Convenience Matters

24/7 Day, held every July 24, is the industry’s chance to celebrate what it means to communities. Last year more than 30,000 stores participated. Find out how you can join them in 2023—and how it can help your business. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard  About our Guest: Anna Felz, Director of Brand Management, TBX Stores Inc. Anna has been at TXB since 2019 and oversees all elements of brand management for the company. She previously served as marketing director for Sprint Food Stores, based in Augusta, GA, and was the senior marketing executive for Ocozzio marketing firm, also based in Augusta. Anna earned a degree in public relations and communications from the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. She also serves as a group fitness and yoga instructor.

With the summer drive season officially underway, we look at survey results that show what specific consumer needs inside the store drive the most consumer engagement and purchases. With special guest: Adam Rosenblatt, Founding Partner, Bold Decision 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 his ability to help clients achieve victory through 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.  

What makes one fuel retailer more efficient than others? An analysis of the top brands reveals what the winning brands have in common—and where they differ. With special guests: Brian Norris, Executive Director of Retail Fuels, OPIS and Keith Reid, Editorial Director, Fuels Market News Hosted by: Jeff Lenard  About our Guests: Brian Norris, Executive Director of Retail Fuels, OPIS Brian joined OPIS in 2005, working in a variety of sales and marketing roles before joining the OPIS Retail division. Over the last 12 years, Brian focus has been ensuring the accuracy and integrity of OPIS retail pricing, margin, market share, and volume data and helping develop the suite of OPIS Retail analytics products. He graduated from Washington College with a degree in business management. Keith Reid, Editorial Director, Fuels Market News Keith has covered the fuels retailing industry for more than 20 years. In 2013, he helped found FMN Media LLC, a multifaceted digital and print media company that focuses on the needs of pe

When hurricanes strike, convenience stores are often the last to close before the storm—and the first to reopen. It's during these tough times that c-stores truly show how they support the communities they serve during and after times of crisis. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard  About our Guest: Al Herbert, Founder, Gas Station Gourmet Al knows convenience stores. He created Gas Station Gourmet in 2007 and has been writing a column for NACS Magazine since 2011. When Al is not enjoying a great burger or fried chicken at a local convenience store, you can find him on News 15 KADN-TV in Lafayette, Louisiana.

In 2022, inflation was at a 40-year high, gasoline prices were climbing and both the supply chain and labor market were a mess. The climate has improved, but for how long? What will today's economic indicators mean for convenience store operators in 2023? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard  About our Guest: John Benson, Partner, AlixPartners John was a featured speaker at the 2022 and 2023 NACS State of the Industry Summit. He has successfully led organizations to increased value through strategic and operational initiatives in a broad range of industries including convenience stores, travel centers, restaurants and consumer packaged goods.

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.