Convenience Matters

On this week's episode, we talk with leaders of two of the most admired companies in the convenience industry about strategy, vision and their favorite rock bands. Find out what Beyonce, Springsteen, Maggelet and Krause have in common. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Champion adventure racer Robyn Benincasa shares the inspirational story behind Project Athena and teaches us how ordinary teams can be extraordinary when given the right encouragement. Learn more about how to get involved with Project Athena at https://projectathena.org . Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

NACS collects a lot of sales data from retailers throughout the year. What are the metrics related to fuel sales, what do they mean for convenience stores and gas stations and what might they mean for drivers and consumers? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

Customers expect seamless, convenient shopping experiences in stores and on their mobile devices. Are you ready to give that to them? Digital Transformation is the use of technology to solve problems often using cloud computing and the Internet of Things. Gunter Pfau, Founder and CEO of Stuzo explains how necessary and easy it can be to mesh your brick-and-mortar store front with your digital one....

We are joined by NACS Board Member Don Rhoads, President & CEO of the Convenience Group in Vancouver, Washington. He talks with us about his two Minit Mart stores and why he stresses the importance of giving back to those communities. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

NACS President & CEO Henry Armour shares his perspective of NACS, the industry, customers and stores while looking back at his career at the helm of the convenience industry's international association. With a cross-country road trip recently under his belt, he talks about the state of the industry and the future as he sees it. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Jo...

Benchmarking is a process of measuring your company's performance in order to identify internal opportunities for improvement. NACS expert researcher, Jayme Gough, walks us through some NACS tools to help retailers and suppliers be best in class. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Reports allude to the idea that the end of personal vehicle ownership is inevitable; however, consumers have some say in that. Join us as we chat with Micah Muzio, Managing Editor, Video, of Kelley Blue Book and take a deeper dive into consumer purchasing trends. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

When a passion for foodservice, convenience and customers intersect, sometimes the best path forward is to take the show on the road - literally. We spoke with Larry Jackson of Good to Go Markets and Bullhead Pit Beef about entering the food truck business and how it complements his convenience store operation. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Di...

In 2017, price increases, poor fuel quality and shortages were all part of the growing pains for the Mexican petroleum market following the deregulation of the energy market. Two years later, has there been any improvement and is there a place for U.S. retailers to get involved? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations,...

Food safety is very important for those who serve food and those who eat it. Join us as we test out some myths about common things we all do with food - from leftovers to gas station nachos. Learn more about food safety best practices at www.fightbac.org Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS

Clean Cities coalitions are transforming local transportation markets to implement alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and fuel-saving strategies. With more than 80% of the U.S. population living inside the boundaries of Clean Cities and given convenience stores sell 80% of the nation's fuel, hear how retailers can take advantage of available funds to assist in keeping fueling infrastructure in-...

As lawmakers wage war on plastics and as consumers try to understand the confusing recycling system, some products are caught in the middle -- like coffee cups. The plastic liner in paper cups and other foodservice containers can make those items unrecyclable. Hear about possible solutions for providing customers with cups that can land in places other than landfills. For more information about th...

Born between 1995 and 2012, Gen Z is about to make its presence known in the workplace in a major way and employers need to understand the differences that set them apart. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

As transportation trends evolve, will retailers follow government regulation or consumer demand? Hear the perspectives of two fuel retailing decision-makers and learn how market disruptions create business opportunities. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations, NACS

Colton Smith, host of TV series Rock the Park, talks about his adventures, pit stops at convenience stores and preserving the planet for future generations. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS

Everybody and everything is increasingly more connected. Wiring and connecting smart stores is a must-have way of ensuring stores are resilient, innovative and allow for employees to focus on customer-facing tasks. Hear the benefits and challenges of making walls talk. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

In an age when brick-and-mortar stores are closing at a rapid clip, hear from visionary leader, Ilyas Munshi of EG Group who is leading that company's growth through acquisitions around the globe. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Preparing for disaster - above and below ground - is critical for a gas station's survival. Hear from U.S. EPA to prepare underground storage tanks for whatever may come their way. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

NACS teams up with the Produce Marketing Association to offer an innovative program for the convenience industry to sell more fruits and vegetables. Don't take it from us -- special guest Elmo tells us why! Visit www.convenience.org/eatbrighter to learn more and sign up! Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Lindsay Buchanan, Marketing Coordinator, NACS

Hackers pick brains, not locks. Learn how you can keep your personal and business information safer and locked away from crooks. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

With more than 20 years in the industry, Hot Spot President and CEO, Dan Durbin developed a hot name, a hot brand and loyal customers. Hear about how he fostered a family-like atmosphere for employees and customers and revolutionized marketing and promotions. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Self-driving cars were supposed to be the next big thing, but might not be as close to reality as experts once thought. But, minor changes are well underway - advanced braking systems and lane assist in vehicles and ride sharing popularity show that drivers and passengers are willing to slowly forfeit driving control. What's the scoop? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Instit...

Studies show that price usually determines where people buy gas. But, with the internet in their hands, customers also research gas stations that have clean bathrooms, good food and products and other amenities. Find out how to be - and find - that perfect pit stop. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Stephanie Sikorski, VP Marketing, NACS

Avery Ash of INRIX provides insight into how people move, why the deployment of autonomous vehicles won't solve all transportation problems and how retailers can use mobility analytics when choosing where to open new stores. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS