Convenience Matters

We examine what may come next for petroleum markets as hostilities in the Middle East appear to ease, as well as the longer-term implications.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:
John Eichberger, Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute
John has 25 years of experience in the fuels industry, including more than a decade leading the Transportation Energy Institute. Prior to that, he served for 15 y...

Convenience stores are one of the fastest-growing channels for high-quality and fresh food. Hear insights on how to build and maintain customer trust in your foodservice offers.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:
Amy Costello, Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Casey's
Amy oversees all facets of food safety for Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey's, including regulatory compliance and food safety progra...

The convenience store industry has become known for its support of anti-human-trafficking efforts. Hear more on how you can join the cause.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
 
About our Guests:
Chris Elliott, Executive Director, BPAMA
In 2025, Chris was appointed as the executive director of BPAMA, a not-for-profit trade association representing bp-branded marketers and BP. Previously, he spent 36 years with ...

Higher gas prices make theft and inventory mismanagement even costlier. This episode shares how AI can help reduce shrink and tighten inventory control.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:
James Hervey, EVP and Head of Petroleum and Convenience, Verifone
James has been in the convenience retail industry for more than two decades, including the past 11 years at Verifone where he has helped lead market develo...

The U.S. economy remains resilient, driven by consumer spending, jobs and AI. We examine what's sustaining it, and what could change.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:
Thomas Weinandy, Principal Research Economist, Upside
Dr. Weinandy studies consumer spending patterns and the broader forces shaping today's economy and provides clear, data-driven perspectives on inflation, consumer behavior and the challe...

We look at the big industry numbers and trends discussed at the 2026 NACS State of the Industry Summit -- and how they could impact your business.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard, NACS Vice President of Media & Strategic Communications
Jeff leads the association's industry-wide external communications campaigns to advance the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the commu...

A recent NACS consumer survey looks at broad gas purchasing trends, including when and where consumers decide to refuel.

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 cu...

Hear more as we talk about what $4.00 gas means for the convenience retail and transportation industries now and in the coming months.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:
John Eichberger, Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute
John has 25 years of experience in the fuels industry, including more than a decade leading the Transportation Energy Institute (formerly known as the Fuels Institute). P...

Frank Gleeson shares his insights on the future of foodservice, technology, and advocacy at NACS and within the convenience retail industry.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:
Frank Gleeson, NACS President & CEO
Frank became president and CEO of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) on January 1, 2026, succeeding Henry Armour. He is the fourth person to lead NACS in its 65-year history.

Industry expert Denton Cinquegrana adds context to turbulent times within the petroleum industry.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:
Denton Cinquegrana, Chief Oil Analyst, OPIS
Denton has been with OPIS since 2001 and serves as the chief oil analyst, responsible for the day-to-day operations of OPIS' news and analysis division. In his role, he also provides big-picture views on topics from supply and deman...

In a sea of sameness, cultivating an exceptional customer experience can turn your customers into loyal superfans.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:
Brittany Hodak, Customer Experience Expert
Brittany is an award-winning author, entrepreneur and customer experience expert who helps businesses turn customers into superfans. When her debut book, Creating Superfans, was released, Forbes declared: "If yo...

Tucker Bryant shares how the creative mindset that drives poets can also unlock modern leadership.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:
Tucker Bryant: Poet & Innovation Keynote Speaker
After years at Stanford and Google, Tucker Bryant uncovered a surprising truth: the skills that fuel world-class innovation aren't confined to the boardroom—they're also found in the mindset of a poet. Today, he is a...

We break down the industry specific issues President Trump addressed—and those he didn't—and what it all means for convenience retailers.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:
Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel
Doug has served as legal counsel for NACS for more than 20 years, originally as a partner with the law firms Collier Shannon Scott PLLC and Steptoe & Johnson LLP. He has been NACS in-hou...

The NACS Foundation launched a new campaign that reinforces the importance of convenience stores in the communities they serve.

Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:
Kevin O'Connell, Executive Director, NACS Foundation
Kevin leads the NACS Foundation and collaborates with industry stakeholders to develop signature programs that align with NACS members' philanthropic priorities, which overall focus on serving first res...