Convenience Matters

Fuel releases from underground storage tanks (UST) don't rank among the most common causes of UST compliance violations. Oftentimes, it's improper paperwork that can lead to fines and negative publicity. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and John Eichberger About our Guest: Clay Moore, Senior Director of Product, Leighton O'Brien Clay has more than 30 years of experience in software development, including 13...

Martial arts legend Renzo Gracie famously said, "My ego is my enemy, and my opponent is my teacher." We're exploring how his words and martial arts translate to running a successful business. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Lisa Dell'Alba, President and CEO of Square One Markets Inc. Lisa is president and CEO of Square One Markets Inc., a family owned, seven-store con...

Today's workforce is feeling less inspired than ever before. With only 21% of employees actually engaged with their work, we're exploring why people have checked out mentally on the job. Related Links: ADDO Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guests: Kevin Paul Scott, Co-Founder, ADDO Worldwide Kevin co-founded the leadership consultancy ADDO, which is Latin for "Inspire." For m...

If it powers a vehicle, the Fuels Institute researches it, reports on it and gives the facts to industry stakeholders, including legislators. Hear how the Fuels Institute has changed the transportation fuels narrative during the past decade. Related Links: Fuels Institute Hosted by: Jeff Lenard  About our Guest: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute John leads the Fuels Institute, a...

Whether customers come to Wakepoint LBJ by car or boat, this convenience store is a destination for enjoying live music, festivals or Sunday gospel services. Related Links: Ideas 2 Go: Wakepoint LBJ Hosted by: Jeff Lenard  About our Guests: Scott Westlund, Owner, Wakepoint LBJ Scott is the owner of Wakepoint LBJ, a sprawling business operation on Lake LBJ that includes two convenience stores, food...

Each year the annual State of the Union address sets the stage for the next Congress. From electric vehicles to "junk" taxes, President Biden laid out his agenda. How will it affect convenience stores? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Doug Kantor, General Counsel, NACS Doug joined NACS in May 2021 after serving as a partner at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where he worked wit...

Store managers have a significant impact on hiring and retaining great people. Hear how one retailer is coaching her team so they can be at their best. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chris Blasinsky About our Guest: Annie Gauthier, CFO/Co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Company Annie is CFO/Co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Company (dba Y-Not Stop), based in Mansura, Louisiana. A third-generation co-owner, she works wit...

As we kick off 2023, we're looking at emerging retail and consumer trends and ideas that convenience stores can take advantage of. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Anne-Marie Roerink, Principal, 210 Analytics LLC Anne-Marie is principal and founder of 210 Analytics, where she specializes in quantitative and qualitative market research. She previously held research positions with the Food M...

Human trafficking happens every day and affects every community in the United States. More than 30,000 convenience stores have taken on this issue in their stores. Here's how you can join them and make a difference in your community. Related Links: Convenience Stores Against Trafficking Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Cheryl Csiky, Executive Director, IN OUR BACKYARD Cheryl has been a lead...

Roughly one third of all ATMs in the United States are in convenience stores. Although ATMs offer easy access to cash and financial transactions, they can be an easy target for criminals. We're discussing how you can grow and protect your business. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: David Tente, Executive Director, USA, Canada & Americas, ATMIA (the ATM Industry Association) David serves as t...

2022 saw gas prices top $5 and dip to under $3, driven by some factors that are still affecting the market. This year's transportation trends are lining up to affect the car you drive, how you use it and how you refuel (or recharge) it. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute John leads the Fuels Institute, a nonprofit, independent think tank fo...

Aaron McHugh sought balance, but instead felt defeated, more stressed and more burdened. Hear how he found a way for adventure, work, life, play, relationships, rest and finances to co-exist. Related Link: Aaron McHugh Hosted by: Chrissy Blasinsky and Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Aaron McHugh, Executive Coach & Senior Affiliate Advisor to McKinsey/Aberkyn Aaron is an executive coach, writer, podca...

7-Eleven's Evolution stores are a testing ground that allows customers to experience the retailer's newest innovations and products—and they are redefining the concept of convenience. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Molly Long, Vice President of Store Evolution & Design, 7-Eleven Inc. Molly is responsible for all design-related activities associated with both the physical store as well as...

Although ESG reporting is voluntary, that is poised to shift. And it's not just for the publicly traded retailers—privately held retailers also could be affected by proposed ESG policies. Hosted by: John Eichberger and Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Mike Roman, Senior Fellow, Public Policy/ESG, American Council for Capital Formation Mike has more than 40 years of global energy industry experience. I...

Industry icon Rick Brindle shares what he's learned and what he's looking forward to as a new chapter begins on his 46-year retail industry career. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Rick Brindle, Vice President of Industry Development, Mondelēz International Rick Brindle has a long track record of breakthrough success in the in the food and beverage consumer product goo...

Spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktails have exploded in popularity over the last few years. Outdated laws keep convenience stores in many states from selling these products. In states like Texas, retailers are fighting for change. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Paul Hardin, President & CEO, Texas Food & Fuel Association Paul Hardin, CAE, is president & CEO of Texas Food & Fuel Associatio...

TXB has done much more than rebrand a previous store concept: It's redefined the concept of convenience. Stores have a focus on fresh, local food and its local roots. After all, it's Texas born. Related Link: TXB Stores Inc. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Kevin Smartt, CEO, TXB Stores Inc. Kevin is CEO of TXB Stores, formerly known as Kwik Chek Food Stores, a chain of approximately 50 lo...

From hand washing to why you should never rinse raw poultry during food prep, we're breaking down some of the biggest safe food handling risks that may be happening in your stores. Related Links: Food Safety Talk Risky or Not Safe Plates Hosted by: Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Benjamin Chapman, Professor, Food Safety Extension Specialist North Carolina State University Chapman's interest in...

Two-store operator Anthony Perrine shares ideas he's implemented at his family's company, Lou Perrine's Gas & Groceries, that go well beyond traditional c-store retail: part bakery, coffee shop, apparel store, neighborhood hangout and a lot of fun. Hosted by: Britt Brewer and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Anthony Perrine, Owner, Lou Perrine's Gas & Groceries Lou Perrine's Gas & Groceries is a...

Loss prevention and security concerns have become a big concern in 2022. What can convenience retailers do to ensure that their stores remain welcoming to customers and uninviting to criminals? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Amber Bradley, Founder and Owner, Calibration Group Amber has been in the loss prevention industry for more than 15 years. She currently serves as executive director...

The Credit Card Competition Act would bring long-overdue competition to the credit card marketplace, significantly reducing swipe fees. Here's what you need to know—and do—to help move this effort forward. Related Link: Fix Swipe Fees Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel Doug joined NACS in May 2021 after serving as a partner at Steptoe &...

Most consumers (97%) rely on digital searches to find a business or a service. The convenience retail industry has a massive opportunity to redefine its digital identity and drive both customer traffic and sales. Related Links: THRIVR Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Lori Stillman, NACS Vice President, Research and Education Lori joined NACS in 2019 and leads the assoc...

Disaster and recovery plans helped convenience and fuels retailers in Florida affected by Hurricane Ian be among the first businesses to reopen. We'll talk about how they prepared and about current conditions in the hardest hit areas. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Ned Bowman, Executive Director, Florida Petroleum Marketers Association Ned Bowman grew up in Connecticut in a family of seve...

Convenience stores sell hundreds of different brands, and retailers can put a focus on these brands by pricing, placement and promotions. But what about the most important brand in your store--your brand? We discuss what you need to do to make sure your brand is top of mind with customers--and that your store offer matches that brand promise. Related Link: www.ab-net.us Hosted by: Jeff Lenard Abou...

We're talking with a convenience retail industry icon how the end of the NACS Show is the start of a bigger strategic planning process. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Jeff Miller, CEO and President, Millers Energy Jeff is CEO and president of Millers Energy, based in Norfolk, Va. The company was founded in 1977 and is in the residential heating and air-conditioning,...