Culture of Convenience

RTO is turning 20! Jeff and Kelly go through the history books to remember some of RTO's biggest moments, what was happening in the world during that time, and how the company became what it is today.

There's a lot going on under your feet! On this episode, Jeff and Kelly talk to Ben Thomas from UST Training to find out just what's going on with underground storage tanks: how they've changed over the years, Ben's evolving role in the industry, and what happens when things go wrong.   About Ben: Ben Thomas brings to the UST industry over three decades of experience, networking and ideas to help...

How can a company use today's digital world to their advantage? Luckily for Jeff and Kelly, they have just the expert to ask: Abbey Karel from Bounteous! In their chat with Abbey, they talk digital strategies, automation, AI and more. Plus, just how long until the tucked in sweater goes out of fashion? Listen to find out!  About Abbey: As VP of Growth at Bounteous, Abbey Karel helps Consumer Brand...

Do you know who the 'Missing 33%' are? In this episode, Kelly finds out in a conversation with a committee co-chair within C-Store Women and RTO's own Client Success Manager, Breeze Savage. They also discuss empowering women in the convenience industry, the secret sauce to client support and how she inspires her team on the daily. Are there any jokes made at Jeff's expense during his absence? List...

Jeff and Kelly step into the CoC studio for one final podcast in 2024. Together, they wax nostalgic about all the great topics they've covered this year, such as AI, job perks, foodservice, coupons, and more. They also touch on what sort of convenience trends they see on the horizon in 2025.

On the latest Culture of Convenience episode, Jeff and Kelly talk with Mason Cowan, Chief Customer Officer at BandyWorks Solutions. Mason discusses how BandyWorks combines real-time data with store operations to provide feedback and recommendations to improve c-stores. Together, they discuss the who, what, why, and how of that process!

Dallas Wells, VP of Food Services and Training at High's of Baltimore, was in the studio with Jeff to talk about running a successful food service in his stores. How he rolls out LTOs, the leadership he looks for to make stores successful, and his philosophy on when you should try new things are all in this episode of the Culture of Convenience!

The NACS Show is vast - how can you properly take advantage of it? Look no further than this episode for answers, as Jeff Lenard breaks down how to make the most of the NACS Show. Who to visit, what to look out for, and how to benefit from the personnel are all covered in Episode 135!  About Our Guest:  Jeff Lenard is the VP of Strategic Industry Initiatives for the National Association of Conveni...

On this episode, PFMA President Alex Baloga brings insights on the Medical Nutrition Act, how "zero food waste" really works, and where retail's headed in the next 5 years in his interview with Jeff Kahler. PFMA is a supportive network of retailers in PA advocating together to achieve goals and make the whole industry stronger.  About Our Guest:  Alex Baloga has been serving as President and CEO o...

Using aboveground tanks for fuel storage is a polarizing topic, but for guests Ethan Henderson and Cameron Hogan from Major Oil, it's what they do best. Portable convenience stores, saving communities, and bringing convenience to the outer regions of the world are just some of the topics we get into today on the Culture of Convenience.  About Our Guest:  Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Major Oil...

In Episode 132, Jeff Kahler sits down with Eric Bolduc from Holmes Murphy Insurance to discuss keeping your store safe and saving money in the long run.   About Our Guest:  For over 30 years, Eric has specialized in working with business owners to help them reduce their overall exposure to risk. He's passionate about helping companies have the most comprehensive risk management program that best p...

With over 550 stores, RaceTrac is leading the charge with learning strategies and asset protection. Jeff Kahler sits down with Kelly Harrington, Director of Asset Protection, and the learning design team, Jackie Keaton and Brandon Christopher Bass, to discuss how the large chain operators overcome obstacles and maintain strong safety culture.  About Our Guest:  Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, RaceTr...

Until 2019 coupons were made from paper. With digital coupons entering the scene things are about to change - even in convenience stores. What impact will this have on the industry? Producer Kelly sits down with the Coupon Bureau's Brett Watson to get to the info.   About Our Guest:  At The Coupon Bureau, Brett Watson is leading the charge, with the support of an incredible team, to revolutionize...

Bob Duprey is no stranger to creating consistent training systems. In this interview, Jeff Kahler explores how shift leaders can really elevate restaurant service, especially in quick service restaurants (QSRs)! Bob and Jeff also dive into Shift Leader Playbook, the newest course from Restaurant Playbooks.   About Our Guest:  For the last 20 years, Bob Duprey has worked with Fortune 500 clients to...

Besides bringing her family business out of the red, Stephanie Stuckey has built a team and marketed her brand, all while completely re-inventing herself in a matter of a couple years. Hear her secrets and strategies in this episode!  About Our Guest:  Stephanie Stuckey, CEO and Chair of Stuckey's Corporation, has been on a path to revive her family's company and brand since purchasing it in 2019....

Recruiting and Retaining advice abounds in our interview with Steve Seymour, author of  100 Ideas to Improve the Workplace . Steve lays out practical - and some out of the box ideas - to not only create a winning team but keep them in your organization. Hint: Treat people the way you want to be treated, but also do this one thing ... Find out more in this episode!   About Our Guest:   Steve Seymou...

AI is all the rage these days, but how exactly will it benefit c-stores? On this week's podcast we talk to Susan Sly, CEO of The Pause Technologies and Top Women in AI Finalist, to get her take on how AI can help businesses, employees, and the customer.    What's your take on AI? Did this episode change your mind? We'd love to know! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at:  https://...

It's time for another end-of-season recap! This week Jeff Kahler is tackling the burning questions our listeners sent in during Season 11. Airplane etiquette, "beige flags" in business, working with family; all these and more discussed in this episode.  What was your favorite moment from Season 11? We'd love to know! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconv...

In 2016, Frank Beard spent 30 days eating exclusively at convenience stores – breakfast lunch and dinner. Ever since then, Frank has been extremely passionate about convenience stores. In this info-packed episode, Jeff Kahler speaks with Frank about his cstore diet, EV charging stations, autonomous check-out, and measuring success.   What is your go-to convenience store food order? We want to know...

Jeff Kahler is a champion for single store operators – he not only relates to them, but he loves to support their businesses. In this episode one of those operators, Lonnie McQuirter, breaks down what separates him from big competition and provides a sneak peek at what advice he'll be giving suppliers at the NACS Show!  We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts on this episode in the...

In this episode of the Culture of Convenience, Jeff Kahler interviews Lisa Dell Alba, President and CEO of Square One Markets! Lisa shares her insights on family businesses, supplier relations, and overcoming anything that stands in her way.  We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@Cultureof...

We're counting down to the NACS Show, one of the biggest events in convenience retailing! In this episode, Jeff Kahler shares the top ten reasons—plus a few extras—why you should stop by and visit Ready Training Online at booth B3749! (And some of these may be pretty shocking!)  Have you ever attended the NACS Show? What do you usually look forward to the most? We want to know! Visit https://www.c...

Everyone has some part of their life that's mediocre, but their career doesn't need to be! In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler explains how the concept of "Gears to Your Career" can be used to energize and inspire people in the workplace by providing their very own career path.   How do you avoid workplace complacency? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ o...

AI has been in the news a lot lately, but what does that mean for you professionally? In this episode, Jeff Kahler discusses the top 10 jobs he believes could be displaced by AI, along with options on how to either embrace it, or work around it.    How do you think AI will be used in the workplace? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@Cult...

No person on this planet is exempt from insecurities; but how do we show up at work without bringing them along? In this episode, Jeff Kahler speaks candidly about his insecurities and offers advice on how you can overcome your own insecurities to make an impact on the job.   How do you deal with insecurities? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email P...