#69 Share and Compare

The April 8 solar eclipse is more than a once-in-a-lifetime event for tens of millions of Americans. It’s also an opportunity for convenience stores that are in or near the path of totality.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guests:

Leah Ash, Editor/Writer, NACS

Leah joined NACS in 2023. She served in several editorial-related roles before joining NACS. Leah earned a B.A. in English from St. Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Joe Lackey, President, Indiana Grocery & Convenience Store Association

Joe has been president of the Indiana Grocery & Convenience Store Association since 1973, working closely with legislative leaders to solve member problems and concerns. Prior to that, he was active-duty military in Europe and Vietnam, then joined the National Guard and Reserve, retiring as a Colonel.

If there is one thing Americans can unite on, it’s complaining about gasoline prices. NACS resources can help educate consumers about the industry and correct misperceptions.

Hosted by:

Chrissy Blasinsky and Jeff Lenard

There are upwards of 200 billion coupons issued in the United States every year, mostly paper. Digital coupons, called 8112s, are reshaping the coupon landscape. How can convenience retailers jump on the emerging opportunities?

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Sam Jonas, CEO & Co-Founder, nData Services

Sam is a 25-year entrepreneur with a focus in the payments industry. Today he is focused on how digital coupons will revolutionize couponing by providing high-value digital discounts directly to consumers' phones, eliminating paper coupons and not requiring a consumer to be a member of a loyalty program to receive the discount.

With increased costs and prices over the past few years, it’s important for convenience retailers to communicate their offer and deliver value.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

About our Guest:

Leroy Kelsey, NACS Director, Research

As director of NACS Research, Leroy is responsible for disseminating key industry metrics that empower convenience retailer and supplier members with the ability to understand performance opportunities in the areas of financials, store operations, merchandising, shopper insights, foodservice, fuels and more.

Pick a big moment in the convenience store industry’s history and John Roscoe was there. He popularized many of the huge advances we see today in our industry and shares what he thinks is the path forward.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

John Roscoe, Convenience Industry Icon

John Roscoe was named one of the 50 most influential people in the convenience store industry by Convenience Store News for good reason: He was in the room during many of the industry’s critical junctures, and led conversations that greatly affected the ultimate direction of the industry.

The Big Game is the most watched event of the year and is a great forum for brands to showcase their latest offers. It’s also a great forum to elevate important societal issues, like the fight against human trafficking.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Cheryl Csiky, Executive Director, IN OUR BACKYARD

Cheryl is the executive director of IN OUR BACKYARD, a national anti-trafficking nonprofit that links arms across America in the fight against human trafficking. She has been a leader in the fight against human trafficking since 2011, working from recovery to restoration and possesses expertise in many aspects of human trafficking.

The modern nicotine user is much different than a few years ago. With more options available, hear how consumer behaviors and expectations have changed.

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.

The early forecasts of the convenience retailing industry’s 2023 performance are positive. Which trends stood out and what do preliminary numbers tell us about where the industry is heading in 2024?

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard and Chrissy Blasinsky

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.

Electric vehicles may be the future, but that doesn’t mean they don't have challenges today. Hear how Plaid Pantry is redefining EV charging at convenience stores.

Hosted by:

Jeff Lenard

About our Guest:

Jonathan Polonsky, CEO, Plaid Pantry

As the CEO of Plaid Pantry, a chain of convenience stores in the Pacific Northwest, Jonathan leads a team of over 700 employees across 106 locations, serving more than 50,000 customers daily.