National Association of Convenience Stores

Convenience Matters

Business EN ↓ 529 episodes

Whether 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.

Author

National Association of Convenience Stores

Episodes

#171 Addressing the Anti-Plastics Movement 29.04.2019 23:37

Plastic packaging, straws, cups and bags have seemingly become public enemy number 1. Plastic is important for food safety, convenience, and as long as it is disposed of properly, can be remade into new products through recycling. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#170 A Conversation with Sonja Hubbard 22.04.2019 25:20

Sonja Hubbard, former CEO of E-Z Mart Stores and iconic leader in the convenience industry talks about leadership, connections, ups and downs of running a company and advice for rising female leaders. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#169 Should You Bet on Hydrogen Fuel? 15.04.2019 22:40

Find out what role hydrogen is playing in the future of transportation. When will we see fuel cell vehicles expand nationally? What role will the heavy-duty vehicle market play? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

#168 Sheetz Vs Wawa Rivalry Heads To The Big Screen 08.04.2019 20:34

The friendly rivalry between U.S. convenience store giants Sheetz and Wawa has seeped deep into the culture of Pennsylvania. Team Sheetz or Team Wawa? But if you ask the people in the area, you can't have it both ways. Filmmaker Matthew Fridg sets out to settle the debate once and for all and in the process learn why the fierce love of a convenience store in Pennsylvania matters to people everywhe...

#166 A Conversation with Lou Perrine's Gas & Groceries 25.03.2019 25:58

Lou Perrine's Gas and Grocery in Kenosha, Wisconsin has made a name in its community through unique promotions with free tattoos, a lifetime supply of to-die-for Ho-Ho cakes, loyalty programs and deliveries in sub-zero winter. Hear from the genius who inspires it all. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#165 How Technology is Changing Transportation in Cities 18.03.2019 21:50

Becky Steckler of Urbanism Next explores the not-too-distant future of autonomous vehicles, and what we can be doing now to prepare for - and thrive in - our changing cities. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Stephanie Sikorski, VP Marketing, NACS

#164 Eating Trends in America 11.03.2019 24:58

What do Americans do five times a day? Stuff their pie hole, of course! Hear what Americans are eating, when they're eating and what they're looking for when they're on the go. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

#163 Challenges and Successes With Low Carbon Fuel Standard Programs 04.03.2019 21:45

LCFS programs are intended to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by lowering the average carbon intensity of transportation fuels used in a given geographical area. What effects could such programs have on consumers and other end users? Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

#162 Don't Be Afraid of the Augmented Age 25.02.2019 25:39

People have been wary of technology that causes change for hundreds of years. What can retail expect to see that will help or hinder on the horizon? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#161 IMO 2020: Disruption or Opportunity for Fuel Retailers 18.02.2019 23:23

New regulations by the International Maritime Organization requires changes in diesel fuel production which will ultimately have an effect on retail diesel prices. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

#160 Skimming, Shimming, Shamming, Etcetera 11.02.2019 23:41

Find out how skimmers, shimmers, and shammers target fuel pumps and how retailers can protect themselves and their customers. Learn more at www.convenience.org/skimming . Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

#159 Evolving Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles 04.02.2019 24:51

Electric Vehicle market is evolving to allow for faster charge times but is the charging infrastructure keeping up? As more consumers purchase EVs both in urban and rural areas, gas stations need to keep up with existing charging technology as well as anticipate what's to come. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institut...

#158 A Conversation With Loop Neighborhood Markets 28.01.2019 14:43

In Silicon Valley, California, Loop Neighborhood Markets are disrupting the traditional convenience model. We talked with the chain's President and COO to learn how they created a neighborhood staple. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS

#157 Globally Charging Ahead With Electric Vehicles 21.01.2019 12:25

The total number of electric cars on the road has surpassed 3 million worldwide and Norway is the world's most advanced market for EV sales. Hear how retailers can keep up and look to the future for this increasingly popular vehicle choice. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

#156 Securing Payments at the Gas Pump 14.01.2019 24:09

Most Americans pay for fuel with credit cards and gas station operators are racing to meet an approaching card security deadline to enable card chip transactions at the fuel pump. Whether you are a driver or a station owner, hear what changes are in store in the coming years. Visit www.convenience.org/skimming and www.conexxus.org to learn more. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initia...

#155 Fueling Responsibly 07.01.2019 21:09

Responsible fuel retailers must be on top of safety prevention when receiving and dispensing fuel, as well as what can be seen above ground and what is underground. Hear why proper tank, pump and operation monitoring is imperative. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

#154 Disrupting Convenience 31.12.2018 28:46

When cars needed gas, they went to gas stations. When customers needed snacks, they went to convenience stores. Now, delivery companies can bring those necessities to wherever they are needed - homes, workplaces, parking lots and street corners. Are convenience stores becoming irrelevant? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Kevin Coupe, author and con...

#153 Convenience Store Food: Now, New, and Next 24.12.2018 21:56

Convenience Store food just keeps getting more delicious and specific. From smoothies to shawarma, hear what customers - including Millennials - are craving. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Jayme Gough, Research Analyst, NACS

#152 Bringing New Fuels to Market 17.12.2018 19:44

Convenience stores sell 80% of the gasoline in the U.S. As liquid fuels, vehicle and customer needs evolve and as electronic vehicles grow in market share, retailers need to keep up with the changing times. Hear from two of the preeminent fuel retailers in the industry about their preparations for the future of fueling. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eic...

#151 Designing Delight 10.12.2018 21:46

Retail design expert, Joe Bona, joins us to talk about how stores should create emotional connections with customers. Focusing on New York City's experiential designs, hear how to make your store's niche idea believable. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

#150 Employee Training for Success 03.12.2018 22:40

Quality employee training can improve business performance, profit and staff morale resulting in better customer service, better work safety practices and productivity improvements. Hear why it is important to consistently train new employees which also demonstrates that you value them enough to invest in them. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods,...

#149 A Culture Conversation with Kum and Go 26.11.2018 27:20

With lower-than-average employee turnover rates, Iowa-based convenience giant Kum & Go CEO Tanner Krause talks about finding and cultivating superstar employees. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Kevin Coupe, author and content guy for MorningNewsBeat.com

#148 Stop Spending So Much Time Marketing Your Brand 19.11.2018 20:56

Scott Stratten, NACS Show 2018 keynote speaker and the author of numerous books on marketing and branding, talks about defining and redefining your brand to make your company stand out from the crowd. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Stephanie Sikorski, Vice President, Marketing, NACS

#147 Are Gas Stations Ready for Vehicle Fuel Economy Changes? 12.11.2018 23:04

As vehicle fuel efficiency improves, consumer visits to gas stations are likely to decline. What can retailers plan for in order to reduce their reliance on fuel sales? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

#146 Rewarding Work Featuring Mike Rowe 05.11.2018 36:16

Mike Rowe - American television host and narrator, actor and former opera singer, best known for his work on the series Dirty Jobs - talked with us about the skills gap and the opportunities that exist for workers in the convenience retailing industry. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strategic Initiatives, NACS