Convenience Matters

As we kick off 2023, we're looking at emerging retail and consumer trends and ideas that convenience stores can take advantage of.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guests:

Anne-Marie Roerink, Principal, 210 Analytics LLC

Anne-Marie is principal and founder of 210 Analytics, where she specializes in quantitative and qualitative market research. She previously held research positions with the Food Marketing Institute, Green Charge Network and the American Society of Travel Agents.

Human trafficking happens every day and affects every community in the United States. More than 30,000 convenience stores have taken on this issue in their stores. Here's how you can join them and make a difference in your community.

Related Links:

Convenience Stores Against Trafficking

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Cheryl Csiky, Executive Director, IN OUR BACKYARD

Cheryl has been a leader in the fight against human trafficking since 2011. She is the executive director of IN OUR BACKYARD, a national anti-trafficking nonprofit that links arms across America in the fight against human trafficking. The group's initiative, Convenience Stores Against Trafficking, has expanded to 30,000 convenience stores and partnerships with 17 state-based convenience store associations and 184 convenience store companies.

Roughly one third of all ATMs in the United States are in convenience stores. Although ATMs offer easy access to cash and financial transactions, they can be an easy target for criminals. We're discussing how you can grow and protect your business.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

David Tente, Executive Director, USA, Canada & Americas, ATMIA (the ATM Industry Association)

David serves as the ATM industry's evangelist. He has spent the past three decades in the industry and now leads the ATMIA's largest region, overseeing all aspects related to membership, content creation and advocacy. David also serves as president of the ATM Security Association, where his responsibilities include engaging with law enforcement and coordinating the maintenance and population of its global crime database: the Crisis & Crime Management Intelligence System (CCMIS).

2022 saw gas prices top $5 and dip to under $3, driven by some factors that are still affecting the market. This year's transportation trends are lining up to affect the car you drive, how you use it and how you refuel (or recharge) it.

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.

Aaron McHugh sought balance, but instead felt defeated, more stressed and more burdened. Hear how he found a way for adventure, work, life, play, relationships, rest and finances to co-exist.

Related Link:

Aaron McHugh

Hosted by:

Chrissy Blasinsky and Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Aaron McHugh, Executive Coach & Senior Affiliate Advisor to McKinsey/Aberkyn

Aaron is an executive coach, writer, podcaster, adventurer and author of the best-selling book, "Fire Your Boss: Discover Work You Love Without Quitting Your Job." He works globally as a senior affiliate advisor to McKinsey & Co. He is mastering the art of living sustainable rhythms of work life and play.

7-Eleven's Evolution stores are a testing ground that allows customers to experience the retailer's newest innovations and products—and they are redefining the concept of convenience.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Molly Long, Vice President of Store Evolution & Design, 7-Eleven Inc.

Molly is responsible for all design-related activities associated with both the physical store as well as the customer experience inside of 7-Eleven, including new stores, remodels, platform innovation, and new store formats. She has a strong track record for leading transformational change inside the company. She founded the Store Evolution Team to transform the customer experience through laboratory stores, which are now influencing the designs and platforms for all new stores and remodel standards.

Although ESG reporting is voluntary, that is poised to shift. And it's not just for the publicly traded retailers—privately held retailers also could be affected by proposed ESG policies.

Hosted by:

John Eichberger and Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Mike Roman, Senior Fellow, Public Policy/ESG, American Council for Capital Formation

Mike has more than 40 years of global energy industry experience. In addition to his current work at the American Council for Capital Formation, he is the founder of the consultancy CertainPoint Strategies LLC and serves as a member of the Fuels Institute Board of Advisors.

Industry icon Rick Brindle shares what he's learned and what he's looking forward to as a new chapter begins on his 46-year retail industry career.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

About our Guest:

Rick Brindle, Vice President of Industry Development, Mondelēz International

Rick Brindle has a long track record of breakthrough success in the in the food and beverage consumer product goods and retailing sectors, including serving at Safeway Stores, Proctor & Gamble, Nabisco, Kraft and, most recently, Mondelēz International. He has been active at NACS serving as 2020-21 NACS Supplier Board chairman and has received numerous honors, including induction in the Candy Hall of Fame.

Spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktails have exploded in popularity over the last few years. Outdated laws keep convenience stores in many states from selling these products. In states like Texas, retailers are fighting for change.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guests:

Paul Hardin, President & CEO, Texas Food & Fuel Association

Paul Hardin, CAE, is president & CEO of Texas Food & Fuel Association. A 30-year veteran in association management, Hardin previously served as executive director and CEO of the Texas Physical Therapy Association and has led non-dues revenue programs for the country's largest state hospital and medical associations. He also is a former staff member of the Texas Grocery & Convenience Association, which merged with the Texas Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association in 2012, forming what is known today as the Texas Food & Fuel Association.

Chris Swonger, President & CEO, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Chris Swonger is president & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), the spirits industry's top advocate in the nation's capital, state capitals and foreign capitals around the globe. He also is the president & CEO of Responsibility.org, a national nonprofit funded by leading distillers to fight drunk driving and underage drinking, and promote responsible decisions about beverage alcohol.

TXB has done much more than rebrand a previous store concept: It's redefined the concept of convenience. Stores have a focus on fresh, local food and its local roots. After all, it's Texas born.

Related Link:

TXB Stores Inc.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guests:

Kevin Smartt, CEO, TXB Stores Inc.

Kevin is CEO of TXB Stores, formerly known as Kwik Chek Food Stores, a chain of approximately 50 locations across Texas and Oklahoma. He is a current member of the NACS Executive Committee and served as 2020-21 NACS chairman. He also served as chairman of Conexxus.

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.