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PODCAST · business

Smoke Break - Assistant Managers

by Mike Hernandez

"Smoke Break" is a weekly micro-podcast delivering essential management tips for convenience store assistant managers in just 5-10 minutes. Host Mike Hernandez shares practical strategies for store operations, staff management, and career advancement. Perfect for busy assistant managers, each episode provides actionable solutions to real-world c-store challenges that you can implement immediately.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Jun 5, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Episode 30: Problem Resolution That Builds Trust

    Smoke Break - Episode 30: Problem Resolution That Builds Trust Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the counterintuitive truth that well-handled complaints create stronger customer loyalty than if problems never occurred. Learn immediate response techniques, active...

  2. Episode 29: Ethical Upselling and Cross-Selling

    Smoke Break - Episode 29: Ethical Upselling and Cross-Selling Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms upselling and cross-selling from potentially sleazy tactics into genuine customer service that builds trust and loyalty. Learn the golden rule of...

  3. Episode 28: Making Personalized Recommendations

    Smoke Break - Episode 28: Making Personalized Recommendations Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform basic product suggestions into personalized recommendations that boost sales while making customers feel genuinely valued. Learn the art of...

  4. Episode 27: Building Customer Rapport

    Smoke Break - Episode 27: Building Customer Rapport Episode Duration: 2 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how building genuine customer relationships transforms one-time shoppers into loyal regulars who choose your store regardless of price. Learn practical techniques for remembering...

  5. Episode 26: Handling Challenging Customer Scenarios

    Smoke Break - Episode 26: Handling Challenging Customer Scenarios Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the conclusion of the communication series as he walks you through real-world challenging customer situations and proven resolution strategies. Learn step-by-step approaches...

  6. Episode 25: De-escalating Tense Situations

    Smoke Break - Episode 25: De-escalating Tense Situations Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals essential de-escalation techniques that transform heated confrontations into manageable conversations. Learn proven strategies for maintaining calm under pressure, using...

  7. Episode 24: The Power of Empathy in Communication

    Smoke Break - Episode 24: The Power of Empathy in Communication Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how empathetic communication transforms challenging customer interactions into positive experiences that build trust and loyalty. Learn practical techniques for...

  8. Episode 23: Clear and Concise Communication

    Smoke Break - Episode 23: Clear and Concise Communication Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the essential communication skills that make assistant managers more effective in fast-paced convenience store environments. Learn how to deliver messages quickly and…

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  9. Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Art of Active Listening

    Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Art of Active Listening Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the difference between simply hearing customers and truly listening to them. Learn essential active listening techniques that transform customer interactions, build stronger...

  10. Episode 21: Putting It All Together - Creating the Ultimate Customer Experience

    Smoke Break - Episode 21: Putting It All Together - Creating the Ultimate Customer Experience Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demonstrates how to combine all customer service skills into seamless, exceptional experiences. Learn how to blend cue reading, empathy, needs...

  11. Episode 20: Reading and Responding to Customer Cues

    Smoke Break - Episode 20: Reading and Responding to Customer Cues Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to interpret and react to the silent signals customers communicate through their body language, tone, and expressions. Learn why understanding these non-verbal...

  12. Episode 19: The Power of Empathy in Customer Service

    Smoke Break - Episode 19: The Power of Empathy in Customer Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares insights on developing and fostering empathy in customer interactions. Learn how to lead your team in creating meaningful customer connections that transform…

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  13. Episode 18: Common Customer Needs in Convenience Stores

    Smoke Break - Episode 18: Common Customer Needs in Convenience Stores Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down the fundamental customer needs that drive convenience store visits. Learn how to lead your team in prioritizing these core needs to enhance customer...

  14. Episode 17: Understanding Different Customer Expectations

    Smoke Break - Episode 17: Understanding Different Customer Expectations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares insights on recognizing and adapting to varied customer expectations in your store. Learn how to lead your team in providing personalized service that meets…

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  15. Episode 16: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Weapon

    Smoke Break - Episode 16: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Weapon Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for developing comprehensive product knowledge that enhances customer service and boosts sales. Learn how to lead your team in becoming product experts who...

  16. Episode 15: Time Management - Balancing Service and Operations

    Smoke Break - Episode 15: Time Management - Balancing Service and Operations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for managing the competing demands on your time as an assistant manager. Learn how to balance excellent customer service with...

  17. Episode 14: Building a Customer Service Dream Team

    Smoke Break - Episode 14: Building a Customer Service Dream Team Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for developing and maintaining a team that consistently delivers outstanding customer service. Learn how to train, motivate, and lead your staff…

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  18. Episode 13: Turning Unhappy Customers into Loyal Fans

    Smoke Break - Episode 13: Turning Unhappy Customers into Loyal Fans Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for transforming customer complaints into opportunities for building loyalty. Learn how to lead your team in handling difficult situations with...

  19. Episode 12: The Art of Customer Service

    Smoke Break - Episode 12: The Art of Customer Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for creating and maintaining exceptional customer service standards in your store. Learn how to lead your team in delivering consistent, quality…

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  20. Episode 11: Building a Culture of Safety and Compliance

    Smoke Break - Episode 11: Building a Culture of Safety and Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for creating a work environment where safety and compliance become ingrained in daily operations. Learn how to transform safety from a set…

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  21. Episode 10: Emergency Preparedness and Response

    Smoke Break - Episode 10: Emergency Preparedness and Response Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for preparing your store and team for emergencies. Learn how to develop and implement critical safety protocols that protect your customers and…

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  22. Episode 9: Labor Laws and Employee Rights

    Smoke Break - Episode 9: Labor Laws and Employee Rights Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential labor laws and employee rights that assistant managers need to understand. Learn how to create a fair, compliant workplace while protecting both your team and...

  23. Episode 8: Age-Restricted Sales - Your Guide to Compliance

    Smoke Break - Episode 8: Age-Restricted Sales - Your Guide to Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for managing age-restricted sales compliance in your store. Learn how to create and maintain robust verification procedures that protect...

  24. Episode 7: Safety First - Protecting Your Team and Customers

    Smoke Break - Episode 7: Safety First - Protecting Your Team and Customers Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for implementing and maintaining comprehensive safety protocols in your store. Learn how to create a secure environment that protects...

  25. Episode 6: When Tech Fails - Dealing with Register Malfunctions

    Smoke Break - Episode 6: Mastering Register Malfunction Management Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for handling register malfunctions effectively. Learn how to prevent technical issues and keep business running smoothly when technology fails....

  26. Episode 5: Preventing Inventory Shrinkage

    Smoke Break - Episode 5: Mastering Inventory Shrinkage Prevention Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for preventing inventory shrinkage in your convenience store. Learn how to identify, prevent, and address the four main sources of shrinkage…

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  27. Episode 4: Cash Management and Register Operations

    Episode 4: Mastering Cash Management and Register Operations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for essential insights on effective cash handling and register management. Learn how to establish robust procedures and lead your team in maintaining financial accuracy and security....

  28. Episode 3: Inventory Management and Career Growth

    Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he explores two critical aspects of convenience store ownership: implementing effective inventory management systems and strategically growing your business. Learn practical approaches to maximize profitability while planning for expansion....

  29. Episode 2: The Art of Customer Service and Team Management

    Smoke Break - Episode 2: The Art of Customer Service and Team Management Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential insights for convenience store assistant managers on mastering the dual challenges of customer service excellence and effective team management....

  30. Episode 1: Mastering Convenience Store Operations

    Smoke Break - Episode 1: Mastering Convenience Store Operations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he introduces the fundamentals of convenience store operations and your critical role as an assistant manager. Learn essential store layout strategies, effective problem-solving...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

"Smoke Break" is a weekly micro-podcast delivering essential management tips for convenience store assistant managers in just 5-10 minutes. Host Mike Hernandez shares practical strategies for store operations, staff management, and career advancement. Perfect for busy assistant managers, each episode provides actionable solutions to real-world c-store challenges that you can implement immediately.

HOSTED BY

Mike Hernandez

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Smoke Break - Assistant Managers have?

Smoke Break - Assistant Managers currently has 30 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Smoke Break - Assistant Managers about?

"Smoke Break" is a weekly micro-podcast delivering essential management tips for convenience store assistant managers in just 5-10 minutes. Host Mike Hernandez shares practical strategies for store operations, staff management, and career advancement. Perfect for busy assistant managers, each...

How often does Smoke Break - Assistant Managers release new episodes?

Smoke Break - Assistant Managers has 30 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Smoke Break - Assistant Managers?

You can listen to Smoke Break - Assistant Managers on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Smoke Break - Assistant Managers?

Smoke Break - Assistant Managers is created and hosted by Mike Hernandez.
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