Convenience Matters

The convenience industry's foodservice future is bright thanks to its commitment to innovate. Hear how a regional distributor is working with a celebrity chef to elevate its offer.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guests:

Andrew Zimmern, Celebrity Chef

Chef Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning chef, TV personality, writer and social justice advocate. A star of cooking shows on Travel Channel, The Food Network and currently host two shows on the Magnolia Network: "Family Dinner with Andrew Zimmern" and "Family Restaurant with Andrew Zimmern, he has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food.

Michael Ray, President, Team Modern

Michael is the third-generation president of Team Modern, a family of companies headquartered in Somerset, KY. He has served on the board of the Convenience Distribution Association as well as being an active member of NACS, the Kentucky Petroleum Marketers Association and the Tennessee Fuel & Convenience Association.

Convenience stores are integral to the communities they serve—for the products they sell and how they give back. Hear how one relationship ties mobility with a local need.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guests:

Renée Power, CMO/GM Mobility Marketing North America, Shell

Renée is a natural collaborator with a track record of strong vision articulation, developing high-performing teams, and trusted partnerships. She has worked for Shell on four continents in a variety of commercial, operational, and marketing roles in retail and lubricants across the value chain.

Kristine Templin, Chief Development and Marketing Officer, Meals on Wheels America

Kristine oversees the national fundraising strategy for corporate partnerships, major donors and special events while working collaboratively with Meals on Wheels Member programs. With more than 20 years of cross-industry experience, Kristine has focused the last decade of her career on forging strategic partnerships and developing highly creative and visible consumer/cause marketing campaigns.

The April 8 solar eclipse is more than a once-in-a-lifetime event for tens of millions of Americans. It's also an opportunity for convenience stores that are in or near the path of totality.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guests:

Leah Ash, Editor/Writer, NACS

Leah joined NACS in 2023. She served in several editorial-related roles before joining NACS. Leah earned a B.A. in English from St. Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Joe Lackey, President, Indiana Grocery & Convenience Store Association

Joe has been president of the Indiana Grocery & Convenience Store Association since 1973, working closely with legislative leaders to solve member problems and concerns. Prior to that, he was active-duty military in Europe and Vietnam, then joined the National Guard and Reserve, retiring as a Colonel.

If there is one thing Americans can unite on, it's complaining about gasoline prices. NACS resources can help educate consumers about the industry and correct misperceptions.

Hosted by:

Chrissy Blasinsky and Jeff Lenard

What are your stores famous for? For HOP Shops, it's their disco bathrooms. The concept is so popular that a couple recently got married in one.

Hosted by:Jeff Lenard

About our Guests:

Ann Gilbert, Human Resources Manager & HOP Shops' Marketing Manager at Valor Oil

As marketing manager for Valor Oil, Ann is responsible for the development and supervision of all marketing and communications strategies for its HOP Shops convenience stores. She also oversees a number of human resources functions for the company.

Damon Bail, Vice President of Operations and Marketing for Valor Oil

Damon has been vice president of operations and marketing for Valor Oil for the past 5 years. Prior to that, he served in leadership roles for several c-store companies including RaceTrac, MAPCO Express and Buchanon Energy Co. (Bucky's).

There are upwards of 200 billion coupons issued in the United States every year, mostly paper. Digital coupons, called 8112s, are reshaping the coupon landscape. How can convenience retailers jump on the emerging opportunities?

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Sam Jonas, CEO & Co-Founder, nData Services

Sam is a 25-year entrepreneur with a focus in the payments industry. Today he is focused on how digital coupons will revolutionize couponing by providing high-value digital discounts directly to consumers' phones, eliminating paper coupons and not requiring a consumer to be a member of a loyalty program to receive the discount.

With increased costs and prices over the past few years, it's important for convenience retailers to communicate their offer and deliver value.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

About our Guest:

Leroy Kelsey, NACS Director, Research

As director of NACS Research, Leroy is responsible for disseminating key industry metrics that empower convenience retailer and supplier members with the ability to understand performance opportunities in the areas of financials, store operations, merchandising, shopper insights, foodservice, fuels and more.

Pick a big moment in the convenience store industry's history and John Roscoe was there. He popularized many of the huge advances we see today in our industry and shares what he thinks is the path forward.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

John Roscoe, Convenience Industry Icon

John Roscoe was named one of the 50 most influential people in the convenience store industry by Convenience Store News for good reason: He was in the room during many of the industry's critical junctures, and led conversations that greatly affected the ultimate direction of the industry.

The Big Game is the most watched event of the year and is a great forum for brands to showcase their latest offers. It's also a great forum to elevate important societal issues, like the fight against human trafficking.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Cheryl Csiky, Executive Director, IN OUR BACKYARD

Cheryl is the executive director of IN OUR BACKYARD, a national anti-trafficking nonprofit that links arms across America in the fight against human trafficking. She has been a leader in the fight against human trafficking since 2011, working from recovery to restoration and possesses expertise in many aspects of human trafficking.

The modern nicotine user is much different than a few years ago. With more options available, hear how consumer behaviors and expectations have changed.

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 Inc., she also is marketing director for iSee Store Innovations LLC.