Convenience Matters

Foodservice and inside sales helped propel convenience stores to record sales in 2022. We're giving you exclusive insights on what drove the industry's strong performance and the headwinds going forward. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Chris Rapanick, Managing Director, NACS Research Chris oversees the day-to-day operations of NACS Research, manages and directs departmental financial and operational performance, and drives strategic development of NACS long-term research capabilities.

There are more than 1 million convenience stores across the globe. Here's a look at sales trends in 2022 across 5 global regions and the underlying causes. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard  About our Guest: Jason Zelinski, Client Director, Convenience and Growth Accounts, NIQ Jason leads strategic planning, end-to-end client engagement, revenue management and, most importantly, client satisfaction of the largest convenience retailers in the United States.

From locally sourced products to EV charging, 36 Lyn Refuel Station in Minneapolis makes a positive difference in its community. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Lonnie McQuirter, Director of Operations, 36 Lyn Refuel Station Lonnie operates 36 Lyn Refuel Station, an independently owned, community-focused refueling station in Minneapolis. He is a member of the NACS Board of Directors.

South Louisiana is one of the best areas in the United States to find amazing food and people at the gas station. We'll talk about what we saw and ate during a recent road trip. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Stafford Shurden, creator and host of “Tailgate Gas Station Review" A “serial entrepreneur,” Stafford currently is a farmer (president of Stafford Shurden Farms), restauranteur (proprietor of Stafford’s on Main) and oversees a media company (founder of Shurden Media). He is the creator and host of the video series “Tailgate Gas Station Review.”

For nearly two decades, NACS has surveyed consumers to gain their insights on convenience stores, gasoline prices and the economy. This year’s results show a lot of angst, but there are opportunities for retailers to engage their customers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Adam Rosenblatt, Founding Partner, Bold Decision Adam is one of the nation’s leading political consultants sought after for effective research-based strategies and messaging. He designs and executes cutting-edge quantitative, qualitative and data analytics programs for campaigns as well as non-political clients like NACS.

“Good is the enemy of great” is a phrase many have heard, but can the same be said about comfort? Is it the enemy of progress and success? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard  About our Guest: Sterling Hawkins, Founder, Sterling Hawkins Group Sterling is an internationally recognized thought leader and is a top-rated keynote speaker on the #NoMatterWhat approach to driving growth innovation and results, regardless of what’s happening in the world.

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 years in the downstream petroleum industry.

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 convenience and fuel retail chain based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The company also operates a fuel distribution company, Keystone Fuels. She entered the convenience in 2004, joining her father’s company as the human resources coordinator. Lisa serves on the NACS Board of Directors and is a member of the NACS Executive Committee.

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 multiple years, ADDO was the #1 Small Business on the Best Places to Work list in Atlanta. He and his team at ADDO have helped organizations like Chick-fil-A and Coca-Cola fuel success by leveraging the three indispensable ingredients of inspiration.

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 nonprofit, independent think tank founded in 2013 and managed by NACS. Prior to the Fuels Institute, he served more than 14 years at NACS as vice president of government relations and as the director of motor fuels. He oversaw advocacy operations and represented the convenience and fuel retailing industry before the media and federal government. With decades of experience, Eichberger is a recognized and go-to expert on fuels and fuel retailing.

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, foodservice and fueling—among other offers. He also is a managing partner and accredited personal injury attorney at Ketterman Rowland & Westlund, known as KRW Lawyers throughout Texas. Jody Bowers, CFO, Wakepoint LBJ In addition to serving as chief financial officer of Wakepoint LBJ, Jody also is president of Axiom Business Advisors LLC, which helps clients develop and manage their business or real estate project.

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 with the NACS government relations team to define effective policy-based solutions on issues ranging from fuels to financial services. He has established and administered coalitions of companies and trade associations that share common legislative and regulatory objectives, including the Merchants Payments Coalition and its work to reform credit and debit card swipe fees.

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 with her two brothers and 300-plus team members to refuel and refresh the Louisiana communities where they operate.

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 Marketing Institute, Green Charge Network and the American Society of Travel Agents.

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 leader in the fight against human trafficking since 2011. She is the executive director of IN OUR BACKYARD, a national anti-trafficking nonprofit that links arms across America in the fight against human trafficking. The group’s initiative, Convenience Stores Against Trafficking, has expanded to 30,000 convenience stores and partnerships with 17 state-based convenience store associations and 184 convenience store companies.

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 the ATM industry’s evangelist. He has spent the past three decades in the industry and now leads the ATMIA’s largest region, overseeing all aspects related to membership, content creation and advocacy. David also serves as president of the ATM Security Association, where his responsibilities include engaging with law enforcement and coordinating the maintenance and population of its global crime database: the Crisis & Crime Management Intelligence System (CCMIS).

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 founded in 2013 and managed by NACS. Prior to the Fuels Institute, he served more than 14 years at NACS as vice president of government relations and as the director of motor fuels. He oversaw advocacy operations and represented the convenience and fuel retailing industry before the media and federal government. With decades of experience, Eichberger is a recognized and go-to expert on fuels and fuel retailing.

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, podcaster, adventurer and author of the best-selling book, "Fire Your Boss: Discover Work You Love Without Quitting Your Job." He works globally as a senior affiliate advisor to McKinsey & Co. He is mastering the art of living sustainable rhythms of work life and play.

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 the customer experience inside of 7-Eleven, including new stores, remodels, platform innovation, and new store formats. She has a strong track record for leading transformational change inside the company. She founded the Store Evolution Team to transform the customer experience through laboratory stores, which are now influencing the designs and platforms for all new stores and remodel standards.

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. In addition to his current work at the American Council for Capital Formation, he is the founder of the consultancy CertainPoint Strategies LLC and serves as a member of the Fuels Institute Board of Advisors.