Convenience Matters

National Association of Convenience Stores

Whether it’s for food, fuel, drinks or snacks — about half of the U.S. population is at a convenience store every day. We sell 80% of the country’s fuel and we are 4% of the total U.S. economy. We’ll talk about what we see at stores — and what the future may hold — as long as it’s convenient.

  • 31 minutes 41 seconds
    A Look at Fuel-Buying Behavior - Episode 539

    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.

    13 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 31 minutes 52 seconds
    $4 Gas Is Here. What's Next? - Episode 538

    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.

    6 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 27 minutes 35 seconds
    What's Next for Convenience? - Episode 537

    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.

    30 March 2026, 4:00 am
  • 27 minutes 14 seconds
    What's Next for Gas Prices? - Episode 536

    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.

    23 March 2026, 4:00 am
  • 28 minutes 12 seconds
    How to Cultivate Superfans at Your Stores - Episode 535

    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."

    16 March 2026, 4:00 am
  • 26 minutes
    Think Like a Poet, Lead Like a Visionary - Episode 534

    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.

    9 March 2026, 5:00 am
  • 31 minutes 26 seconds
    State of the Union Takeaways for C‑Store Leaders - Episode 533

    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.

    2 March 2026, 5:00 am
  • 18 minutes 54 seconds
    Convenience Retail Has Heart - Episode 532

    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.

    23 February 2026, 5:00 am
  • 20 minutes 53 seconds
    Consumers Weigh In on Experience, Social Media and the Penny - Episode 531

    A look at consumer survey data and industry trends that can create opportunities for convenience retailers.

    Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

    16 February 2026, 5:00 am
  • 29 minutes 15 seconds
    A Look at 2025 C-Store Performance Metrics - Episode 530

    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.

    9 February 2026, 5:00 am
  • 28 minutes 37 seconds
    Insights From NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show - Episode 529

    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].

    2 February 2026, 5:00 am
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