Convenience Matters

What President Biden's address means for the convenience and fuel retailing industry. Related Links: Merchants Payments Coalition NACS Advocacy  NACS Day on the Hill Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chris Blasinsky About our Guest: Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel 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.

From flavored milk to supporting service dogs and veterans, Kurt Weigel shares how the 90-year-old company is just getting started. Related Links: Weigel's NACS Ideas 2 Go | Weigel's NACS HR Forum Smoky Mountain Service Dogs Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky and Britt Brewer About our Guest: Kurt Weigel, Recruiting Manager, Weigel’s Stores Inc. You'll find Kurt Weigel at the Powell, Tennessee-based Weigel's, handling recruitment and customer concerns and overseeing the company's annual Weigel's Family Christmas. He has been with Weigel's for nearly two decades and previously taught middle school in Charlotte, North Carolina. Weigel's traces its roots back to 1847, when Carl Augustus Weigel emigrated from Saxony, Germany, and purchased a 470-acre farm for $1,000 in Wartburg, Tennessee. Fast-forwarding to 1964, Bill Weigel opened the first Weigel’s convenience store located on Oak Ridge Highway. Today there are 70 Weigel's stores throughout East Tennessee.

Vehicle sales trends have massive implications for the economy and the future of fueling. What’s affecting sales now, and what could change in the next five years? Related Links: National Automobile Dealers Association NACS Fuels Resource Center Fuels Institute Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and John Eichberger About our Guest: Patrick Manzi, Chief Economist, National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Patrick Manzi works with NADA and the American Truck Dealers (ATD), a division of NADA. He regularly speaks to various audiences about the auto industry and is responsible for many of the association’s monthly and annual economic reports including NADA Data and ATD Data.

Foodie, writer, and TV personality Al Hebert is passionate about food and where to find it: at the local gas station. Related Links: Gas Station Gourmet NACS Magazine Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky and Rose Johnson About our Guest: Al Hebert, Founder, Gas Station Gourmet Al Hebert lives for America's gas stations. He created Gas Station Gourmet in 2007 and has been writing his column for NACS Magazine since 2011 to bring the story of America's independent convenience stores—especially those with unique foodservice—to thousands of industry leaders. He's a news producer and reporter by trade and a frequent speaker at industry events like the NACS Show. When Al is not enjoying a great burger or fried chicken at a local convenience store, you can find him on NEWS 15 KADN in Lafayette, Louisiana.

From subscription snack boxes to opening The Goods Mart at 30 Rockefeller in New York City, Rachel Krupa is redefining convenience one store at a time. Related Links: The Goods Mart NACS Ideas 2 Go: Doing More and Doing Good Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky and Britt Brewer About our Guest: Rachel Krupa, Founder, The Goods Mart Rachel Krupa has had her finger on the pulse of the health and wellness industry for most of her adult life. As someone whose foundational pillar is to do good and feel good, she has turned her observations, introspections, and unwavering passion into a thriving business—not once, but twice. Opening a mission-driven public relations agency, Krupa Consulting, in 2010 and then opening a better-for-you convenience store, The Goods Mart, in 2018, Rachel has paved her own path and become one of the most sought-after experts and advisors in the health, wellness, and food landscapes.

Our conversation explores how 7-Eleven's Evolution stores are a testing ground where customers can experience the retailer's newest innovations and products. Related Links: NACS Ideas 2 Go: 7-Eleven's Evolution NACS Ideas 2 Go: Retail Evolution Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Molly Long, Vice President of Store Evolution & Design, 7-Eleven Molly Long 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.

German retailers are redefining and adapting to new consumer behaviors and their expectations of Berlin's convenience retail market. Related Links: NACS Convenience Summit Europe NACS Magazine | Berlin: The Future of Convenience Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky About our Guests: Christian Warning, Managing Director of The Retail Marketeers Warning is the founder and managing director of The Retail Marketeers, a Hamburg, Germany-based sales and marketing retail think tank. He focuses on developing and delivering award-winning convenience retail formats and marketing strategies. Warning worked with Royal Dutch Shell for 13 years in different retail management roles and has a robust list of global retail industry clients that includes Total, Orlen, Valora, Ahold, Lekkerland, Verifone, Costa, and PepsiCo. He is an advisor to the NACS International Board of Directors and is a NACS relationship partner based in Germany. Mark Wohltmann, Director of NACS Global Wohltmann is responsible for the strategic development of NACS

The customer experience starts at the forecourt and extends to the inside of the store. Add a local and community focus to the mix and retailers can create a winning offer. Related Links: Cenex Cenex LIFT Initiative Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our guest: Akhtar Hussain, Director of Refined Fuels Marketing, Cenex Akhtar Hussain is the director of refined fuels marketing at CHS, where he is responsible for Cenex brand marketing, retail development and retail imaging and equipment for Cenex, which has more than 1,500 convenience store locations across 19 states. In his more than 10 years at CHS, Hussain has held a number of roles including manager of petroleum equipment and manager of refined fuels marketing. A Minnesota native, he received his degree in marketing from Metropolitan State University. Kyle Knutson, CEO of Synergy Cooperative Kyle Knutson is CEO of Synergy Cooperative, a locally customer-owned cooperative located in Northwest Wisconsin. Kyle and his team run the local Cenex-branded location in Cu

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.