Convenience Matters

This timely episode discusses what convenience retailers could expect as the nation's highest court prepares to rule on OSHA’s vaccine mandate. Related Links: Subscribe to NACS Daily NACS Webinar: OSHA's Vaccine Mandate Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel Kantor 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. Jon Taets, NACS Government Relations Director Taets joined NACS in March 2014 and advocates before Congress on behalf of the U.S. convenience and fuel retailing industry on policy and regulatory issues relating to labor, health care, taxes, foodservi

How a small and mighty convenience store owner is inspiring other independent retailers to take their business to the next level. Related Links: NACS Ideas 2 Go: "The Hub" Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chris Blasinsky About our Guest: Jared Scheeler, CEO of The Hub Convenience Stores Inc., is the 2021-22 NACS Chairman. He began his career in the convenience industry in 1998 while attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where he worked at Minneapolis-based Bobby & Steve’s Auto World. His engagement with NACS began in 2001 when he attended his first NACS Show in Las Vegas. “That’s when I fell in love with the industry," he said in the January 2022 issue of NACS Magazine. In 2015, Scheeler co-founded The Hub in his hometown of Dickinson, North Dakota.

Sharing your company story leads to more engaged employees and customers. Related Links: NACS Magazine Article: The Storyteller Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Rose Johnson About our Guest: Kendal Netmaker, Founder, Netmaker Enterprises Kendal Netmaker is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and gifted keynote speaker who is on a mission to empower and motivate people worldwide by sharing his story that regardless of where you come from and what challenges you face, you have the power to enact change.

Solar energy can equal great savings for retailers. Hear about the benefits, challenges and processes to getting started with solar. Related Links: Converting to Renewable Energy (NACS Sustainability Toolkit) Reducing Energy Use (NACS Sustainability Toolkit)  Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare and Paige Anderson About our Guests: John Zimmerman, Partner, Amerlight Energy John enjoys providing sound guidance to clients as they consider how best to incorporate energy-saving strategies, lower operational costs, and increase bottom-line profits. John brings 20+ years of experience in finance, project development, and real estate strategy consulting for owner/users, tenants, and landlords. Jim Vincent, Founder and CEO, Amerlight Energy With over 30 years of experience in project development and business administration, Jim founded the Amerlight brand in 2008 and has worked over the past 13 years to build the company and pave new roads in the field of energy efficiency in solar, energy storage, and LED Technology. Jim is d

Catch up on the facts and the science behind the five-second rule, handwashing and third-party food delivery. Related Links: NACS Food Safety Resources "Risky or Not" Podcast "Food Safety Talk" Podcast Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare and Chris Blasinsky About our Guest: Dr. Don Schaffner, Extension Specialist in Food Science and Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University Don Schaffner, Ph.D. is the Extension Specialist in Food Science at Rutgers University. His research interests include quantitative microbial risk assessment and predictive food microbiology. He has served on expert committees for the National Academy of Sciences, WHO and FAO.

A vehicle charging area can be more than just chargers in the parking lot corner. Consider a customer-centric experience to surprise and delight charging guests. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and John Eichberger About our Guest: Brent Gruber, Senior Director, Global Automotive at J.D. Power Brent Gruber leads the global automotive supplier practice and the company’s electric vehicle experience studies. As an industry thought leader, he represents J.D. Power within the automotive industry and consults with clients on finding research-based solutions to product and customer issues. Brent’s primary focus is helping clients evolve and grow their businesses through improving products and the customer experience.

Whether privately held, publicly traded or seeking access to capital, bankers and investors are asking companies for their ESG plan. What will you show them? Related Links: ESG Integrity Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Ryan Scott, Vice President, HBW Resources Ryan Scott is Vice President for Risk Management and Sustainability Reporting for HBW Resources. The focus of Ryan’s practice is to help clients understand and mitigate non-technical risks so they can focus on their core operations and competencies. Ryan works with clients to develop an ESG reporting discipline that enables them to do more than simply check the box by focusing on risk identification/mitigation key operational metrics. Prior to his time at HBW, Ryan worked at Deloitte and Touche’s Strategy and Operations Consulting practice. Serving GMAC, he conducted a bank evaluation and application process to assist its conversion from a state bank into a bank holding company, allowing the client to ac

What's going on with gas prices? We have the answers. Related Links: OPIS website NACS Blog: Why Gas Prices Are Rising When They Should Be Falling? NACS Blog: Who Makes Money Selling Gas? NACS Fuel Resource Center Hosted by:  Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Tom Kloza, Global Head of Energy Analysis, OPIS Tom has covered downstream oil markets for over 40 years. A magna cum laude graduate of St. Francis University, Tom has a degree in English and has analyzed crude oil, refined products, and gas liquids for parts of four decades. He has also written commentary for MarketWatch and is a regular guest commentator for Bloomberg Financial Markets and NPR Marketplace. He provides unbiased and expert commentary for print and electronic media during times of oil volatility and is regularly quoted in virtually every U.S. and international periodical on the subject.

Encouraging repeat customer business is an art form. Hear what works and what can really turn a consumer off. Related Links: Episode #249 Loyalty Matters. A Lot. Let's Talk Loyalty Podcast Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS, and Rose Johnson, Audience Development and Production Manager, NACS About our Guest: Paula Thomas, Host of "Let's Talk Loyalty" Podcast Paula Thomas is an independent loyalty marketing consultant, writer and podcast host. Paula has experience leading consumer loyalty programs across multiple sectors including telecommunications, the energy sector, banking and airline loyalty programs and published a book entitled “Driving Loyalty in Convenience Retail.” Her podcast, “Let’s Talk Loyalty” covers every aspect of loyalty marketing across all industries.

Consumers will embrace a brand that stands for something, cares about the community, and shares their values. Kum & Go is one convenience retail company that goes beyond leading with purpose and models its entire operation around it. Related Links: NACS Managing Food Waste Guide  Kum & Go/Krause Group 2020 Corporate Social Responsibility Report  Episode #298 Resolving Food Waste as a Business Solution  Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Emily Bahnsen, Philanthropy Manager, Kum & Go Emily Bahnsen oversees Kum & Go’s philanthropic giving programs, including the company’s annual United Way and Habitat for Humanity campaigns, grants and in-kind donations. In addition to her work at Kum & Go, Bahnsen is a member of the Mid-Iowa Planned Giving Council, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines Funders Forum. She also volunteers her time with the Y

Serving up a foodservice program that is fast, safe and delicious is important for convenience retailers. Having the technology to support it is critical. Related Links: Supplyit NACS Research Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Jayme Gough, Research Manager, NACS Jayme Gough is an experienced researcher and PMP at NACS with a Biochemistry degree from Bates College and a Project Management Certificate from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies. Greg Watson, Regional Food Service Manager, Tri Star Energy, LLC Greg Watson is responsible for the foodservice program and implementation throughout Twice Daily's convenience stores. He has a rich history in the restaurant industry, as well. Thomasin LaMachia, Partner, Supplyit Thomasin LaMachia is a Partner at Supplyit/Jera Concepts. The team helps businesses manage their operations from start to finish. It's not just about the food, it’s about empowering customers to tackle the challenges that come with a c

Convenience is about speed and choice. In this episode, we talk with innovative Founder and CEO of Choice convenience stores in Denver to hear how he has mastered food, technology and most of all, choice. Related Links: Choice Markets NACS Ideas 2 Go: Choice Markets For you Pfish fans Shop Talk LIVE #26 Redefining U.S. Convenience In a Digital Age – With Kwik Chek & Choice Markets Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Carolyn Schnare About our Guest: Mike Fogarty, Founder and CEO, Choice Mike Fogarty is the Founder and CEO of Choice Market located in downtown Denver. Choice, which opened in October 2017 is an omnichannel convenience store concept that combines the operating hours, transaction times, and store size of traditional c-store with the product selection of a natural market and fast-casual restaurant. Prior to Choice, Mike served as Senior Category Manager at Danone (Formerly WhiteWave Foods), one of the world’s largest manufacturers of natural and organic products.

In this rapid-fire Q&A, hear what may affect convenience retailers in U.S. legislation and policy. Related Links: NACS Advocacy Issues Take Action on NACS Issues Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare About our Guests: Anna Blom, Director of Government Relations, NACS; Doug Kantor, General Counsel, NACS; Jon Taets, Director of Government Relations, NACS In their roles at NACS, Anna Blom, Doug Kantor and Jon Taets work tirelessly to protect the best interests of the convenience and fuel retailing industry before Congress and federal government agencies — especially against rules and regulations that can have a negative impact on business.

The Biden Administration wants half a million EV charging units in the U.S. by 2030. Retailers, utilities, and other businesses are brainstorming how to make it happen on target and on budget. Related Links: Fuels Institute EV Council reports Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations, NACS About our Guest: Erika Myers, Acting Director of Global eMobility, World Resources Institute Erika Myers is an electric vehicle subject matter expert at WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities. She leads the electric mobility team’s research efforts and works with cities across the globe to identify opportunities to electrify transportation, including infrastructure deployment and vehicle-grid integration methods for public transit and other municipal fleets. Erika has worked for nearly two decades on clean energy, alternative transportation fuels, and distributed energy resource topics in government, for-profit, and non-profit roles. Her background g

Working with trusted partners and tying metrics to project outcomes is imperative to success. Related Links: Stuzo webpage Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare and Donovan Woods About our Guest: As Stuzo’s Chief Marketing Officer, Aaron leads the company’s marketing department, supports go-to-market efforts, and leads media relations, analyst relations, and product marketing. Aaron is also a serial technology entrepreneur, a lifelong musician / composer, and co-founder and former Board Member of Philly Startup Leaders.

Technology makes everything move faster, even customer visits. Forward-thinking retailers are focusing on self-checkout and mobile payment options with the goal of increasing customer traffic. Related Links: NACS Convenience Retail Technology Implementation & Benchmarks J & H Family Stores Gilbarco Veeder-Root Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Patrick Loftus, Survey Research and Data Visualization Manager, NACS Patrick Loftus manages a robust portfolio of quantitative and qualitative research solutions designed to meet the unique needs of the convenience and fuel retail industry, including the NACS State of the Industry Report and NACS State of the Industry Compensation Report, as well as the NACS CSX benchmarking database and annual NACS State of the Industry Summit. Chris Whitley, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Gilbarco Veeder-Root Chris Whitley is the Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Gilbarco Veeder-Root, the global producer of retai

Learn how to better handle and react to change with easy-to-remember, life-changing tools in this fun and uplifting episode. Related Links: Being Better with Jennifer Powers Website Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Rose Johnson, Audience Development and Production Manager, NACS About our Guest: Jennifer Powers, Master Certified Coach, Powerhouse, Inc. In 2009, Jennifer Powers published the best-selling book, Oh, shift! and a few years later Oh, shift! for Teens and its accompanying curriculum. Good shift! How to deal with change before it deals with you was released in 2020.

Investing in new store equipment and lights can save thousands of dollars per year. How does your store measure up? Related Links: NACS Convenience Store Energy Use Survey NACS/Energy Star Tools NACS Energy Star Survey Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations, NACS About our Guest: Patrick Loftus, Survey Research and Data Visualization Manager, NACS Patrick Loftus manages a robust portfolio of quantitative and qualitative research solutions designed to meet the unique needs of the convenience and fuel retail industry, including the NACS State of the Industry Report and NACS State of the Industry Compensation Report, as well as the NACS CSX benchmarking database and annual NACS State of the Industry Summit. Loftus worked at Gartner and its former subsidiary CEB for more than a decade in a series of increasingly responsible positions, most recently as senior principal of data science and benchmarking. In this role, he directed more tha

Good leaders appreciate that employee experience is critical to the delivery of a great customer experience. Related Links: The Michelli Experience Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Rose Johnson, Audience Development and Production Manager, NACS About our Guest: Joseph Michelli, CEO, The Michelli Experience Joseph A. Michelli, Ph.D., C.S.P., is a speaker, author, and organizational consultant who transfers his knowledge of exceptional business practices in ways that develop joyful and productive workplaces with a focus on customer experience. His insights encourage leaders and frontline workers to grow and invest passionately in all aspects of their lives. Dr. Michelli is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Nielson BookScan, and New York Times #1 bestselling author. His latest book is Stronger Through Adversity: World-Class Leaders Share Pandemic-Tested Lessons on Thriving During the Toughest Challenges.

Two things stand out in great c-stores around the world: friendly customer service and tidy, clean stores. Related Links: Insight Research Website CAF European 2021 C-Store Shopper Insights Survey Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS About our Guests: Nick Scherzer, Director, Insight Research Insight Director, Nick Scherzer joined the business over a decade ago and is a recognized expert on the European and international convenience and fuel retail markets. Nick has led Insight’s global strategic store visit program for many years, building a strong network of relationships with retailers across the globe. Prior to joining Insight, Nick spent 12 years in a variety of operational roles with SPAR South Africa, one of the most sophisticated operators of the SPAR brand globally. Mike G. Zahajko, Executive Vice President, CAF Mike Zahajko is an insight leader and teacher in the retail petroleum industry with experience as a fuel retailer at