In-Convenience Podcast

03/03/2023

NEW EPISODE! 🔊 Many of you know McCrae Olson as a finalist from Big Brother 15, but did you know he's also a longtime employee at the 36 Lyn Refuel Station in Minneapolis—and a super creative marketer?

Ernie Harker and Frank Beard sat down to chat with McCrae about life after Big Brother, why retailers need to step up their marketing game, and much more.

Big takeaway? 💡 Everyone knows what the sell is, and customers can smell stale marketing from a mile away. Retailers should be paying for content that makes people laugh.

Listen direct below, or find us on iTunes and Spotify ⬇️

McCrae Olson discusses life after Big Brother 15, reveals how convenience stores can up their marketing game, and much more.

27/10/2021

12/05/2021

⬇️ NEW EPISODE! ⬇️ Did you know there's a c-store selling 81 slushie flavors, or that one of the UK's hottest new burger brands is located inside gas stations?

Mark Truman joins from London in our latest episode. You won't want to miss it.

Topics include:

✅ The state of "gas station food" in the UK
✅ Why Mark thinks retailers need to sit somewhere "in the middle"
✅ The importance of being iconic
✅ Why the EdgePetrol team are fans of Stuckey's Corporation
✅ Why "doing the same things" is the biggest mistake retailers can make right now
✅ How the industry is changing, and why it’s difficult for people currently running a profitable business to understand that they have a problem
✅ ...and much more!

Listen direct below, or find us on iTunes and Spotify.

https://lnkd.in/gF7pFbB

EdgePetrol's Mark Truman joins Al and Frank from London to discuss convenience store food, retail trends, and why being iconic matters.

12/01/2021

To kick off the new year, we're releasing ten new episodes of the In-Convenience Podcast based around the theme of "differentiation." Our first guest is data scientist and fuels consultant, Brandon Lawrence.

Topics include:

✔️ Why COVID-19 was a dress rehearsal for retailers

✔️ Brandon's outlook for fuel demand

✔️ The real challenge posed by growth in EVs

✔️ Why Brandon's nephew wanted to dress up as a Buc-ee's employee for Halloween

✔️ One of Brandon's favorite "hidden gem" convenience stores in Arkansas

Listen direct at the link below, or find us on Spotify, iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2021/01/12/episode-11-brandon-lawrence/

We're back! To kick off the next ten episodes on differentation, we speak with data scientist and fuels consultant, Brandon Lawrence.

13/04/2020

Jessica Williams has worked with some of the world's largest restaurant brands.

We discuss what the "new normal" will look like in the food industry, common mistakes c-stores make, how independent retailers can commercialize those family recipes, and much more.

Listen direct at the link below, or find us on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2020/04/10/episode-9-jessica-williams/

Jessica Williams discusses menu creation, COVID-19, her food science background, how independent convenience retailers can scale their menu items, and more.

10/04/2020

Here's a sneak peek of Monday's episode! What will the "new normal" look like after COVID-19, and how can retailers become more competitive in foodservice when it's over?

Jessica Williams worked with some of the world's largest foodservice brands before founding Food Forward Thinking LLC, and she continues to support convenience retailers, restaurants, and grocers. We've wanted to record this episode for a while.

Jessica discusses COVID-19, common foodservice failure modes, how independent retailers can turn unique menu items into scaleable products, and more.

Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or direct at the link below.

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2020/04/10/episode-9-jessica-williams/

Jessica Williams discusses menu creation, COVID-19, her food science background, how independent convenience retailers can scale their menu items, and more.

25/03/2020

Big announcement! Given the importance of cleanliness during the coronavirus pandemic, we've released a second episode for this week. We talk with Mike Zahajko of CAF Outdoor Cleaning about tips, strategies, and other information that retailers should know.

Listen directly at the link below, or find us on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, or Stitcher.

Links to CAF's resources are included on the episode page.

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2020/03/25/episode-8-mike-zahajko/

Mike Zahajko shares how fuel and convenience retailers can improve the cleanliness of their stores during the coronavirus pandemic.

24/03/2020

In what may be our most energy-filled episode yet, we talk with Ernie Harker about how he built the $3 billion Maverik brand. This conversation is packed full of practical advice for retailers of any size.

You'll learn...

✅ The story of the Nitro character

✅ Why the thing that makes a big idea scary is sometimes the same thing that makes it awesome

✅ How Maverik transformed from a Western-themed retailer into "Adventure's First Stop"

✅ Why your corporate dress codes need to reflect your brand

✅ What many executives misunderstand about branding

✅ How to breathe new life into a dead brand

✅ Why every retailer needs to decide what they want customers to say when they leave the store

✅ Why it's hard for people—and companies—to break out of the norm and act different

✅ Why personal branding matters, and why Ernie hates social media

Note: this episode was recorded before the coronavirus pandemic impacted the U.S. As such, a few obvious topics are not discussed.

Download on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play.

You can also listen direct, read Ernie's bio, find links mentioned in the episode, and more at the link below:

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2020/03/24/episode-7-ernie-harker/

In our most energy-filled episode, we talk branding, social media, and more with Ernie Harker—the guy behind Maverik's "Adventure's First Stop" branding.

11/03/2020

Working from home this week? Here's something that will help pass the time. In Episode 5, we talk foodservice, menu creation, and more with Angelle Schexnyder Cloud

She's ShopRite / TP's registered dietitian and director of foodservice compliance and corporate RD.

If you've never been to ShopRite, it's a chain of 60+ convenience stores in Louisiana with one of Al Hebert's favorite restaurant brands: the Bourbon Street Deli.

Listen direct at the link below, or find us on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, and Stitcher.

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2020/02/10/episode-5-angelle-cloud/

Angelle Cloud is a dietician rising star in the fuel and convenience retailing industry. We talk with her about ShopRite and the Bourbon Street Deli.

02/03/2020

Episode 6 is live!

We chat with Christian Warning, founder and managing director of The Retail Marketeers.

This episode was actually recorded in Berlin, Germany.

We discuss changes in today's retail landscape, what retailers can learn from visiting stores in other countries, and how the U.S. and German c-store markets differ.

Since Al was unable to join due to the time difference, Frank and Al recorded a longer introduction. The conversation with Christian begins at the 35-minute mark.

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2020/03/02/episode-6-christian-warning/

We're in Berlin, Germany! Frank discusses fuel and convenience retail with Christian Warning: founder and managing director of The Retail Marketeers.

22/02/2020

Fun fact: did you know that 37% of our downloads come from iTunes?

Also true: the In-Convenience Podcast is the best way to pass the time while running errands or commuting to work. (We've studied this. You can trust us)

Episode 6 drops soon. Stay tuned! It was recorded in Berlin, Germany.

12/02/2020

Episode 6 is being recorded while Frank is in Berlin, Germany. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, have you listened to Episode 5 with Angelle Cloud?

Angelle is a registered dietician and a rising star in the fuel and convenience retailing industry. We discuss how to create a destination foodservice program, the challenges of balancing fresh and healthy, and much more.

Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play. Episode notes and direct downloads available at inconveniencepodcast.com.

10/02/2020

Episode 5 is live!

In this episode, we chat with Angelle Schexnyder Cloud. She’s a Registered Dietitian and the Director of Foodservice Compliance and Corporate RD at ShopRite / TP—a popular chain of convenience stores in Louisiana.

Many ShopRite locations include a Bourbon Street Deli. Inside, customers can access a robust foodservice menu via touchscreen. Both Al Hebert and Frank Beard are huge fans of the Bourbon Street Deli. Indeed, this episode was recorded inside one.

We talk about what it takes to build a top foodservice program, how to balance healthy and indulgent products, menu strategies, and much more.

For timestamps, Angelle's bio, and to listen direct, click the link below. Otherwise you can find this episode on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play.

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2020/02/10/episode-5-angelle-cloud/

Angelle Cloud is a dietician rising star in the fuel and convenience retailing industry. We talk with her about ShopRite and the Bourbon Street Deli.

27/01/2020

Episode 4 is live, and it's full of practical advice for independent retailers!

Lou Perrine's Gas and Grocery has been a staple of its community since 1954. After entering the business in 2008, Anthony Perrine has worked hard to differentiate and grow the company while retaining its classic approach to customer service.

We talk with Anthony about getting a delivery app built at a local college, Blue Ocean Strategy, the "Ho Ho Cake Bandit," branding, how to hire and retain the right employees, what happens if your social media offends someone, and much more.

Just a heads-up: we cover some edgy topics, so there's a reason for the "explicit" tag on iTunes. If you're at work, you'll want headphones. Listen on Spotify, Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play, and more. (And don't forget to subscribe and leave a nice rating)

For Anthony's bio, recommended books, and a list of topics with timestamps, click the link below.

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2020/01/27/episode-4-anthony-perrine/

Lou Perrine's has been a staple of Kenosha since 1954. Anthony Perrine gives practical (and edgy) advice for convenience retailers who want to stand out.

25/01/2020

Episode 4 drops on Monday. If you're at work, this is the episode you'll need headphones for. 🤣 We cover a few edgy topics, but our guest also dives into the nuts and bolts of running a successful independent retailer.

Here's a video produced about his store in 2016. Check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz_QOtG6u5E

A brief little history on us!

13/01/2020

What a fun conversation! For our first episode of the decade, we reflect on how retail has changed in recent years. Defunct department stores, changing consumer habits, and more. Al Hebert and Frank Beard are joined by fuel and c-store expert Sam Herro.

Listen direct, or find us on iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.

Many more exciting guests are lined up for 2020. Stay tuned!

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2020/01/06/episode-3-sam-herro/

It's a new decade! Al and Frank reflect on retail's evolution with fuel and c-store expert Sam Herro.

04/01/2020

New episode dropping Monday!

How has retail evolved, and how will it continue changing in this new decade?

We discuss EVs, AVs, customer service, corporate culture and innovation, food delivery, fuel purchasing behavior, bankrupt department stores, the Tesla Cybertruck, and more.

In the meantime, be sure to catch up on our past episodes.

22/12/2019

We're on iTunes!

If you haven't listened to our first two episodes, they'll help pass the time as you travel for the holidays.

Episode 1 features Kent Couch, dubbed "the convenience store innovator of Bend, Oregon" by The Atlantic.

In Episode 2, we go international and talk to Nic Moulis about the Australian c-store market.

More exciting episodes to come!

Be sure to smash that "subscribe" button on iTunes and give us a "like" on Facebook.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-convenience-podcast/id1491934539

Al Hebert, Gas Station Gourmet, Frank Beard

‎Business · 2019

17/12/2019

We're going international! In our second episode, we chat with Nic Moulis about Australia's fuel and convenience retailing industry. We cover a lot from coffee and foodservice to Gen Z, checkout-free technology, building a great company culture, and more.

Also, Al Hebert claims that meat pies were invented in Louisiana, not Australia. Who's right?

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2019/12/17/episode-2-nic-moulis/

We're going international! Al and Frank chat with Nic Moulis, director of FuelnGo in Australia.

12/12/2019

Episode 2 is dropping on Monday, but have you listened to Episode 1? Al Hebert and Frank Beard talk with Kent Couch, owner and operator of one of the most unique convenience stores in the United States.

We're now on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1ElxMRjOJeeJTJGvYKoy08

We're also on Stitcher:
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/inconvenience-podcast-2/inconvenience-podcast?refid=stpr #/

If you use Google Play, we're on that as well:
https://play.google.com/music/m/Ivwhltvu4ujjobzsbj7k2iyehra?t=In-Convenience_Podcast

But the episode pages on our website always have the most information—guest bios, timestamps, links, and more. Learn more about Episode 1's guest here:
http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2019/12/01/episode-1-kent-couch-in-convenience-podcast/

Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for our next episode!

12/12/2019

05/12/2019

We're on Stitcher! If you haven't listened to Episode 1, click the link below and get started. You won't want to miss our conversation with Kent Couch.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/inconvenience-podcast-2/inconvenience-podcast?refid=stpr

Join co-hosts Frank Beard and Al Hebert for for longform conversations with leaders across the fuel and convenience retailing industry.

03/12/2019

We're on Google Play Music!

Stay tuned as we join other popular podcast platforms.

If you haven't listened to Episode 1, click the link below.

https://play.google.com/music/m/Ivwhltvu4ujjobzsbj7k2iyehra?t=In-Convenience_Podcast

Convenience stores fuel America. Every day, the $654 billion U.S. fuel and convenience retailing industry serves nearly 165 million consumers. From corporate chains with hundreds of stores to the single store that anchors a rural community, Americans from coast to coast rely on this industry to meet...

02/12/2019

Episode 1 is live!

Remember the person who attached hundreds of balloons to a lawn chair and flew across parts of the Western United States? He also operates one of the country's most unique convenience stores.

We cover so many topics in this conversation. Beer growlers, checkout-free retail, why Kent loves going to work every day, how he got into the business, why the restrooms at his store are so fancy, what it's like to bail from a lawn chair at over 3,000 feet in the air, how retailers can combat human trafficking, and more.

Click the link below to listen.

Also, each episode's pages feature a bio, list of topics and time stamps, and links to relevant content.

(We're in the process of getting our podcast on iTunes, Google, Stitcher, and more. Stay tuned)



Al Hebert Gas Station Gourmet

http://inconveniencepodcast.com/2019/12/01/episode-1-kent-couch-in-convenience-podcast/

Al and Frank speak with Kent Couch, a convenience store owner and cluster balloon pioneer from Bend, Oregon. We talk growlers, CBD, beer caves, and more.

01/12/2019

Episode 1 drops tomorrow.

You won't want to miss it.

Be sure to smash that "like" button so you don't miss out.

27/11/2019

Episode 1 drops next week, and you won't want to miss it. Our first guest operates one of the most unique convenience stores in the United States.

Be sure to smash that "like" button so you don't miss any episodes or updates.

19/11/2019

We've met so many fascinating individuals across the fuel and convenience retailing industry. Now, we'd like you to hear from them.

The podcast launches December 2. Stay tuned.

19/11/2019

We finished some last-minute promo photos this weekend. Almost ready to announce the launch date!