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
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 you have customers, you ne...
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 nationally recognized poet an...
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-house counsel since 2021. Doug also ser...
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 responders, fig...
A look at consumer survey data and industry trends that can create opportunities for convenience retailers.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
NACS Research shares exclusive insights behind preliminary 2025 industry data and what's in store for the convenience channel in 2026.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
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 and of...
Conexxus led a tour of exhibitors showcasing the emerging AI-driven and consumer-facing technologies coming to c-stores in the near future.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Ed Collupy, Innovation Facilitator, Conexxus
Ed has extensive retail systems experience in the convenience store and grocery retail channels and is currently providing facilitated group leadership, along with strategic and operational advice to retailer...
A look at the 2026 convenience store count, how it compares to previous years, regional variations and overall fueling trends.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
NACS President & CEO Frank Gleeson, NACS Chairman Emeritus & CEO International Henry Armour, and 2024-25 NACS Chairman and Special Advisor to Alimentation Couche-Tard Brian Hannasch talk about leadership and the industry's future in a panel discussion from the 2025 NACS Show.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
SNAP food restriction waivers greatly complicate how retailers comply with the program, alongside new developments that affect enforcement.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Margaret Mannion, NACS Director, Government Relations
Margaret leads federal advocacy efforts at NACS on issues including SNAP, food traceability and retail crime. Margaret joined NACS in 2019 as grassroots manager, leading initiatives like Day on the Hi...
Whether its podcasts, digital or social media, great content communicates your brand. Hear how to leverage your content and become a stronger storyteller.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Ben Nussbaum, NACS Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Ben has more than 25 years of experience in publishing, including starting USA Today's magazine program, which he grew into a multimillion-dollar-per-year business with more than 50 publication...
Henry takes us behind the scenes of our industry's biggest successes in the past 20 years, from debit swipe fee reform to enhancing the industry's image.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Henry Armour, NACS President and CEO
Henry has served as NACS president and CEO since 2005 after spending his entire career in the convenience and fuels retailing industry. On January 1, 2026, he will shift roles and lead international activ...
Henry shares the biggest focus areas that were top of mind for NACS during the past two decades.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Henry Armour, NACS President and CEO
Henry has served as NACS president and CEO since 2005 after spending his entire career in the convenience and fuel retailing industry. Beginning January 1, 2026, he will shift roles and lead international activities at NACS.
What separates a successful snack from the pack? Storytelling can be effective and important to sustaining a brand.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Jason Liebig, Brand History Expert, Television Host
Jason is a noted brand historian, consultant, television personality and speaker, known for his deep knowledge of consumer brands and behavior. In demand for his unique perspective and captivating storytelling, he's often refer...
As c-stores continue to be a preferred destination for prepared foods and beverages, retailers are paying more attention to flavors. We look at what's resonating with customers and how can different flavors -- whether "swicy" or "swalty" -- be used and combined.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Amanda Baltazar, Retail & Hospitality Journalist
Amanda is a journalist with 20-plus years of experience and expertise in foodservic...
On Jan. 1, 2026, retailers in 8 states will face SNAP Food Restriction Waivers that restrict items deemed "non nutritious. Here is what retailers need to know.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Margaret Mannion, NACS Director, Government Relations
Margaret leads federal advocacy efforts at NACS on issues including SNAP, food traceability and retail crime. Margaret joined NACS in 2019 as grassroots manager, leading initiatives...
Visa and Mastercard reached a settlement with merchants on a swipe fees class-action lawsuit. It's opposed by retail groups, including NACS.
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-house counsel since 2021. Doug also s...
The big term in retail today is "customer experience." Sometimes that's great customer service, sometimes that's something unique in the store--like hiding a speakeasy behind a fake cooler door. We talk about how to create a unique experience that works for any retail location.
Hosted by:
Jeff Lenard
About our Guest:
Tony Donatell, Owner, Farmer's Grandson Eatery
Tony founded the Minneapolis-area restaurant group Wonderous Collecti...
In part 2, we continue the convenience-focused conversation with Clerks' stars Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, talking about a range of subjects, including other movies about convenience stores.
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...
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...
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