Convenience Matters

Hosted by National Association of Convenience Stores

Business

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Episodes

537

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

October 26, 2026Episode 55510 min

You Never Know Who Your Light Will Reach - Episode 555

2025-26 NACS Chair Annie Gauthier delivered a compelling keynote at the Top Women in Convenience awards ceremony that took place at the 2026 NACS Show. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Annie Gauthier, 2025-26 NACS Chairman and CFO/Co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Co. LLC Annie Gauthier is CFO/Co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Co. LLC. Based in Mansura, LA, the company was founded in 1970 by Edmond St. Romain and serves as a fuel broker for a 25-dealer network, all branded Shell or unbranded. The company owns and operates 16 Y-Not Stop convenience stores.

October 12, 2026Episode 55414 min

How C-Stores Change Lives for the Better - Episode 554

At the 2026 NACS Show, NACS Chairman Lonnie McQuirter shared compelling stories about how convenience stores matter, and how they take care of their people and communities. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Lonnie McQuirter, 2026-27 NACS Chairman; Director of Operations, 36 Lyn Refuel Station Lonnie leads 36 Lyn Refuel Station, an independently owned, community-focused convenience retailing location in South Minneapolis, MN. Known for its commitment to local engagement and promoting locally made goods, 36 Lyn embodies Lonnie's passion for building strong ties with the community.

October 5, 2026Episode 55326 min

Winning Strategies for the 2026 NACS Show - Episode 553

Whether it's your first NACS Show or you're a seasoned veteran, we're sharing some tips and tricks to make sure all attendees have a fantastic experience this year in Las Vegas. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

September 28, 2026Episode 55232 min

Why Customers 'Quit' Stores - Episode 552

For most customers, it only takes two negative experiences before they stop visiting a specific c-store or QSR. While that doesn't mean they are leaving the brand, it does change the overall brand loyalty equation. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Matt Pereira, Co-founder and CEO, Seurat Analytics Matt is a co-founder and CEO of both Seurat Analytics and ChargeWonder. He published the research paper, "Same Brand, Different Store Experience."

September 14, 2026Episode 55129 min

Insights on Key Industry Jobs Benchmarks - Episode 551

A look at how employment trends are impacting c-store operators and other channels that directly compete with them, and how retailers can capitalize on these trends to improve their operations. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Chris Wise, NACS Research Analyst Chris Wise manages the NACS Talent Insights Dashboard, which provides the latest available convenience industry benchmark data in key human resource categories of compensation, turnover and benefits.

August 31, 2026Episode 55036 min

How to Define Your Digital Strategy - Episode 550

How can independent operators take advantage digital platforms or AI? We'll break down the questions to ask for finding a cost-effective solution that works for you. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Babir Sultan, CEO, FavTrip Babir is the CEO of FavTrip, which has three locations around Kansas City. The company also has a highly successful online presence, with 122,000 subscribers on YouTube alone.

August 17, 2026Episode 54927 min

Opportunities and Constraints in the Move Beyond E15 - Episode 549

How ethanol blends higher than E15 may offer benefits related to emissions reduction, octane enhancement, agricultural economic activity and energy security. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute John has more than 25 years of experience in the fuels industry, including more than a decade leading the Transportation Energy Institute (formerly known as the Fuels Institute). Prior to that, he served for 15 years as vice president of government relations at NACS, with a focus on fuels- and energy-related issues.

July 27, 2026Episode 54833 min

Tips to Set the Tone for Customer Experience - Episode 548

Findings from a NACS consumer survey point to simple ways retailers can create a vibe and make their stores places that customers choose. 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 cutting-edge quantitative, qualitative, and data analytics programs for campaigns as well as non-political clients like NACS.

July 13, 2026Episode 54728 min

On the Road With Frank Gleeson - Episode 547

NACS President & CEO Frank Gleeson shares insights from the road and what they reveal about the future of convenience retail. 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.

June 29, 2026Episode 54624 min

A First Look at Dolly Parton's New Travel Stop - Episode 546

Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop officially opened for business on June 24, a celebration of how every stop on the highway can feel a little more like home. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

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