Convenience Matters
Whether it's for food, fuel, drinks or snacks — about half of the U.S. population is at a convenience store every day. We sell 80% of the country's fuel and we are 4% of the total U.S. economy. We'll talk about what we see at stores — and what the future may hold — as long as it's convenient.
Episodes
Kevin and Jay talk about their 30-plus-year love affair with convenience stores in a freewheeling conversation that takes a few tangents.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guests:
Kevin Smith, Actor, Writer, Director
Kevin wrote and starred in the groundbreaking movie "Clerks," which centered on the interactions at a local Quick Stop convenience store. "Clerks" is often ranked as one of the best Generation X movies of all time.
Jaso...
Hemp-derived THC beverages could present opportunities for convenience retailers that already sell age-restricted products. Hear more about this growing trend.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Melissa Vonder Haar, Writer/Consultant, MelissaV Inc.
Melissa has written about the convenience retailing industry for nearly two decades and has written numerous feature articles for NACS Magazine. In addition to her work at MelissaV ...
Incoming NACS president and CEO shares his insights on leadership and the industry's bright future.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Frank Gleeson NACS President & CEO beginning January 2026
Frank is the former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and 2018-2019 NACS chairman. He will serve as the new NACS president and CEO beginning January 1, 2026, succeeding current NACS President and CEO Henry Armour. Gleeson will...
The U.S. Mint stopped producing the penny earlier this year, which has triggered a penny shortage. Find out what's happening behind the scenes and what retailers can do.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Anna Ready Blom, NACS Strategic Advisor, Government Relations
Anna serves as a policy advisor to the NACS government relations team. During her 10-plus years at NACS, she led numerous advocacy campaigns and has been recognize...
C-stores are redefining convenience within a digital ecosystem that is on their customers' phones and in their vehicles.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Stephanie Sikorski, NACS Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
Stephanie has led sophisticated marketing and community outreach campaigns for 20 years, the last 12 at NACS. She also is CEO of TruAge.
Hear how some convenience retailers are creating pop-culture moments at their stores and within their community.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Lonnie McQuirter, Director of Operations, 36 Lyn Refuel Station
Lonnie leads 36 Lyn Refuel Station, an independently owned, community-focused fuel station in South Minneapolis, MN. He is a member of the NACS Board of Directors and its Executive Committee.
The acquisition brings together elements that are growing in convenience retail: great foodservice with a neighborhood feel.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
Brands create trust, loyalty and a unique identity for businesses. Hear how some convenience stores leverage their brands to reach new and existing customers.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Amanda Baltazar, Retail & Hospitality Journalist
Amanda is a journalist and NACS Magazine contributing writer with over 20 years of experience and expertise in foodservice, beverages, restaurants/bars and overall retail. She covers ever...
Gas price continues to be top of mind with drivers, but the price per gallon is only one factor for why they select a place to purchase fuel.
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...
Over the past five years, Stafford Shurden has travelled across the South to celebrate great food for his "Gas Station Tailgate Review" program. His new book, "Meet and Three," is about his life experiences as a restaurant owner, farmer, and convenience store and gas station food connoisseur.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Stafford Shurden, creator of Gas Station Tailgate Review
Shurden is a farmer, restaurant owner and fo...
We're sharing insights from a recent road trip/market tour and the big takeaways on what's new in convenience.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Frank Beard, Convenience Retailing Expert
Frank is a Des Moines, Iowa-based marketer, speaker and writer who focuses on the convenience retailing industry. He serves as head of marketing at Rovertown, an app platform for convenience retailers.
A new Transportation Energy Institute report reveals what consumers think about the vehicle technologies and fueling options they're looking for.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
John Eichberger, Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute
John has more than 20 years of experience in the fuels industry, including more than a decade leading the Transportation Energy Institute (formerly known as the Fuels Institute). P...
Confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build. And when you build it, opportunities often can follow in both your professional and personal life.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Juan Bendaña, author and keynote speaker
Juan is an internationally recognized speaker (including at the 2024 NACS Show) who helps leaders navigate uncertainty and exponential change by developing the unwavering confidence to ...
As convenience stores continue to advance foodservice, events like the NACS Food Safety Forum are helping industry leaders address traceability, implement new technology and maintaining consumer trust.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky
About our Guest:
Evan Powell, Retail Food Protection Manager, Kwik Trip Inc.
Evan Powell is the retail food protection manager at Kwik Trip. He is a graduate of Winona State University (Bu...
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