Convenience Matters

How does a gas station land on a road trip radar? Frank Beard and Al Hebert drove across the country eating only at gas stations for the entire trip. Find out their tips for standing out. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Frank Beard and Al Hebert drove 2,500 miles in 6 days and only ate at gas stations for the entire trip. Hear about what they ate, what they discovered and how to road trip like an expert. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Electrify America is looking to build a national network that will enable electric vehicles to traverse the country. Hear how gas stations and convenience stores can prepare for the EV future. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

Convenience stores are in every community, often open 24 hours a day and can be the eyes and ears for the community and their customers. Groups like In Our Backyard have resources available to stores to help identify and help trafficked individuals. Together, we can all be part of the solution. Learn more at http://inourbackyard.org/ Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strategic Initiatives, N...

Mobile fuel delivery isn't new, but it sure is catching on quickly with mobile consumers. We talked with Scott Hempy from Filld on why fuel on-demand can be both opportunity and competition for traditional gas stations. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS

Working with a strong national or local charity is good for everyone involved. Why not partner with one that is trusted by most Americans, like the American Red Cross. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Stephanie Sikorski, Vice President, Marketing, NACS

Big brown UPS trucks are a common sight on American roads and a lot of forward thinking is happening at UPS as urban centers, e-commerce and customer expectations evolve. Hear from Tom Madrecki who leads partnerships between UPS and city leaders to reduce congestion, increase quality of life and shape policy. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Stephanie Sikorski,...

Generation Z, born after 2002, has always known smartphones, internet, and binge-watching and don't use cash money, cable TV, landlines or paper. Learn how to sell to, work with and get ready for these new 'crazy kids.' Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS

Take a deeper dive into the intersection of transportation, convenience and utilities with Erika Meyers of SEPA in this follow-up episode. How can convenience retailers play a role in transportation infrastructure for electric vehicles? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS

Green Zebra Grocery in Portland, Oregon is reinventing the convenience store by combining healthy and convenience. Featured in NACS Ideas 2 Go 2017, CEO Lisa Sedlar talks about her motivation to create three unique stores specializing in local food, beer and of course, coffee. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strategic...

The American Red Cross Ready Rating program is a free service that helps businesses prepare for disasters and other emergencies. In this episode, learn how to evaluate and improve your operation's ability to withstand disaster, maintain operations and protect lives and property. Visit www.readyrating.org to get started with this free American Red Cross program. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice Preside...

While convenience stores grow their fresh food offer, they also need to figure out what to do with the leftovers. Feeding America's network of 200 food banks and more than 60,000 pantries and meal programs serves virtually every community in the nation and stands by ready to help match good food with those who need it.  Feeding America welcomes inquiries from c-stores about food donation programs....

When we think of gas stations, we think of petroleum. But, natural gas is quickly rising in popularity, especially for truck and commercial fleets, because of its flexibility and environmental benefits. Find out how natural gas is making its mark on the future of fuels. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels I...

It is vital to make your voice heard with legislators. After all, if you're not telling your side of the story, lawmakers are making it up for you. In this episode, we talk with a retailer who is making a difference on Capitol Hill and in the convenience industry. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Stephanie Sikorski, Vice President, Marketing, NACS

Best selling author, Steve Miller, talks about how to create an unfair advantage over your competition by making your business unique. In this episode, learn about hunting moose, the color orange, tradeshow excellence and more. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strategic Initiatives, NACS

Best selling author, Steve Miller, talks about how to create an unfair advantage over your competition by making your business unique. In this episode, we will visit disruptive technologies, competitive strategies and giving the rock-star treatment. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strategic Initiatives, NACS

At the Fuels Institute FUEL2018 Annual Meeting, fuels expert Tammy Klein looks in her crystal ball to see how regulations, politics, vehicle and technology improvements affect fuels, cars and consumers. Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS

The Rutter family has been in the convenience business for more than 50 years, in the dairy farm business for nearly 100 years and farming for more than 270 years. With that much history, it's not surprising that Rutter's has been internationally recognized for its success. President & CEO Scott Hartman shares his successes in foodservice, technology and more. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive...

With decades in convenience retail, industry icon Roy Strasburger will shine light on the changes he's seen in the industry around the world. From fighting bees in Texas to serving mayonnaise shrimp in Norway, Roy shares ideas and advice from his years of experience. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Instit...

The Red Cross helps people during and after emergencies and disasters to get back on their feet as soon as possible. Learn how to prepare yourself, your business and your customers before chaos strikes. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

NACS works with the United Fresh Produce Association and their members to help convenience stores grow sales of fresh produce. Hear what is new and exciting in the world of produce from United Fresh's President and the Director of Convenience Store Sales at Fresh Del Monte Produce. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strat...

How do retail fuel providers meet the needs of customers and their vehicles? In this episode, experts discuss the intricacies of fuel quality, octane, engines, and fuel efficiency. Check out more detail on these topics and guests at www.fuelsinstitute.org/fuels2018 . Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS

Women face an uphill battle to the top levels of convenience retailing and CPG companies. The Network of Executive Women recently released a report that examines the path of female leaders in the industry and speculates why so many are leaving the channel.  Read the full referenced report, The Female Leadership Crisis. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Le...

Can the electric power infrastructure handle the rapid growth in electric vehicle usage in the US? Hear how utility companies are preparing for increased energy usage anticipated by 2030. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute

Pilot Flying J is transforming the image of the typical trucker and truck stop by giving back to the community, raising nearly $1 million for the American Heart Association. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director of Strategic Initiatives, NACS