Convenience Matters

The U.S. economy remains resilient, driven by consumer spending, jobs and AI. We examine what's sustaining it, and what could change. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Thomas Weinandy, Principal Research Economist, Upside Dr. Weinandy studies consumer spending patterns and the broader forces shaping today's economy and provides clear, data-driven perspectives on inflation, consumer behavior and the challenges and opportunities facing retailers and suppliers alike.

We look at the big industry numbers and trends discussed at the 2026 NACS State of the Industry Summit -- and how they could impact your business. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard, NACS Vice President of Media & Strategic Communications Jeff leads the association's industry-wide external communications campaigns to advance the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. He also serves as lead spokesperson and has conducted more than 6,000 media interviews about trends and innovations at convenience stores.

A recent NACS consumer survey looks at broad gas purchasing trends, including when and where consumers decide to refuel. 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.

Hear more as we talk about what $4.00 gas means for the convenience retail and transportation industries now and in the coming months. 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 (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.

Frank Gleeson shares his insights on the future of foodservice, technology, and advocacy at NACS and within the convenience retail industry. 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.

Industry expert Denton Cinquegrana adds context to turbulent times within the petroleum industry. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Denton Cinquegrana, Chief Oil Analyst, OPIS Denton has been with OPIS since 2001 and serves as the chief oil analyst, responsible for the day-to-day operations of OPIS' news and analysis division. In his role, he also provides big-picture views on topics from supply and demand trends to anticipating price moves in the futures, spot and retail markets in North America.

In a sea of sameness, cultivating an exceptional customer experience can turn your customers into loyal superfans. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Brittany Hodak, Customer Experience Expert Brittany is an award-winning author, entrepreneur and customer experience expert who helps businesses turn customers into superfans. When her debut book, Creating Superfans, was released, Forbes declared: "If you have customers, you need this book. Period."

Tucker Bryant shares how the creative mindset that drives poets can also unlock modern leadership. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Tucker Bryant: Poet & Innovation Keynote Speaker After years at Stanford and Google, Tucker Bryant uncovered a surprising truth: the skills that fuel world-class innovation aren't confined to the boardroom—they're also found in the mindset of a poet. Today, he is a nationally recognized poet and speaker, and he will be a keynote speaker at the 2026 NACS State of the Industry Summit.

We break down the industry specific issues President Trump addressed—and those he didn't—and what it all means for convenience retailers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel Doug has served as legal counsel for NACS for more than 20 years, originally as a partner with the law firms Collier Shannon Scott PLLC and Steptoe & Johnson LLP. He has been NACS in-house counsel since 2021. Doug also served as special counsel and deputy chief of staff in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The NACS Foundation launched a new campaign that reinforces the importance of convenience stores in the communities they serve. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Kevin O'Connell, Executive Director, NACS Foundation Kevin leads the NACS Foundation and collaborates with industry stakeholders to develop signature programs that align with NACS members' philanthropic priorities, which overall focus on serving first responders, fighting hunger and investing in future leaders.

A look at consumer survey data and industry trends that can create opportunities for convenience retailers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

NACS Research shares exclusive insights behind preliminary 2025 industry data and what's in store for the convenience channel in 2026. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard   About our Guest: Chris Rapanick, Managing Director, NACS Research Chris oversees the day-to-day operations of NACS Research, manages and directs departmental financial and operational performance and drives strategic development of NACS long-term research capabilities and offerings for the convenience industry.

Conexxus led a tour of exhibitors showcasing the emerging AI-driven and consumer-facing technologies coming to c-stores in the near future. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Ed Collupy, Innovation Facilitator, Conexxus Ed has extensive retail systems experience in the convenience store and grocery retail channels and is currently providing facilitated group leadership, along with strategic and operational advice to retailers, emerging businesses and technology companies. He has served the industry as Chairman of the Board of Advisors of Conexxus and was inducted into its Technology Hall of Fame in 2021. Ed can be reached at [email protected].

A look at the 2026 convenience store count, how it compares to previous years, regional variations and overall fueling trends. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

NACS President & CEO Frank Gleeson, NACS Chairman Emeritus & CEO International Henry Armour, and 2024-25 NACS Chairman and Special Advisor to Alimentation Couche-Tard Brian Hannasch talk about leadership and the industry's future in a panel discussion from the 2025 NACS Show. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

SNAP food restriction waivers greatly complicate how retailers comply with the program, alongside new developments that affect enforcement. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Margaret Mannion, NACS Director, Government Relations Margaret leads federal advocacy efforts at NACS on issues including SNAP, food traceability and retail crime. Margaret joined NACS in 2019 as grassroots manager, leading initiatives like Day on the Hill and NACS In Store to connect convenience retailers with policymakers, strengthen industry relationships and help shape public policy.

Whether its podcasts, digital or social media, great content communicates your brand. Hear how to leverage your content and become a stronger storyteller. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Ben Nussbaum, NACS Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Ben has more than 25 years of experience in publishing, including starting USA Today's magazine program, which he grew into a multimillion-dollar-per-year business with more than 50 publications each year. Ben has been with NACS since 2023 and has been connected to the industry even longer. He worked at a Kum & Go in Iowa during college.

Henry takes us behind the scenes of our industry's biggest successes in the past 20 years, from debit swipe fee reform to enhancing the industry's image. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Henry Armour, NACS President and CEO Henry has served as NACS president and CEO since 2005 after spending his entire career in the convenience and fuels retailing industry. On January 1, 2026, he will shift roles and lead international activities at NACS.

Henry shares the biggest focus areas that were top of mind for NACS during the past two decades. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Henry Armour, NACS President and CEO Henry has served as NACS president and CEO since 2005 after spending his entire career in the convenience and fuel retailing industry. Beginning January 1, 2026, he will shift roles and lead international activities at NACS.

What separates a successful snack from the pack? Storytelling can be effective and important to sustaining a brand. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Jason Liebig, Brand History Expert, Television Host Jason is a noted brand historian, consultant, television personality and speaker, known for his deep knowledge of consumer brands and behavior. In demand for his unique perspective and captivating storytelling, he's often referred to as "The Indiana Jones of Brands" due to his extensive archive and collection of vintage brand packaging, numbering at over 100,000 pieces.

As c-stores continue to be a preferred destination for prepared foods and beverages, retailers are paying more attention to flavors. We look at what's resonating with customers and how can different flavors -- whether "swicy" or "swalty" -- be used and combined. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Amanda Baltazar, Retail & Hospitality Journalist Amanda is a journalist with 20-plus years of experience and expertise in foodservice, beverages, restaurants/bars and overall retail. She covers everything from operations to how to staff a c-suite.

On Jan. 1, 2026, retailers in 8 states will face SNAP Food Restriction Waivers that restrict items deemed "non nutritious. Here is what retailers need to know. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Margaret Mannion, NACS Director, Government Relations Margaret leads federal advocacy efforts at NACS on issues including SNAP, food traceability and retail crime. Margaret joined NACS in 2019 as grassroots manager, leading initiatives like Day on the Hill and NACS In Store to connect convenience retailers with policymakers, strengthen industry relationships and help shape public policy.

Visa and Mastercard reached a settlement with merchants on a swipe fees class-action lawsuit. It's opposed by retail groups, including NACS. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel Doug has served as legal counsel for NACS for more than 20 years, originally as a partner with the law firms Collier Shannon Scott PLLC and Steptoe & Johnson LLP. He has been NACS in-house counsel since 2021. Doug also served as special counsel and deputy chief of staff in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The big term in retail today is "customer experience." Sometimes that's great customer service, sometimes that's something unique in the store--like hiding a speakeasy behind a fake cooler door. We talk about how to create a unique experience that works for any retail location. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Tony Donatell, Owner, Farmer's Grandson Eatery Tony founded the Minneapolis-area restaurant group Wonderous Collective that includes several popular sit-down restaurants as well as two Farmer's Grandson Eatery convenience stores with fueling...and more.

In part 2, we continue the convenience-focused conversation with Clerks' stars Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, talking about a range of subjects, including other movies about convenience stores. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Kevin Smith, Actor, Writer, Director Kevin wrote and starred in the groundbreaking movie "Clerks," which centered on the interactions at a local Quick Stop convenience store. "Clerks" is often ranked as one of the best Generation X movies of all time. Jason Mewes, Actor, Comedian, Producer As Jay, the quick-witted foul-mouthed foil to Silent Bob, Jay became a pop culture icon since his debut in "Clerks." He has captured audiences with his rebellious banter against Kevin Smith, his unspoken other half and longtime friend. Jay also hosts the YouTube series "5 Things with Jay Mewes," which is set in convenience stores.

Kevin and Jay talk about their 30-plus-year love affair with convenience stores in a freewheeling conversation that takes a few tangents. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Kevin Smith, Actor, Writer, Director Kevin wrote and starred in the groundbreaking movie "Clerks," which centered on the interactions at a local Quick Stop convenience store. "Clerks" is often ranked as one of the best Generation X movies of all time. Jason Mewes, Actor, Comedian, Producer As Jay, the quick-witted foul-mouthed foil to Silent Bob, Jay became a pop culture icon since his debut in "Clerks." He has captured audiences with his rebellious banter against Kevin Smith, his unspoken other half and longtime friend. He also hosts the YouTube series "5 Things with Jay Mewes," which is set in convenience stores.

Hemp-derived THC beverages could present opportunities for convenience retailers that already sell age-restricted products. Hear more about this growing trend. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Melissa Vonder Haar, Writer/Consultant, MelissaV Inc. Melissa has written about the convenience retailing industry for nearly two decades and has written numerous feature articles for NACS Magazine. In addition to her work at MelissaV Inc., she also is marketing director for iSee Store Innovations LLC.

Incoming NACS president and CEO shares his insights on leadership and the industry's bright future. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Frank Gleeson NACS President & CEO beginning January 2026 Frank is the former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and 2018-2019 NACS chairman. He will serve as the new NACS president and CEO beginning January 1, 2026, succeeding current NACS President and CEO Henry Armour. Gleeson will become the fourth CEO in the organization's 64-year history.

The U.S. Mint stopped producing the penny earlier this year, which has triggered a penny shortage. Find out what's happening behind the scenes and what retailers can do. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Anna Ready Blom, NACS Strategic Advisor, Government Relations Anna serves as a policy advisor to the NACS government relations team. During her 10-plus years at NACS, she led numerous advocacy campaigns and has been recognized as one of "The Hill's Top Lobbyists" for three years in a row. Anna previously worked on Capitol Hill for members of Congress from her home state of South Carolina.

C-stores are redefining convenience within a digital ecosystem that is on their customers' phones and in their vehicles. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Stephanie Sikorski, NACS Vice President, Strategic Initiatives Stephanie has led sophisticated marketing and community outreach campaigns for 20 years, the last 12 at NACS. She also is CEO of TruAge.

Hear how some convenience retailers are creating pop-culture moments at their stores and within their community. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Lonnie McQuirter, Director of Operations, 36 Lyn Refuel Station Lonnie leads 36 Lyn Refuel Station, an independently owned, community-focused fuel station in South Minneapolis, MN. He is a member of the NACS Board of Directors and its Executive Committee.

The acquisition brings together elements that are growing in convenience retail: great foodservice with a neighborhood feel. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

Brands create trust, loyalty and a unique identity for businesses. Hear how some convenience stores leverage their brands to reach new and existing customers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Amanda Baltazar, Retail & Hospitality Journalist Amanda is a journalist and NACS Magazine contributing writer with over 20 years of experience and expertise in foodservice, beverages, restaurants/bars and overall retail. She covers everything from operations to staffing a c-suite.

Gas price continues to be top of mind with drivers, but the price per gallon is only one factor for why they select a place to purchase fuel. 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.

Over the past five years, Stafford Shurden has travelled across the South to celebrate great food for his "Gas Station Tailgate Review" program. His new book, "Meet and Three," is about his life experiences as a restaurant owner, farmer, and convenience store and gas station food connoisseur. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Stafford Shurden, creator of Gas Station Tailgate Review Shurden is a farmer, restaurant owner and former Justice Court Judge from Drew, Mississippi.

We're sharing insights from a recent road trip/market tour and the big takeaways on what's new in convenience. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Frank Beard, Convenience Retailing Expert Frank is a Des Moines, Iowa-based marketer, speaker and writer who focuses on the convenience retailing industry. He serves as head of marketing at Rovertown, an app platform for convenience retailers.

A new Transportation Energy Institute report reveals what consumers think about the vehicle technologies and fueling options they're looking for. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute John has more than 20 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.

Confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build. And when you build it, opportunities often can follow in both your professional and personal life. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Juan Bendaña, author and keynote speaker Juan is an internationally recognized speaker (including at the 2024 NACS Show) who helps leaders navigate uncertainty and exponential change by developing the unwavering confidence to thrive in any environment.

As convenience stores continue to advance foodservice, events like the NACS Food Safety Forum are helping industry leaders address traceability, implement new technology and maintaining consumer trust. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky About our Guest: Evan Powell, Retail Food Protection Manager, Kwik Trip Inc. Evan Powell is the retail food protection manager at Kwik Trip. He is a graduate of Winona State University (Business Administration/Marketing) and Louisiana State University - Shreveport (MBA).

On July 17, the FDA announced that Juul Labs products are authorized in the market. However, the vape market still has very little clarity, and that was the focus of a July 18 letter from NACS and other groups to President Trump asking for action. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel Doug has served as legal counsel for NACS for more than 20 years, originally as a partner with the law firms Collier Shannon Scott PLLC and Steptoe & Johnson LLP. He has been NACS in-house counsel since 2021. Doug also served as special counsel and deputy chief of staff in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Hybrid/remote workers and regular commuters shop and eat differently, and there are opportunities to craft messages that appeal to each group's interests, according to the findings from a recent NACS consumer survey. 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.

To celebrate our 500th episode, we are sharing our most popular episode, a conversation with William Shatner. He has some opinions! Hosted by: Jeff Lenard and Henry Armour About our Guest: William Shatner, legendary actor and icon Captain Kirk, T.J. Hooker, Denny Crane, so many TV shows and movies and record albums, the oldest person to fly in space…need we go on?

A look at the key factors that could affect gas prices over the summer-drive season and the second half of the year—and how prices affect consumer behavior both at the pump and inside the store. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard Jeff oversees internal and external communications at NACS. He has conducted over 6,000 interviews with reporters, mostly about fuels-related issues.

Store tours and discussions during the 2025 NACS Convenience Summit Europe in Copenhagen revealed opportunities for retailers to consider, no matter where they do business. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Mark Wohltmann, Director, NACS Global Mark is responsible for the strategic development of NACS Global, a worldwide network that supports convenience retailers and their businesses. He has more than 20 years of experience in research and consulting, with a focus on FMCG/CPG and retail. Mark began his career in the advertising industry, focusing on trade marketing and sales advertising in impulse retail channels at Dorland in Berlin and at Grey and BBDO in Duesseldorf.

Credit card swipe fees are a huge pain point for retailers and the customers they serve. Hear how the Credit Card Competition Act can bring competition to a broken system. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Doug Kantor, NACS General Counsel Doug has served as legal counsel for NACS for more than 20 years, originally as a partner with the law firms Collier Shannon Scott PLLC and Steptoe & Johnson LLP. He has been NACS in-house counsel since 2021. Doug also served as special counsel and deputy chief of staff in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Anna Ready Blom, NACS Strategic Advisor, Government Relations Anna serves as a policy advisor to the NACS government relations team. During her 10-plus years at NACS, she led numerous advocacy campaigns and has been recognized as one of "The Hill's Top Lobbyists" for three years in a row. Anna previously worked on Capitol Hill for members of Congress from her home state of South Carolina.

Consumer preferences are constantly changing. Hear insights from a snacker panel on what your customers want now and where snacking is heading. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Rachel Krupa, Founder, The Goods Mart and Krupa Consulting In 2018, Rachel founded the highly curated better-for-you, socially conscious convenience store concept, The Goods Mart, based in New York City. She also is the founder of Krupa Consulting, a public relations and brand-building agency. Dana Kim, Founder and CEO, Highlight Dana founded Highlight, the first and still only end-to-end agile product testing platform, that enables the efficient collection of scaled product performance data. It is a top SAAS platform in the product testing space.

The U.S. Treasury will officially stop making pennies and phase out the one-cent coin from circulation. Here are four things retailers need to know, recapped from a February 2025 podcast. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

The NACS Foundation's annual 24/7 Day (July 24) makes it easy for retailers and suppliers to celebrate the first responders who protect our communities—and it's free. Hear some of the success stories from previous years and how your company can join the celebration. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Kevin O'Connell, Executive Director, NACS Foundation Kevin leads the NACS Foundation and collaborates with industry stakeholders to develop signature programs that align with NACS members' philanthropic priorities, which overall focus on serving first responders, fighting hunger, supporting healthy kids and keeping communities clean.

Hear how retailers can grow sales through effective marketing, merchandising and planning that makes their stores the ultimate destination for road trippers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Steve Holtz, President, Holtz Media Consulting Steve is a veteran c-store journalist with 25 years in the industry. He is currently president of Holtz Media Consulting.

At least two broad trends are affecting food consumption right now: The growing use of GLP-1 drugs that is leading one segment of customers to seek out products with specific attributes, while economic concerns are leading another segment to increasingly seek out value. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Andreas Düss, CEO, 6 Seeds Consulting Andreas is a leading voice at the intersection of AI, consumer behavior and the food and agriculture industries. His insights help shape the future of food, guiding businesses through the challenges of an evolving global market.