Culture of Convenience
Business, like life, moves fast. It’s hard to keep up with the changing needs of both customers and employees. In the Culture of Convenience™ podcast, host Jeff Kahler talks with experts from a variety of industries to discuss issues related to people, processes, technology, and operations.
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Episode 0131 | RaceTrac: Protecting Assets, Protecting People
05/28/2024
Episode 0131 | RaceTrac: Protecting Assets, Protecting People
With over 550 stores, RaceTrac is leading the charge with learning strategies and asset protection. Jeff Kahler sits down with Kelly Harrington, Director of Asset Protection, and the learning design team, Jackie Keaton and Brandon Christopher Bass, to discuss how the large chain operators overcome obstacles and maintain strong safety culture. About Our Guest: Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, RaceTrac is a third-generation, family-owned company that is comprised of four operating divisions: RaceTrac, RaceWay, Energy Dispatch, and Metroplex Energy. RaceTrac owns and operates more than 550 RaceTrac convenience store locations across seven southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. RaceTrac also owns more than 200 RaceWay stores in 12 states across the Southeast.
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Episode 0130 | Coupons in Convenience
05/14/2024
Episode 0130 | Coupons in Convenience
Until 2019 coupons were made from paper. With digital coupons entering the scene things are about to change - even in convenience stores. What impact will this have on the industry? Producer Kelly sits down with the Coupon Bureau's Brett Watson to get to the info. About Our Guest: At The Coupon Bureau, Brett Watson is leading the charge, with the support of an incredible team, to revolutionize the coupon industry with Universal Coupons. As CEO, she drives both strategic direction and tactical execution, ensuring our vision becomes reality. Working closely with industry stakeholders, Brett helps to shape Universal Coupons to meet the ever-evolving needs of the market. Partner communication and management are key, and she's delighted have the opportunity to develop and nurture relationships critical to our success. But it's not just about the product; it's about our culture. Brett fosters an environment of collaboration and empowerment. Having an empowered team is critical to the daily work it takes to make fast and effective decisions to drive the adoption of Universal Coupons. And yes, being a start-up CEO means do more than lead. From strategic planning to occasionally taking out the trash, Brett Watson is dedicated to propelling The Coupon Bureau forward in their mission to transform the coupon industry.
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Episode 0129 | Turning Leaders into Shift Leaders: Interview with Bob Duprey (from Restaurant Playbooks)
04/23/2024
Episode 0129 | Turning Leaders into Shift Leaders: Interview with Bob Duprey (from Restaurant Playbooks)
Bob Duprey is no stranger to creating consistent training systems. In this interview, Jeff Kahler explores how shift leaders can really elevate restaurant service, especially in quick service restaurants (QSRs)! Bob and Jeff also dive into Shift Leader Playbook, the newest course from Restaurant Playbooks. About Our Guest: For the last 20 years, Bob Duprey has worked with Fortune 500 clients to develop custom eLearning solutions. As the founder of Restaurant Playbooks, he formed a team of passionate pros with proven expertise in the restaurant industry, and Learning & Development. Bob's goal is to create engaging eLearning experiences that develop behaviors and deliver results.
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Episode 0128 | Comebacks Don't Happen Overnight: Interview with Stephanie Stuckey
03/26/2024
Episode 0128 | Comebacks Don't Happen Overnight: Interview with Stephanie Stuckey
Besides bringing her family business out of the red, Stephanie Stuckey has built a team and marketed her brand, all while completely re-inventing herself in a matter of a couple years. Hear her secrets and strategies in this episode! About Our Guest: Stephanie Stuckey, CEO and Chair of Stuckey's Corporation, has been on a path to revive her family's company and brand since purchasing it in 2019. Stephanie is the author of UnStuck: Rebirth of an American Icon, coming out April 2, 2024, where she details her experiences with the business and shares insights and strategies she has used along the way.
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Episode 0127 | Create the Work Culture You Want: Interview With Steve Seymour
02/20/2024
Episode 0127 | Create the Work Culture You Want: Interview With Steve Seymour
Recruiting and Retaining advice abounds in our interview with Steve Seymour, author of 100 Ideas to Improve the Workplace. Steve lays out practical - and some out of the box ideas - to not only create a winning team but keep them in your organization. Hint: Treat people the way you want to be treated, but also do this one thing ... Find out more in this episode! About Our Guest: Steve Seymour is the Director of Personnel Training & Development at Country Fair, Inc., a chain of 72 convenience stores throughout Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. In 2019 and 2021, Country Fair, Inc. was named one of America's Best-In-State Employers by Forbes Magazine. Steve has 30+ years of experience in HR and is passionate about creating a positive work culture that improves employee morale and retention. He is the author of , which was published in 2023. All proceeds of the book will be donated to , a charity that Steve actively supports.
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Episode 0126 | AI in Convenience: An Interview with Susan Sly
01/30/2024
Episode 0126 | AI in Convenience: An Interview with Susan Sly
AI is all the rage these days, but how exactly will it benefit c-stores? On this week's podcast we talk to Susan Sly, CEO of The Pause Technologies and Top Women in AI Finalist, to get her take on how AI can help businesses, employees, and the customer. What's your take on AI? Did this episode change your mind? We'd love to know! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: or email .
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Episode 0125 | Season 11 Recap: Taking Questions
10/31/2023
Episode 0125 | Season 11 Recap: Taking Questions
It's time for another end-of-season recap! This week Jeff Kahler is tackling the burning questions our listeners sent in during Season 11. Airplane etiquette, "beige flags" in business, working with family; all these and more discussed in this episode. What was your favorite moment from Season 11? We'd love to know! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0124 | An Interview with Frank Beard
10/10/2023
Episode 0124 | An Interview with Frank Beard
In 2016, Frank Beard spent 30 days eating exclusively at convenience stores – breakfast lunch and dinner. Ever since then, Frank has been extremely passionate about convenience stores. In this info-packed episode, Jeff Kahler speaks with Frank about his cstore diet, EV charging stations, autonomous check-out, and measuring success. What is your go-to convenience store food order? We want to know! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0123 | An Interview with Lonnie McQuirter
09/26/2023
Episode 0123 | An Interview with Lonnie McQuirter
Jeff Kahler is a champion for single store operators – he not only relates to them, but he loves to support their businesses. In this episode one of those operators, Lonnie McQuirter, breaks down what separates him from big competition and provides a sneak peek at what advice he'll be giving suppliers at the NACS Show! We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0122 | An Interview with Lisa Dell Alba
09/19/2023
Episode 0122 | An Interview with Lisa Dell Alba
In this episode of the Culture of Convenience, Jeff Kahler interviews Lisa Dell Alba, President and CEO of Square One Markets! Lisa shares her insights on family businesses, supplier relations, and overcoming anything that stands in her way. We love hearing from our listeners! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0121 | Top 10 Reasons to See Us at NACS
09/12/2023
Episode 0121 | Top 10 Reasons to See Us at NACS
We're counting down to the NACS Show, one of the biggest events in convenience retailing! In this episode, Jeff Kahler shares the top ten reasons—plus a few extras—why you should stop by and visit Ready Training Online at booth B3749! (And some of these may be pretty shocking!) Have you ever attended the NACS Show? What do you usually look forward to the most? We want to know! Visit https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0120 | Do Not Stay at Mediocre
09/05/2023
Episode 0120 | Do Not Stay at Mediocre
Everyone has some part of their life that's mediocre, but their career doesn't need to be! In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler explains how the concept of “Gears to Your Career” can be used to energize and inspire people in the workplace by providing their very own career path. How do you avoid workplace complacency? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0119 | Displaced by AI
08/29/2023
Episode 0119 | Displaced by AI
AI has been in the news a lot lately, but what does that mean for you professionally? In this episode, Jeff Kahler discusses the top 10 jobs he believes could be displaced by AI, along with options on how to either embrace it, or work around it. How do you think AI will be used in the workplace? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0118 | Scars We Think Others Can See
08/15/2023
Episode 0118 | Scars We Think Others Can See
No person on this planet is exempt from insecurities; but how do we show up at work without bringing them along? In this episode, Jeff Kahler speaks candidly about his insecurities and offers advice on how you can overcome your own insecurities to make an impact on the job. How do you deal with insecurities? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0117 | Strength Follower: Dedication
08/08/2023
Episode 0117 | Strength Follower: Dedication
This week, we're spotlighting Angel Bui, RTO's UX/UI designer! Listen as she shares how dedication has helped her through life as well as how her parents, Vietnamese immigrants, inspired her to be successful in not only in programming, but everything she does. What does dedication look like to you? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0116 | Hearing But Not Listening: The HUBS Origin Story
08/01/2023
Episode 0116 | Hearing But Not Listening: The HUBS Origin Story
"Data is important. But data, just like anything else, can be overwhelming if there is too much to sort through. Jeff Kahler had his own vision for building the best data reporting features in his software platform; unfortunately he was not listening to what his customers were saying they needed. He finally started listening, and HUBS was born. In this episode, find out what can be accomplished when you stop doing and start listening. How has listening to customers helped improve your business? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected]."
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Episode 0115 | Getting Into the Nitty Gritty: Season 10 Recap
07/25/2023
Episode 0115 | Getting Into the Nitty Gritty: Season 10 Recap
Going broke, becoming servants to AI, and rage cleaning are all topics that YOU, our listeners, wanted to discuss. Don't miss this episode, where Jeff Kahler shares his wisdom and wit on these situations and more! Think you have better advice? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0114 | Strength Follower: Curiosity
06/27/2023
Episode 0114 | Strength Follower: Curiosity
Curiosity requires you to seek out answers beyond yourself. Sandy Williams-Brown's curiosity sets her ahead when it comes to social media and content marketing at RTO. She's curious on the job and with her various roles in life, making her a good advocate, partner and mother. What does curiosity look like to you? Share your thoughts in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0113 | Strength Follower: Adaptability
06/20/2023
Episode 0113 | Strength Follower: Adaptability
It's important to communicate and get along with people, but you also have to know how to adapt to truly get the best out of your audience. In this episode, Flavia Chiquita, Senior Content Supervisor at MotionGlass Studios, discusses her career path and how that brought her to where she is now. What does adaptability look like to you? Share your thoughts in the comments at: or email .
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Episode 0112 | Strength Follower: Grit
06/13/2023
Episode 0112 | Strength Follower: Grit
Courage, resolve, and strength of character is how we define Grit. But what does it look like lived out? In Episode 112, Video Specialist Steve Witmer discusses how that word shaped his life and career, along with how he brings grit to his video production skills at MotionGlass Studios. What does grit look like to you? Share your thoughts in the comments at: or email .
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Episode 0111 | Strength Follower: Trend Spotting
06/06/2023
Episode 0111 | Strength Follower: Trend Spotting
Can you spot trends and tell how long they'll last? Understanding the life cycle of design trends is not always an easy task, but this week's special guest knows a little about creating websites that get attention. In this episode Producer Kelly sits down with Ready Training Online's Web Designer, Justin Watson, to discuss how noticing trends has always been a part of his life, and how he utilizes that strength at RTO. How does your business utilize trends? We want to know! Share in the comments at: or email .
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Episode 0110 | WTF: Where's the Future?
06/01/2023
Episode 0110 | WTF: Where's the Future?
With advances in technology, the business landscape is constantly evolving. While we can't completely predict the future, we can look at trends to estimate the direction of change, and knowing where the future is headed is the best way to determine what you should be focusing on now. In this episode, Jeff Kahler discusses AI, human employees, technology, and how to up your game for the future so your organization stays relevant. How is your organization preparing for the future? Share in the comments at: or email .
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Episode 0109 | WTF (Where's the Friction?!?): Rust Out - It's Not Burn Out!
05/30/2023
Episode 0109 | WTF (Where's the Friction?!?): Rust Out - It's Not Burn Out!
Are you feeling underutilized at work? Do you have talents that aren't being noticed? Do you feel like you could be doing more, but no one is giving you the responsibility? If so, you could be experiencing "rust out." In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler discusses the symptoms of rust out, and what you can do about it, because after rust out comes drop out, and we don't want that! Have you successfully combatted rust out in your organization? Share your story in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email [email protected].
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Episode 0108 | WTF (Where's the Friction?!?): Toxic Workplaces
05/23/2023
Episode 0108 | WTF (Where's the Friction?!?): Toxic Workplaces
Toxic workplaces will literally destroy your mood, your productivity, and even your life. In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler and Producer Kelly take an in-depth look at toxic workplaces – how to identify the source of the toxicity and what you can do about it. Have you had experience with a toxic workplace? We want to hear it! Share your story in the comments at: or email .
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Episode 0107 | WTF (Where's the Friction?!?): Work Ethic and Integrity
05/16/2023
Episode 0107 | WTF (Where's the Friction?!?): Work Ethic and Integrity
When it comes to hiring, how do you judge whether a candidate has a stellar work ethic and integrity? In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler asks his friend, mentor, and coach, Steve Goble, to discuss how to find these people - and better yet, how to be one. How do you determine work ethic and integrity in your new hires? We want to know! Discuss in the comments at: .
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Episode 0106 | Sidekick Launch: Here To Help
05/09/2023
Episode 0106 | Sidekick Launch: Here To Help
Introducing Sidekick! trainingGrid® will soon have their very own support dog to assist users. Customer support is the backbone of any organization who values the customer experience, and this week, Support Manager Mike Singer joins Jeff and Producer Kelly to explain how Sidekick can help users within the LMS. And just because we love dogs, Jeff also interviews Lori and Jennifer, who help train "sidekicks" in the community--because support can come in all shapes and sizes! Do you have a best or worst experience in customer service you would like to share? We want to hear it! Discuss in the comments at: .
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Episode 0105 | Too Happy at Work?! Season 9 Recap!
04/25/2023
Episode 0105 | Too Happy at Work?! Season 9 Recap!
It's already time for our season 9 recap and our listeners have sent in some of their most interesting work situations. From accusations of being too happy at work, to missing floor squeegees, to Darth Vader entering a meeting, Jeff Kahler is offering his best advice for each scenario. Do you agree with Jeff? What would you do in these situations? We want to know! Email us at [email protected] or discuss in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/.
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Episode 0104 | Power Employees: What It Takes To Move Up the Ranks!
04/18/2023
Episode 0104 | Power Employees: What It Takes To Move Up the Ranks!
What does it take to be a power employee? This week Producer Kelly puts Tom Hart, RTO's Director of Business Development and convenience industry whiz kid, into the hot seat. In this episode they discuss the amazing job opportunities available convenience and Tom gives a lot of credit to the role mentorship plays in becoming a power employee. What qualities make up a power employee? Discuss in the comments at: .
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Episode 0103 | App Chat: Using Cell Phones at Work, for Work!
04/11/2023
Episode 0103 | App Chat: Using Cell Phones at Work, for Work!
trainingGrid® is launching their very own app! This couldn't happen without a lot of planning and careful consideration. In this episode, Jeff Kahler discusses everything that had to be taken into account while developing the app. Just because something is a good idea, that doesn't mean it's a good idea for everyone - and just because you CAN do something to help your customers, doesn't mean it WILL. Find out all the details in this episode. How do you feel about using apps for training employees? Discuss in the comments at: .
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Episode 0102 | Bitcoin Fraud: Yes This IS a Thing!
03/21/2023
Episode 0102 | Bitcoin Fraud: Yes This IS a Thing!
Scammers work hard – but RTO is working even harder to keep your organization safe from Bitcoin fraud. In this week's episode, Jeff Kahler shares how a call from a client made him rethink how to protect you and your team from Bitcoin scams. Does your organization have a plan for training and dealing with scammers? Discuss in the comments at: .
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