Opportunities and Constraints in the Move Beyond E15 - Episode 549
Release Date: 08/17/2026
Insights on Key Industry Jobs Benchmarks - Episode 551
Convenience Matters
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.
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How to Define Your Digital Strategy - Episode 550
Convenience Matters
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.
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Opportunities and Constraints in the Move Beyond E15 - Episode 549
Convenience Matters
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.
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Tips to Set the Tone for Customer Experience - Episode 548
Convenience Matters
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.
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On the Road With Frank Gleeson - Episode 547
Convenience Matters
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.
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A First Look at Dolly Parton's New Travel Stop - Episode 546
Convenience Matters
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
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Oil Markets After Iran: What Comes Next? - Episode 545
Convenience Matters
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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Building Trust in Your Food Program - Episode 544
Convenience Matters
Convenience stores are one of the fastest-growing channels for high-quality and fresh food. Hear insights on how to build and maintain customer trust in your foodservice offers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Amy Costello, Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Casey’s Amy oversees all facets of food safety for Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey’s, including regulatory compliance and food safety programs for supply chain, distribution, transportation and retail operations. She served as moderator for the 2026 NACS Food Safety Forum.
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C-Stores Lead the Fight Against Human Trafficking - Episode 543
Convenience Matters
The convenience store industry has become known for its support of anti-human-trafficking efforts. Hear more on how you can join the cause. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Chris Elliott, Executive Director, BPAMA In 2025, Chris was appointed as the executive director of BPAMA, a not-for-profit trade association representing bp-branded marketers and BP. Previously, he spent 36 years with bp and Amoco, with assignments spanning both the sales and marketing sectors. Cheryl Csiky, Executive Director, In Our Backyard Cheryl is the executive director of In Our Backyard, a national...
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How AI Exposes Hidden Costs and Shrink - Episode 542
Convenience Matters
Higher gas prices make theft and inventory mismanagement even costlier. This episode shares how AI can help reduce shrink and tighten inventory control. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: James Hervey, EVP and Head of Petroleum and Convenience, Verifone James has been in the convenience retail industry for more than two decades, including the past 11 years at Verifone where he has helped lead market development and product marketing. He previously worked at NACS and Radiant Systems.
info_outlineHow 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.