatest win, a cancer battle that he triumphed at the age of 17. With his win, ...
Brewing Innovation at PRIDE Stores - Episode 330
April 04, 2022 04:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBA convenience store with its own brewery? Yep! Chicagoland PRIDE Stores have even more innovation and excitement in the works. Related Links: The PRIDE Stores 93 Octane Brewery Parent Petroleum Ideas 2 Go: Parent Petroleum’s Brewing Success The Big Question Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Rose Johnson About our Guest: Mario Spina, owner and CEO, Parent Petroleum Mario is the owner and CEO of St. Charles, Illinois-based Parent Petroleum Co., a wholesale supplier of fuel and l...
What's the Tipping Point for Gas Prices? - Episode 329
March 28, 2022 04:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBRetail fueling experts break down current market conditions affecting the price per gallon. Related Links: NACS Fuels Resource Center Fuels Institute Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations, NACS Paige represents NACS members before Congress and the administration on policy issues relating to fuels, energy, cyber and data security, consumer data privacy, climate change, transportation and patent reform. She joined NACS in Decembe...
Finding a Labor Shortage Solution - Episode 328
March 21, 2022 04:00 - 26 minutes - 24.9 MBFrom culture to automation, Jared Scheeler shares how his company is tackling labor challenges. Related Links: "Thinking Big," NACS Magazine, January 2022 Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chris Blasinsky About our Guest: Jared Scheeler, CEO, The Hub Convenience Stores Scheeler, who is also the 2021-22 NACS chairman, began his career in the convenience industry in 1998 while attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where he worked at Minneapolis-based Bobby & Steve’s Auto Wo...
Where Do EVs Make the Most Sense? - Episode 327
March 14, 2022 04:00 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MBNot all emissions are equal. A new study explores how energy can determine where EVs and hybrids reduce emissions. Hint: It varies considerably by region. Related Links: Fuels Institute Life Cycle Analysis: Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chris Blasinsky About our Guest: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute John Eichberger leads the Fuels Institute, a nonprofit, independent think tank founded in 2013 and managed by ...
The State of the Union and You - Episode 326
March 07, 2022 05:00 - 24 minutes - 23 MBWhat President Biden's address means for the convenience and fuel retailing industry. Related Links: Merchants Payments Coalition NACS Advocacy NACS Day on the Hill Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chris Blasinsky About our Guest: Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel Doug joined NACS in May 2021 after serving as a partner at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where he worked with the NACS government relations team to define effective policy-based solutions on issues ranging from fuels to financi...
How Weigel's Stays True to Its Roots - Episode 325
February 28, 2022 05:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBFrom flavored milk to supporting service dogs and veterans, Kurt Weigel shares how the 90-year-old company is just getting started. Related Links: Weigel's NACS Ideas 2 Go | Weigel's NACS HR Forum Smoky Mountain Service Dogs Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky and Britt Brewer About our Guest: Kurt Weigel, Recruiting Manager, Weigel’s Stores Inc. You'll find Kurt Weigel at the Powell, Tennessee-based Weigel's, handling recruitment and customer concerns and overseeing the company's an...
What’s Driving Higher Transportation Costs? - Episode 324
February 21, 2022 05:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBVehicle sales trends have massive implications for the economy and the future of fueling. What’s affecting sales now, and what could change in the next five years? Related Links: National Automobile Dealers Association NACS Fuels Resource Center Fuels Institute Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and John Eichberger About our Guest: Patrick Manzi, Chief Economist, National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Patrick Manzi works with NADA and the American Truck Dealers (ATD), a division ...
Great Food Finds at Gas Stations - Episode 323
February 14, 2022 05:00 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBFoodie, writer, and TV personality Al Hebert is passionate about food and where to find it: at the local gas station. Related Links: Gas Station Gourmet NACS Magazine Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky and Rose Johnson About our Guest: Al Hebert, Founder, Gas Station Gourmet Al Hebert lives for America's gas stations. He created Gas Station Gourmet in 2007 and has been writing his column for NACS Magazine since 2011 to bring the story of America's independent convenience stores—especial...
How The Goods Mart Delivers Big Ideas - Episode 322
February 07, 2022 05:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBFrom subscription snack boxes to opening The Goods Mart at 30 Rockefeller in New York City, Rachel Krupa is redefining convenience one store at a time. Related Links: The Goods Mart NACS Ideas 2 Go: Doing More and Doing Good Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky and Britt Brewer About our Guest: Rachel Krupa, Founder, The Goods Mart Rachel Krupa has had her finger on the pulse of the health and wellness industry for most of her adult life. As someone whose foundational pillar is to do go...
7-Eleven's Evolving World of Convenience - Episode 321
January 31, 2022 05:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBOur conversation explores how 7-Eleven's Evolution stores are a testing ground where customers can experience the retailer's newest innovations and products. Related Links: NACS Ideas 2 Go: 7-Eleven's Evolution NACS Ideas 2 Go: Retail Evolution Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Molly Long, Vice President of Store Evolution & Design, 7-Eleven Molly Long is responsible for all design-related activities associated with both the physical store as well as the customer experie...
Berlin's Thriving Convenience Retail Future - Episode 320
January 24, 2022 05:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBGerman retailers are redefining and adapting to new consumer behaviors and their expectations of Berlin's convenience retail market. Related Links: NACS Convenience Summit Europe NACS Magazine | Berlin: The Future of Convenience Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky About our Guests: Christian Warning, Managing Director of The Retail Marketeers Warning is the founder and managing director of The Retail Marketeers, a Hamburg, Germany-based sales and marketing retail think tank. He focuses...
A Welcoming Brand Starts at the Forecourt - Episode 319
January 17, 2022 05:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBThe customer experience starts at the forecourt and extends to the inside of the store. Add a local and community focus to the mix and retailers can create a winning offer. Related Links: Cenex Cenex LIFT Initiative Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our guest: Akhtar Hussain, Director of Refined Fuels Marketing, Cenex Akhtar Hussain is the director of refined fuels marketing at CHS, where he is responsible for Cenex brand marketing, retail development and retail imaging and equipment...
#318 Supreme Court Takes Up Vaccine Mandate: What Retailers Need to Know
January 06, 2022 05:00 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBThis timely episode discusses what convenience retailers could expect as the nation's highest court prepares to rule on OSHA’s vaccine mandate. Related Links: Subscribe to NACS Daily NACS Webinar: OSHA's Vaccine Mandate Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel Kantor joined NACS in May 2021 after serving as a partner at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where he worked with the NACS government relations team to define effective policy-based solutions on...
#317 A Conversation with NACS Chairman Jared Scheeler
January 03, 2022 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBHow a small and mighty convenience store owner is inspiring other independent retailers to take their business to the next level. Related Links: NACS Ideas 2 Go: "The Hub" Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chris Blasinsky About our Guest: Jared Scheeler, CEO of The Hub Convenience Stores Inc., is the 2021-22 NACS Chairman. He began his career in the convenience industry in 1998 while attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where he worked at Minneapolis-based Bobby & Steve’s ...
#316 The Benefits of Storytelling
December 27, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBSharing your company story leads to more engaged employees and customers. Related Links: NACS Magazine Article: The Storyteller Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Rose Johnson About our Guest: Kendal Netmaker, Founder, Netmaker Enterprises Kendal Netmaker is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and gifted keynote speaker who is on a mission to empower and motivate people worldwide by sharing his story that regardless of where you come from and what challenges you face, you have the p...
#315 Here Comes the Sun
December 20, 2021 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBSolar energy can equal great savings for retailers. Hear about the benefits, challenges and processes to getting started with solar. Related Links: Converting to Renewable Energy (NACS Sustainability Toolkit) Reducing Energy Use (NACS Sustainability Toolkit) Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare and Paige Anderson About our Guests: John Zimmerman, Partner, Amerlight Energy John enjoys providing sound guidance to clients as they consider how best to incorporate energy-saving strategies, ...
#314 Fun Facts About Food
December 13, 2021 05:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBCatch up on the facts and the science behind the five-second rule, handwashing and third-party food delivery. Related Links: NACS Food Safety Resources "Risky or Not" Podcast "Food Safety Talk" Podcast Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare and Chris Blasinsky About our Guest: Dr. Don Schaffner, Extension Specialist in Food Science and Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University Don Schaffner, Ph.D. is the Extension Specialist in Food Science at Rutgers University. His research interests...
#313 Reimagining an EV Charging Experience
December 06, 2021 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBA vehicle charging area can be more than just chargers in the parking lot corner. Consider a customer-centric experience to surprise and delight charging guests. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and John Eichberger About our Guest: Brent Gruber, Senior Director, Global Automotive at J.D. Power Brent Gruber leads the global automotive supplier practice and the company’s electric vehicle experience studies. As an industry thought leader, he represents J.D. Power within the automotive industry an...
#312 ESG Planning
November 29, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBWhether privately held, publicly traded or seeking access to capital, bankers and investors are asking companies for their ESG plan. What will you show them? Related Links: ESG Integrity Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Ryan Scott, Vice President, HBW Resources Ryan Scott is Vice President for Risk Management and Sustainability Reporting for HBW Resources. The focus of Ryan’s practice is to help clients understand and mitigate no...
#311 What's Going On With Gas Prices?
November 22, 2021 05:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBWhat's going on with gas prices? We have the answers. Related Links: OPIS website NACS Blog: Why Gas Prices Are Rising When They Should Be Falling? NACS Blog: Who Makes Money Selling Gas? NACS Fuel Resource Center Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Tom Kloza, Global Head of Energy Analysis, OPIS Tom has covered downstream oil markets for over 40 years. A magna cum laude graduate of St. Francis University, Tom has a degree in English and has analyzed crude oil, refin...
#310 Developing Emotional Loyalty With Customers
November 15, 2021 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.6 MBEncouraging repeat customer business is an art form. Hear what works and what can really turn a consumer off. Related Links: Episode #249 Loyalty Matters. A Lot. Let's Talk Loyalty Podcast Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS, and Rose Johnson, Audience Development and Production Manager, NACS About our Guest: Paula Thomas, Host of "Let's Talk Loyalty" Podcast Paula Thomas is an independent loyalty marketing consultant, writer and podcast host. Pa...
#309 Retailing With Purpose
November 08, 2021 05:00 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBConsumers will embrace a brand that stands for something, cares about the community, and shares their values. Kum & Go is one convenience retail company that goes beyond leading with purpose and models its entire operation around it. Related Links: NACS Managing Food Waste Guide Kum & Go/Krause Group 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Report Episode #298 Resolving Food Waste as a Business Solution Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard...
#308 Category Close-Up: Foodservice
November 01, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBServing up a foodservice program that is fast, safe and delicious is important for convenience retailers. Having the technology to support it is critical. Related Links: Supplyit NACS Research Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Jayme Gough, Research Manager, NACS Jayme Gough is an experienced researcher and PMP at NACS with a Biochemistry degree from Bates College and a Project Management Certificate from Georgetown University Sc...
#307 Redefining Convenience: An Interview With Choice Markets
October 25, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBConvenience is about speed and choice. In this episode, we talk with innovative Founder and CEO of Choice convenience stores in Denver to hear how he has mastered food, technology and most of all, choice. Related Links: Choice Markets NACS Ideas 2 Go: Choice Markets For you Pfish fans Shop Talk LIVE #26 Redefining U.S. Convenience In a Digital Age – With Kwik Chek & Choice Markets Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Carolyn Schnare About our Guest: Mike Fogarty, Founder and CEO, Choice...
#306 Inside Washington: Fall 2021 Update
October 18, 2021 04:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBIn this rapid-fire Q&A, hear what may affect convenience retailers in U.S. legislation and policy. Related Links: NACS Advocacy Issues Take Action on NACS Issues Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare About our Guests: Anna Blom, Director of Government Relations, NACS; Doug Kantor, General Counsel, NACS; Jon Taets, Director of Government Relations, NACS In their roles at NACS, Anna Blom, Doug Kantor and Jon Taets work tirelessly to protect the best interests of the convenience and fuel re...
#305 Building an EV Infrastructure
October 11, 2021 04:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBThe Biden Administration wants half a million EV charging units in the U.S. by 2030. Retailers, utilities, and other businesses are brainstorming how to make it happen on target and on budget. Related Links: Fuels Institute EV Council reports Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations, NACS About our Guest: Erika Myers, Acting Director of Global eMobility, World Resources Institute Erika Myers is an elect...
#304 Measuring Performances and Outcomes
October 04, 2021 04:00 - 22 minutes - 31.5 MBWorking with trusted partners and tying metrics to project outcomes is imperative to success. Related Links: Stuzo webpage Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare and Donovan Woods About our Guest: As Stuzo’s Chief Marketing Officer, Aaron leads the company’s marketing department, supports go-to-market efforts, and leads media relations, analyst relations, and product marketing. Aaron is also a serial technology entrepreneur, a lifelong musician / composer, and co-founder and former Board Mem...
#303 Category Close-up: Customer-Facing Technology
September 27, 2021 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBTechnology makes everything move faster, even customer visits. Forward-thinking retailers are focusing on self-checkout and mobile payment options with the goal of increasing customer traffic. Related Links: NACS Convenience Retail Technology Implementation & Benchmarks J & H Family Stores Gilbarco Veeder-Root Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Patrick Loftus, Survey Research and Data Visualization Manager, NACS Patrick Loftus m...
#302 All About Some Good Shift
September 20, 2021 04:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBLearn how to better handle and react to change with easy-to-remember, life-changing tools in this fun and uplifting episode. Related Links: Being Better with Jennifer Powers Website Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Rose Johnson, Audience Development and Production Manager, NACS About our Guest: Jennifer Powers, Master Certified Coach, Powerhouse, Inc. In 2009, Jennifer Powers published the best-selling book, Oh, shift! and a few years later O...
#301 Score Big With Energy Savings
September 13, 2021 04:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBInvesting in new store equipment and lights can save thousands of dollars per year. How does your store measure up? Related Links: NACS Convenience Store Energy Use Survey NACS/Energy Star Tools NACS Energy Star Survey Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations, NACS About our Guest: Patrick Loftus, Survey Research and Data Visualization Manager, NACS Patrick Loftus manages a robust portfolio of quanti...
#300 Delivering Human-Centric Experiences
September 06, 2021 04:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBGood leaders appreciate that employee experience is critical to the delivery of a great customer experience. Related Links: The Michelli Experience Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Rose Johnson, Audience Development and Production Manager, NACS About our Guest: Joseph Michelli, CEO, The Michelli Experience Joseph A. Michelli, Ph.D., C.S.P., is a speaker, author, and organizational consultant who transfers his knowledge of exceptional business...
#299 Great Stores Feature Friendliness and Cleanliness
August 30, 2021 04:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBTwo things stand out in great c-stores around the world: friendly customer service and tidy, clean stores. Related Links: Insight Research Website CAF European 2021 C-Store Shopper Insights Survey Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS About our Guests: Nick Scherzer, Director, Insight Research Insight Director, Nick Scherzer joined the business over a decade ago and is a recognized expert on the European ...
#298 Resolving Food Waste as a Business Solution
August 23, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBConvenience stores sell a lot of food, but finding a destination for unused food is important. Donating leftover food is easy with Feeding America for both small and large c-store operators. Related Links: Feeding America Corporate Donations MealConnect NACS Information on Donations Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Danielle Lawson, Account Manager, Feeding America Daniell...
#297 Quality Digital Content Matters
August 16, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBHigh-quality, effective, and well-designed digital content is important, especially when the goal is to enhance the customer experience. Related Links: Abierto Sample Content LG Business Solutions Episode #248 The Future of Forecourt Communication is in Pixels Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Rick Sales, President, Abierto Enrique (Rick) Sales has served as the President of Abierto since it was founded in 2005. He has an exten...
#296 Test, Learn, Repeat.
August 09, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBTesting, learning, analyzing and ruffling some feathers are some of the keys to success for launching new ideas. Related Links: Andy Ellwood's website Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS About our Guest: Andy Ellwood, Founder, Basket Andy Ellwood is an Executive Coach based in NYC and serves coaching partners worldwide. Andy partners with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and corporate executives to tackle the challen...
#295 2020 Fuel Leaders
August 02, 2021 04:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MBThe inaugural 2020 Fuel Leaders report, published by Fuels Market News and NACS and compiled by OPIS, tracks the performance of over 250 fuel retailers with a solid overview of the industry’s top 50 fuel operators. In this episode, we'll talk about the methodology and analysis behind the rankings. Related Links: 2020 Fuel Leaders, Fuels Market News Magazine OPIS Brand Power Ranking Report OPIS RetailSuite Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS About our...
#294 Building a Digital Strategy
July 26, 2021 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBHaving an app is not a strategy, it's just one step in building a cohesive digital strategy to enhance the customer's experience. Find out what else makes up a digitally sophisticated brand. Related Links: Hathway Website Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS About our Guests: Matt Carinio, VP, Strategy, Hathway With 20 years of operations, R&D, product and marketing experience in the online and mobile sp...
#293 Connections are Crucial for Successful Retailers
July 19, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBAccording to this independent operator, "your net worth is your network" and connecting with other entrepreneurs is the best way to grow your business. Hear tips to attract and retain employees and beat your competition from 3-store convenience retailer, Bassem Nowyhed. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Bassem Nowyhed, Convenience Store Franchise Owner and Founder of Invig Consult...
#292 Inspire Innovation Through Culture
July 12, 2021 04:00 - 28 minutes - 26.6 MBInnovation is important but it must be done with purpose and intention and with leadership to lead it and a culture to accept it. How do you take innovation from the C-suite to the C-store? Related Links: Leapfrogging Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS About our Guest: Soren Kaplan, Managing Principal, InnovationPoint Soren Kaplan is the bestselling and award winning author of Leapfrogging and The Invisi...
#291 Examining the Convenience Industry Forecast Using a Crystal Ball and a Rear-View Mirror
July 05, 2021 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBAccording to NACS research, 2021 is shaping up to be a good year for c-store sales. But, it depends whether you compare sales to 2019 or 2020, what category you're looking at, where you live and whether trends stay or go. Related Links: NACS Research NACS State of the Industry Report NACS | CSX Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS About our Guest: Chris Rapanick, Director, Business Development, NACS | CS...
#290 Convenience Foodservice Trends
June 28, 2021 04:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBConvenience store sales of fresh and prepackaged foodservice items have grown exponentially in the last decade. Find out what convenient options prevailed during the pandemic and are expected to propel growth into the future. Related Links: Core-Mark website Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Jac Moskalik, Corporate Director of Fresh & Foodservice, Core-Mark International Jac...
#289 Building Food Safety Into Your Company’s Identity
June 21, 2021 04:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBMost convenience retailers have food safety processes and training in place, many also find that that a lack of consistency and agreement among employees is driving an increased focus on food safety culture. Related Links: Cultivate Food Safety website NACS Magazine, October 2020 "Growing a Culture of Food Safety" NACS Magazine, July 2017 "Protecting Your Food Brand" NACS Food Safety Resources Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Indus...
#288 The Battle for Share of Wallet
June 14, 2021 04:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBRetail competition for share of customer dollars has never been so great as the lines between channels continue to blur. Seamless digital experiences earn a customer's loyalty - no matter how, where and when they shop. Related Links: Stuzo Website NACS Daily "Rewards Programs Boost Store Transactions" Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute About our Guest: Aaron McLean, Chief Marketing Officer, ...
#287 24/7 Day: Thanking Everyday Heroes
June 07, 2021 04:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MB24/7 Day spotlights the convenience retail industry's important role in supporting the communities served and where convenience stores can show these frontline workers they care in small, tangible ways. Find out how to get involved on July 24th at 247Day.org. Related Links: 24/7 Day NACS Foundation Homepage Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Stephanie Sikorski, Executive Director, NACS Foundation Stephanie Sikorski is VP of Market...