Convenience Matters

South Louisiana is one of the best areas in the United States to find amazing food and people at the gas station. We'll talk about what we saw and ate during a recent road trip.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

About our Guest:

Stafford Shurden, creator and host of "Tailgate Gas Station Review"

A "serial entrepreneur," Stafford currently is a farmer (president of Stafford Shurden Farms), restauranteur (proprietor of Stafford's on Main) and oversees a media company (founder of Shurden Media). He is the creator and host of the video series "Tailgate Gas Station Review."

For nearly two decades, NACS has surveyed consumers to gain their insights on convenience stores, gasoline prices and the economy. This year's results show a lot of angst, but there are opportunities for retailers to engage their customers.

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 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.

"Good is the enemy of great" is a phrase many have heard, but can the same be said about comfort? Is it the enemy of progress and success?

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Sterling Hawkins, Founder, Sterling Hawkins Group

Sterling is an internationally recognized thought leader and is a top-rated keynote speaker on the #NoMatterWhat approach to driving growth innovation and results, regardless of what's happening in the world.

Fuel releases from underground storage tanks (UST) don't rank among the most common causes of UST compliance violations. Oftentimes, it's improper paperwork that can lead to fines and negative publicity.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and John Eichberger

About our Guest:

Clay Moore, Senior Director of Product, Leighton O'Brien

Clay has more than 30 years of experience in software development, including 13 years in the downstream petroleum industry.

Martial arts legend Renzo Gracie famously said, "My ego is my enemy, and my opponent is my teacher." We're exploring how his words and martial arts translate to running a successful business.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

About our Guest:

Lisa Dell'Alba, President and CEO of Square One Markets Inc.

Lisa is president and CEO of Square One Markets Inc., a family owned, seven-store convenience and fuel retail chain based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The company also operates a fuel distribution company, Keystone Fuels. She entered the convenience in 2004, joining her father's company as the human resources coordinator. Lisa serves on the NACS Board of Directors and is a member of the NACS Executive Committee.

Today's workforce is feeling less inspired than ever before. With only 21% of employees actually engaged with their work, we're exploring why people have checked out mentally on the job.

Related Links:

ADDO

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

About our Guests:

Kevin Paul Scott, Co-Founder, ADDO Worldwide

Kevin co-founded the leadership consultancy ADDO, which is Latin for "Inspire." For multiple years, ADDO was the #1 Small Business on the Best Places to Work list in Atlanta. He and his team at ADDO have helped organizations like Chick-fil-A and Coca-Cola fuel success by leveraging the three indispensable ingredients of inspiration.

If it powers a vehicle, the Fuels Institute researches it, reports on it and gives the facts to industry stakeholders, including legislators. Hear how the Fuels Institute has changed the transportation fuels narrative during the past decade.

Related Links:

Fuels Institute

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

John Eichberger, Executive Director, Fuels Institute

John leads the Fuels Institute, a nonprofit, independent think tank founded in 2013 and managed by NACS. Prior to the Fuels Institute, he served more than 14 years at NACS as vice president of government relations and as the director of motor fuels. He oversaw advocacy operations and represented the convenience and fuel retailing industry before the media and federal government. With decades of experience, Eichberger is a recognized and go-to expert on fuels and fuel retailing.

Whether customers come to Wakepoint LBJ by car or boat, this convenience store is a destination for enjoying live music, festivals or Sunday gospel services.

Related Links:

Ideas 2 Go: Wakepoint LBJ

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guests:

Scott Westlund, Owner, Wakepoint LBJ

Scott is the owner of Wakepoint LBJ, a sprawling business operation on Lake LBJ that includes two convenience stores, foodservice and fueling—among other offers. He also is a managing partner and accredited personal injury attorney at Ketterman Rowland & Westlund, known as KRW Lawyers throughout Texas.

Jody Bowers, CFO, Wakepoint LBJ

In addition to serving as chief financial officer of Wakepoint LBJ, Jody also is president of Axiom Business Advisors LLC, which helps clients develop and manage their business or real estate project.

Each year the annual State of the Union address sets the stage for the next Congress. From electric vehicles to "junk" taxes, President Biden laid out his agenda. How will it affect convenience stores?

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

About our Guest:

Doug Kantor, General Counsel, NACS

Doug joined NACS in May 2021 after serving as a partner at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where he worked with the NACS government relations team to define effective policy-based solutions on issues ranging from fuels to financial services. He has established and administered coalitions of companies and trade associations that share common legislative and regulatory objectives, including the Merchants Payments Coalition and its work to reform credit and debit card swipe fees.

Store managers have a significant impact on hiring and retaining great people. Hear how one retailer is coaching her team so they can be at their best.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and Chris Blasinsky

About our Guest:

Annie Gauthier, CFO/Co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Company

Annie is CFO/Co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Company (dba Y-Not Stop), based in Mansura, Louisiana. A third-generation co-owner, she works with her two brothers and 300-plus team members to refuel and refresh the Louisiana communities where they operate.