Convenience Matters

AAA forecasts 34.4 million Americans will travel by car for the 2021 Memorial Day holiday weekend. How can convenience retailers prepare travelers for their safe return to the road? Related Links: AAA AAA Newsroom Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Andrew Gross, Public Relations Manager, AAA National Andrew manages media relations for AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety and Public Affairs, including communications and PR campaigns. He joined AAA in January 2020 after a three-decade career in journalism, most of which as a multiple Emmy-winning producer for NBC News in Washington, DC. While with NBC, Andrew covered a wide range of topics, including the economy, war, terrorism, politics, and breaking news. Before NBC, he worked at ABC News and the Tampa Tribune. Andrew holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Grinnell College

The U.S. charging infrastructure is ramping up to keep up with EV owner demand. This innovative solution put charging in the hands of car owners...conveniently, of course. Related Links: Spark Charge Fuels Institute EV Market Regulatory Report Carpool Chats Episode #23: Charging on the Run Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Joshua Aviv, Founder/CEO, SparkCharge Joshua is a certified Data Scientist and the Founder & CEO of SparkCharge. His experience in entrepreneurship and startups spans over 6 years and he is a dynamic figure in the cleantech community. Joshua is also the most recent winner of the world’s largest pitch competition, 43North. Joshua holds a B.A. in Economics and a Masters Degree in Information Management and Data Science from Syracuse University.

While total industry transactions declined nearly 14% in 2020, basket sizes increased by almost 19% compared with 2019. We’re digging into those numbers to identify the opportunities retailers can activate this year and beyond. Related Links: NACS Research NACS State of the Industry Survey NACS State of the Industry Report Blog: The Why Behind Convenience Stores Previous Episodes featuring Lori Stillman: #223 The Future for Convenience is About Winning Trips #218 The Survey Says…Consumers Love Convenience Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS About our Guest: Lori Stillman, Vice President of Research, NACS Lori Stillman is Vice President of Research for NACS where she oversees the association’s research portfolio — including the NACS State of the Industry suite of products and events, the Convenience Voices Program and monthly data insights from the CSX industry database — among other programs.

Consumers are interested in a sense of fulfillment when they shop their local convenience store, whether through innovative products, store cleanliness or friendly interactions with employees. In this episode, we’re talking about how retailers can meet and exceed customer needs by incorporating modern store design. Related Links: Cenex LIFT Initiative Cenex Home Page Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Akhtar Hussain, Director of Refined Fuels Marketing, CHS 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

NACS Convenience Voices research examines data from thousands of convenience store shoppers through mobile interviews to learn about their preferences, behaviors, attitudes and purchases. Hear about opportunities retailers can capitalize on to grow sales and increase customer frequency. Related Links: NACS Convenience Voices Program Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Stephanie Sikorski, Vice President of Marketing, NACS About our Guest: Leroy Kelsey, Director of Research, NACS Leroy Kelsey is the director of research at NACS and is responsible for disseminating key industry metrics that provide NACS retail and supplier members with performance benchmarks, as well as information critical to the industry’s advocacy efforts on payment cards, motor fuels and tobacco. Prior to NACS, he spent five years with Intel and Motorola and five years with Safeway in a variety of roles in business analytics, finance and cost control. Kelsey received a BS in industrial engineering from North C

A strong brand matches colors, words, emotions, beliefs, and attitudes to earn the customers that you want most. In this episode, the author of "Your Brand Sucks: How to Ignite a Brand that Doesn't," gives tips to create and nurture a successful brand. Related Links: Ernburn Brands Your Brand Sucks: How to Ignite a Brand That Doesn't NACS Marketing Leadership Program Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS About our Guest: Ernie Harker, Brand Ignitor, Ernburn Branding Ernie Harker started a creative production studio in 1995 called 8fish, well-known for animation, video production, writing, directing and branding among ad agencies and dozens of direct clients such as Maverik, Inc., Extra Space Self Storage, Chuck Norris's Cforce water, Rocky Mountain Yeti auto group, Bountiful Mazda, Country Fair convenience stores, and more. Ernie recently published "Your Brand Sucks: How to Ignite a Brand That Doesn't" and has also written and illustrated "M

The global pandemic placed a new premium on physical health and safety and that's led to a rapid embrace of new mobile payment options. What can retailers and consumers do to ensure their own digital safety? Related Links: Conexxus Data Privacy Resources Conexxus Home Page Article: Is a Tailored Managed Fraud Service Right for Your Business? Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations, NACS About our Guests: Danny Omiliak, Senior Consultant, W. Capra Danny Omiliak is an experienced consultant with expertise in payments and retail technology, loyalty, fraud and data privacy at W. Capra. Danny also chairs the Conexxus Data Privacy Working Group. Danny graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in Business-Management Consulting and Economics. Casey Zenner, Director of Enterprise Sales, Kount Casey Zenner is the Director of Enterprise Sales for Kount, based in Boise, Idaho. Kount is a leading provider of fraud mitigation

Enough dancing around, it's time to look ahead at the future of cars because an electric reality is coming quickly - very quickly if you live in places that mandate it soon like the UK. We're talking about what the future might hold for cars, customers and travel. Related Links: The Future of the Car & Roadside Retail Shop Talk LIVE Global Convenience Store Focus Electric Vehicle Council NACS topic: Electric Vehicles NACS Convenience Summit Europe The NACS Show 2021 Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute About our Guest: Dan Munford, Executive Director, InsightResarch Dan Munford is a recognized expert on the European and international convenience and fuel retail markets. He has unrivalled knowledge of and connections into European convenience & fuel retail operators at the highest level. As Managing Director at Insight Research, Dan originated the NACS relationship that has been an important part of the Insight and N

How did gas prices get where they are in 2021 and what are some long-term implications for where gasoline demand and prices are going over the next few years? All that and more on this week's episode. Related Links: NACS Fuels Resource Center  OPIS Blog OPIS Homepage Fuels Institute Report: Proposals to Ban the Sale of Combustion Engine Vehicles Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute About our Guest: Denton Cinquegrana, Chief Oil Analyst, Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) In more than a decade with OPIS, Denton has covered nearly all markets for which OPIS has price discovery. Before being named Chief Oil Analyst, he was Executive Editor for U.S. Refined Products, overseeing day-to-day market coverage operations. During his time as a Markets Editor, his primary focus was on the heavily benchmarked U.S. West Coast. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1997 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Media.

The Colonial Pipeline transports more than 100 million gallons of fuel each day from Houston, Texas, to the New York Harbor. Hear how refined product moves across this 5,500-mile system, and how it comes back online after a disaster strikes. Related Links: Interview with Daniel Gordon, VP & Chief Commercial Officer, Colonial Pipeline Company Consumer Energy Alliance Pipelines for America How Refineries and Pipelines Resume Operations NACS Fuels Resource Center Fuels Market News Colonial Pipeline Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, The Fuels Institute and Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Daniel Gordon, VP & Chief Commercial Officer, Colonial Pipeline Company Daniel Gordon is Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer. In his role, Gordon leads Colonial’s commercial affairs functions by maximizing opportunities to grow the company and position Colonial for long-term success. Gordon brings approximately 20 years of commercial affairs experience to his

Engaging customers is something Disney and convenience stores have in common. A former Disney employee-turned-convenience retailer shares how c-store employees can delight and exceed customer expectations each day with positive experiences that build brand loyalty and repeat customers. Related Links: https://www.convenience.org/Topics/HumanResources https://www.convenience.org/events/HR-Forum https://www.convenience.org/events/HR-Executive-Circle https://www.sprintmart.com/employment/ Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Chris McKinney, Director of Human Resources, Sprint Mart With experience spanning some of the world’s most recognized and admired companies, Chris McKinney now leads Human Resources strategy and operations for a suite of companies: Victory Marketing, LLC (dba Sprint Mart), Burgers & More, Inc. and Morris Petroleum, Inc. Chris believes people are a company’s largest asset and dedicates

The Retailer Deep Dive series showcases industry leaders who are staying ahead of the ever-changing consumer and retail landscape. In this episode, Lonnie McQuirter of 36 Lyn Refuel Station shares how he relies on his NACS community to grow and how his Minneapolis community relies on him to thrive. Watch additional videos at convenience.org/36Lyn. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guest: Lonnie McQuirter, Founder, 36 Lyn Refuel Station 36 Lyn Refuel Station is a small, independently-run convenience store that specializes in providing locally sourced food to communities in South Minneapolis. Thirteen years ago, Lonnie McQuirter bought 36 Lyn Refuel station, which “was in desperate need of TLC,” embracing the challenge of turning the store into a place that provided not just gas, but healthy food and community connections.

With more people leaving their home kitchens and exploring new foods, convenience stores and restaurants are ready to re-capture customers. Mark DiDomenico of Datassential shares his insights on food and menu trends transpiring in 2021. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS About our Guest: Mark DiDomenico, Director, Customer Success, Datassential Mark DiDomenico has been following trends in the Foodservice market for 30 years, working for food manufacturers like Kellogg and Sara Lee, as well as research and insights providers like the NPD Group and Datassential. In his current role, Mark is leveraging his significant experience helping both manufacturers and retailers develop strategies and tactics to support marketing and sales activities as well as new product development and innovation.  

Although environmental, social and governance (ESG) planning is voluntary, that could change with legislative efforts to drive greater sustainability programming in the future. What does this mean for convenience retailers as they consider how and when to implement ESG planning? Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, The Fuels Institute About our Guest: Jeff Hove, Vice President, The Fuels Institute Jeff Hove recently joined The Fuels Institute to deliver objective, fact-based analysis about the transportation energy sector. The Fuels Institute is a non-advocacy research organization dedicated to studying issues affecting the vehicles and fuels markets. Prior to joining the Fuels Institute, Jeff spent more than 20 years in the transportation sector in a variety of roles, most recently as vice president of the Alternative Fuels Council, a software-based compliance project of NATSO, the national trade association focused on travel plaza and truck stop owners, focused on renewable/low carbon fuel blendi

The great penny debate continues! Although many Americans support the penny, others say the currency doesn’t make sense. Listen to our conversation with the co-directors of “Heads-Up: Will We Stop Making Cents?” for both sides of the debate. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, VP Strategic Industry Initiatives, NACS and Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS About our Guests: Zach Edick and Jamie Kovach, Directors, "Heads-Up: Will We Stop Making Cents?" Zach Edick and Jamie Kovach are a husband-and-wife filmmaking team based in Austin, Texas. The pair met in art school and have been working and creating together since. Zach has spent the last decade working as a director and cinematographer on various commercial, narrative, and music video projects. He recently co-directed “The Tacos of Texas,” a documentary mini-series produced by ITVS for PBS Digital Studios, and “Heads-Up: Will We Stop Making Cents?,” a feature documentary about coin production. Jamie received her MFA from the University of New Mexico i

The Retailer Deep Dive series showcases industry leaders who are leading the way by staying ahead of the ever-changing consumer and retail landscape. In this episode, Rachel Krupa at NYC's The Goods Mart shares some ideas that helped her business survive and thrive during the difficult year that was 2020. Watch additional videos at convenience.org/thegoodsmart. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS

From climate change to taxes, NACS lobbyists highlight some of the top industry issues already taking shape in the new 117th Congress. Hosted by: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute and Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS About our Guests: Paige Anderson, Director of Government Relations, NACS and Jon Taets, Director of Government Relations, NACS In their roles of Directors of Government Relations for NACS, Paige Anderson and Jon Taets work 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.

From electric vehicle policy to emissions regulations, what will fuel travel look like in 2021? What will the incoming Biden Administration mean for travel and for vehicle sales in the U.S.? Hosted by: Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute and John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute About our Guest: Dave Ruisard, U.S. Products Editor, Argus Media From gasoline to residual fuel oil to distillates to crude oil, David Ruisard has extensive experience in the US markets. He first became a market reporter when he joined Platts in 2001 as their US Gulf coast gasoline and distillates reporter. Before the oil markets, David was an award winning news reporter and is a proud graduate of Baylor University.

Convenience store marketers and merchandisers have to be on their toes, especially this year. We talked with the legendary Derek Gaskins on his experiences in the industry, with the pandemic and what he thinks makes the c-store industry awesome. Hosted by: Carolyn Schnare, Director Strategic Initiatives, NACS and Britt Brewer, Marketing Manager, NACS  

When it comes to food safety in convenience stores, retailers agree that it is not a competitive advantage. The host of the popular Risky or Not podcast series joins us today to talk about safe food handling practices for retailers. Hosted by: Chris Blasinsky, Content Strategist, NACS and Donovan Woods, Director of Operations, Fuels Institute