Convenience Matters

Cubby's is a convenience store chain that has developed an innovative approach to connecting with employees: a company-wide podcast. The episodes allow leaders to talk about the "why" behind operations in a format that can be consumed on the go.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guests:

De Lone Wilson, President, Cubby's Inc.

De Lone joined Cubby's ten years ago as vice president of operations. He has served as president since 2014. Prior to joining Cubby's, De Lone was senior vice president of Payment Alliance International and president of NetBank.

Mike Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, Cubby's Inc.

Mike has been in the convenience retailing industry for two decades. He has been as COO for Cubby's since 2021. Prior to that, he was COO for Holmes Company, regional vice president for CEFCO Convenience Stores and divisional director for The Pantry.

The best solutions to solve transportation challenges are those that are customized for the customers being served. That's a session description from the recent Transportation Energy Institute (formerly known as the Fuels Institute) conference, but more broadly describes the group's past ten years, as well as its future.

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). 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.

24/7 Day, held every July 24, is the industry's chance to celebrate what it means to communities. Last year more than 30,000 stores participated. Find out how you can join them in 2023—and how it can help your business.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Anna Felz, Director of Brand Management, TXB Stores Inc.

Anna has been at TXB since 2019 and oversees all elements of brand management for the company. She previously served as marketing director for Sprint Food Stores, based in Augusta, GA, and was the senior marketing executive for Ocozzio marketing firm, also based in Augusta. Anna earned a degree in public relations and communications from the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. She also serves as a group fitness and yoga instructor.

With the summer drive season officially underway, we look at survey results that show what specific consumer needs inside the store drive the most consumer engagement and purchases.

With special guest:

Adam Rosenblatt, Founding Partner, Bold Decision

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.

What makes one fuel retailer more efficient than others? An analysis of the top brands reveals what the winning brands have in common—and where they differ.

With special guests:

Brian Norris, Executive Director of Retail Fuels, OPIS and Keith Reid, Editorial Director, Fuels Market News

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guests:

Brian Norris, Executive Director of Retail Fuels, OPIS

Brian joined OPIS in 2005, working in a variety of sales and marketing roles before joining the OPIS Retail division. Over the last 12 years, Brian focus has been ensuring the accuracy and integrity of OPIS retail pricing, margin, market share, and volume data and helping develop the suite of OPIS Retail analytics products. He graduated from Washington College with a degree in business management.

Keith Reid, Editorial Director, Fuels Market News

Keith has covered the fuels retailing industry for more than 20 years. In 2013, he helped found FMN Media LLC, a multifaceted digital and print media company that focuses on the needs of petroleum marketers, retailers and commercial fuel buyers. The company was acquired by NACS in 2020.

When hurricanes strike, convenience stores are often the last to close before the storm—and the first to reopen. It's during these tough times that c-stores truly show how they support the communities they serve during and after times of crisis.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Al Hebert, Founder, Gas Station Gourmet

Al knows convenience stores. He created Gas Station Gourmet in 2007 and has been writing a column for NACS Magazine since 2011. When Al is not enjoying a great burger or fried chicken at a local convenience store, you can find him on News 15 KADN-TV in Lafayette, Louisiana.

In 2022, inflation was at a 40-year high, gasoline prices were climbing and both the supply chain and labor market were a mess. The climate has improved, but for how long? What will today's economic indicators mean for convenience store operators in 2023?

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

John Benson, Partner, AlixPartners

John was a featured speaker at the 2022 and 2023 NACS State of the Industry Summit. He has successfully led organizations to increased value through strategic and operational initiatives in a broad range of industries including convenience stores, travel centers, restaurants and consumer packaged goods.

Foodservice and inside sales helped propel convenience stores to record sales in 2022. We're giving you exclusive insights on what drove the industry's strong performance and the headwinds going forward.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

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.

There are more than 1 million convenience stores across the globe. Here's a look at sales trends in 2022 across 5 global regions and the underlying causes.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Jason Zelinski, Client Director, Convenience and Growth Accounts, NIQ

Jason leads strategic planning, end-to-end client engagement, revenue management and, most importantly, client satisfaction of the largest convenience retailers in the United States.

From locally sourced products to EV charging, 36 Lyn Refuel Station in Minneapolis makes a positive difference in its community.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

About our Guest:

Lonnie McQuirter, Director of Operations, 36 Lyn Refuel Station

Lonnie operates 36 Lyn Refuel Station, an independently owned, community-focused refueling station in Minneapolis. He is a member of the NACS Board of Directors.