Episodes
100
Latest episode
Apr 2025
Language
EN
Business, like life, moves fast. It's hard to keep up with the changing needs of both customers and employees. In the Culture of Convenience™ podcast, host Jeff Kahler talks with experts from a variety of industries to discuss issues related to people, processes, technology, and operations.
RTO is turning 20! Jeff and Kelly go through the history books to remember some of RTO's biggest moments, what was happening in the world during that time, and how the company became what it is today.
There's a lot going on under your feet! On this episode, Jeff and Kelly talk to Ben Thomas from UST Training to find out just what's going on with underground storage tanks: how they've changed over the years, Ben's evolving role in the industry, and what happens when things go wrong. About Ben: Ben Thomas brings to the UST industry over three decades of experience, networking and ideas to help owners and inspectors solve complex technical problems in the management of UST systems. Ben's experience goes back to 1986, when he supervised UST removals in Vermont. Between 1989 and 1995, Ben oversaw cleanup of leaking UST sites in northern Alaska. From 1995 to 2002, he ran Alaska's UST leak prevention program. Ben gained national attention for his innovative work in web page development, outreach material, financial responsibility compliance, and most notably the Alaska third party inspection program. Since leaving Alaska in 2002, Ben's principal focus has been education, training, and outreach to the nation's UST owners, operators, inspectors and technicians.
How can a company use today's digital world to their advantage? Luckily for Jeff and Kelly, they have just the expert to ask: Abbey Karel from Bounteous! In their chat with Abbey, they talk digital strategies, automation, AI and more. Plus, just how long until the tucked in sweater goes out of fashion? Listen to find out! About Abbey: As VP of Growth at Bounteous, Abbey Karel helps Consumer Brands drive digital transformation and create meaningful customer experiences that maximize growth and ROI. By aligning business goals with digital innovation, she enables brands to unlock new opportunities through strategic partnerships and co-innovation while optimizing spend. With a background in global client leadership, digital strategy, and in-store innovation, Abbey has worked with some of the world's most recognized brands to elevate customer engagement and drive measurable business impact. Prior to Bounteous, she led high-impact client relationships at Ogilvy, earning recognition as a Top-25 Global Client Leader, and played a key role in pioneering native apps and in-store digital experiences for Kohl's and JCPenney. Abbey is also a frequent speaker and thought leader, sharing insights on digital transformation, customer experience, and data-driven growth at industry events.
Do you know who the 'Missing 33%' are? In this episode, Kelly finds out in a conversation with a committee co-chair within C-Store Women and RTO's own Client Success Manager, Breeze Savage. They also discuss empowering women in the convenience industry, the secret sauce to client support and how she inspires her team on the daily. Are there any jokes made at Jeff's expense during his absence? Listen to find out!
Jeff and Kelly step into the CoC studio for one final podcast in 2024. Together, they wax nostalgic about all the great topics they've covered this year, such as AI, job perks, foodservice, coupons, and more. They also touch on what sort of convenience trends they see on the horizon in 2025.
On the latest Culture of Convenience episode, Jeff and Kelly talk with Mason Cowan, Chief Customer Officer at BandyWorks Solutions. Mason discusses how BandyWorks combines real-time data with store operations to provide feedback and recommendations to improve c-stores. Together, they discuss the who, what, why, and how of that process!
Dallas Wells, VP of Food Services and Training at High's of Baltimore, was in the studio with Jeff to talk about running a successful food service in his stores. How he rolls out LTOs, the leadership he looks for to make stores successful, and his philosophy on when you should try new things are all in this episode of the Culture of Convenience!
The NACS Show is vast - how can you properly take advantage of it? Look no further than this episode for answers, as Jeff Lenard breaks down how to make the most of the NACS Show. Who to visit, what to look out for, and how to benefit from the personnel are all covered in Episode 135! About Our Guest: Jeff Lenard is the VP of Strategic Industry Initiatives for the National Association of Convenience Stores. He also hosts the Convenience Matters Podcast. Jeff is passionate about retail and all things convenience.
On this episode, PFMA President Alex Baloga brings insights on the Medical Nutrition Act, how "zero food waste" really works, and where retail's headed in the next 5 years in his interview with Jeff Kahler. PFMA is a supportive network of retailers in PA advocating together to achieve goals and make the whole industry stronger. About Our Guest: Alex Baloga has been serving as President and CEO of PFMA since 2017, after serving as Vice President of External Relations. He has experience in politics, serving US Senator Bob Casey in a past campaign and in his Government Office. He currently sits on the Food Industry Association Executives (FIAE) Board of Directors, the Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association Board of Directors, and the NACS Legislative Committee. At PFMA, he leads government relation efforts at local, state, and federal levels.
Using aboveground tanks for fuel storage is a polarizing topic, but for guests Ethan Henderson and Cameron Hogan from Major Oil, it's what they do best. Portable convenience stores, saving communities, and bringing convenience to the outer regions of the world are just some of the topics we get into today on the Culture of Convenience. About Our Guest: Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Major Oil LLC is marked by innovation, unwavering commitment, and a forward-thinking vision for a smarter energy climate. In response to the demand for fuel, real estate limitations in growing communities, alternative energy, and the increased demand for automated and seamless shopping experiences, Major Oil LLC will deploy its Hybrid Energy Stations throughout the United States to meet these demands and challenges.
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