Convenience Matters

Latest Episodes:

How C-Stores Change Lives for the Better - Episode 554 Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

At the 2026 NACS Show, NACS Chairman Lonnie McQuirter shared compelling stories about how convenience stores matter, and how they take care of their people and communities.

Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

About our Guest: Lonnie McQuirter, 2026-27 NACS Chairman; Director of Operations, 36 Lyn Refuel Station Lonnie leads 36 Lyn Refuel Station, an independently owned, community-focused convenience retailing location in South Minneapolis, MN. Known for its commitment to local engagement and promoting locally made goods, 36 Lyn embodies Lonnie's passion for building strong ties with the community.

Winning Strategies for the 2026 NACS Show - Episode 553 Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Whether it's your first NACS Show or you're a seasoned veteran, we're sharing some tips and tricks to make sure all attendees have a fantastic experience this year in Las Vegas.

Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

Why Customers 'Quit' Stores - Episode 552 Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

For most customers, it only takes two negative experiences before they stop visiting a specific c-store or QSR. While that doesn't mean they are leaving the brand, it does change the overall brand loyalty equation.

Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Matt Pereira, Co-founder and CEO, Seurat Analytics Matt is a co-founder and CEO of both Seurat Analytics and ChargeWonder. He published the research paper, "Same Brand, Different Store Experience."

Insights on Key Industry Jobs Benchmarks - Episode 551 Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

A look at how employment trends are impacting c-store operators and other channels that directly compete with them, and how retailers can capitalize on these trends to improve their operations.

Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Chris Wise, NACS Research Analyst Chris Wise manages the NACS Talent Insights Dashboard, which provides the latest available convenience industry benchmark data in key human resource categories of compensation, turnover and benefits.

How to Define Your Digital Strategy - Episode 550 Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

How can independent operators take advantage digital platforms or AI? We'll break down the questions to ask for finding a cost-effective solution that works for you.

Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Babir Sultan, CEO, FavTrip Babir is the CEO of FavTrip, which has three locations around Kansas City. The company also has a highly successful online presence, with 122,000 subscribers on YouTube alone.

Opportunities and Constraints in the Move Beyond E15 - Episode 549 Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

How ethanol blends higher than E15 may offer benefits related to emissions reduction, octane enhancement, agricultural economic activity and energy security.

Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

About our Guest: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute John has more than 25 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.

Tips to Set the Tone for Customer Experience - Episode 548 Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Findings from a NACS consumer survey point to simple ways retailers can create a vibe and make their stores places that customers choose.

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.

On the Road With Frank Gleeson - Episode 547 Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

NACS President & CEO Frank Gleeson shares insights from the road and what they reveal about the future of convenience retail.

Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Frank Gleeson, NACS President & CEO Frank became president and CEO of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) on January 1, 2026, succeeding Henry Armour. He is the fourth person to lead NACS in its 65-year history.

A First Look at Dolly Parton's New Travel Stop - Episode 546 Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop officially opened for business on June 24, a celebration of how every stop on the highway can feel a little more like home. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

Oil Markets After Iran: What Comes Next? - Episode 545 Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

We examine what may come next for petroleum markets as hostilities in the Middle East appear to ease, as well as the longer-term implications.

Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute John has 25 years of experience in the fuels industry, including more than a decade leading the Transportation Energy 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.

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