# Convenience Matters 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. Page: Feed: --- ## [Opportunities and Constraints in the Move Beyond E15 - Episode 549](https://conveniencematters.com/episode/549-opportunities-constraints-beyond-e15) _2026-08-17_ How ethanol blends higher than E15 may offer benefits related to emissions reduction, octane enhancement, agricultural economic activity and energy security. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: John Eichberger, Executive Director, Transportation Energy Institute John has more than 25 years of experience in the fuels industry, including more than a decade leading the Transportation Energy… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/convenience/CM549_opportunities-constraints-beyond-e15.mp3?dest-id=346774) ## [Tips to Set the Tone for Customer Experience - Episode 548](https://conveniencematters.com/episode/548-tips-set-tone-customer-experience) _2026-07-27_ Findings from a NACS consumer survey point to simple ways retailers can create a vibe and make their stores places that customers choose. 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… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/convenience/CM548_tips-set-tone-customer-experience.mp3?dest-id=346774) ## [On the Road With Frank Gleeson - Episode 547](https://conveniencematters.com/episode/547-on-road-with-frank-gleeson) _2026-07-13_ NACS President & CEO Frank Gleeson shares insights from the road and what they reveal about the future of convenience retail. 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. [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/convenience/CM547_on-road-with-frank-gleeson.mp3?dest-id=346774) ## [A First Look at Dolly Parton's New Travel Stop - Episode 546](https://conveniencematters.com/episode/546-first-look-dolly-travel-stop) _2026-06-29_ Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop officially opened for business on June 24, a celebration of how every stop on the highway can feel a little more like home. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/convenience/CM546_first-look-dolly-travel-stop.mp3?dest-id=346774) ## [Oil Markets After Iran: What Comes Next? - Episode 545](https://conveniencematters.com/episode/545-oil-markets-after-iran) _2026-06-22_ We examine what may come next for petroleum markets as hostilities in the Middle East appear to ease, as well as the longer-term implications. 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. Prior to that, he… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/convenience/CM545_oil-markets-after-iran.mp3?dest-id=346774) ## [Building Trust in Your Food Program - Episode 544](https://conveniencematters.com/episode/544-building-trust-food-program) _2026-06-08_ Convenience stores are one of the fastest-growing channels for high-quality and fresh food. Hear insights on how to build and maintain customer trust in your foodservice offers. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Amy Costello, Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Casey's Amy oversees all facets of food safety for Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey's, including regulatory compliance and food… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/convenience/CM544_building-trust-food-program.mp3?dest-id=346774) ## [C-Stores Lead the Fight Against Human Trafficking - Episode 543](https://conveniencematters.com/episode/543-fight-against-human-trafficking) _2026-05-25_ The convenience store industry has become known for its support of anti-human-trafficking efforts. Hear more on how you can join the cause. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guests: Chris Elliott, Executive Director, BPAMA In 2025, Chris was appointed as the executive director of BPAMA, a not-for-profit trade association representing bp-branded marketers and BP. Previously, he spent 36 years with… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/convenience/CM543_fight-against-human-trafficking.mp3?dest-id=346774) ## [How AI Exposes Hidden Costs and Shrink - Episode 542](https://conveniencematters.com/episode/542-ai-exposes-hidden-costs-shrink) _2026-05-18_ Higher gas prices make theft and inventory mismanagement even costlier. This episode shares how AI can help reduce shrink and tighten inventory control. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: James Hervey, EVP and Head of Petroleum and Convenience, Verifone James has been in the convenience retail industry for more than two decades, including the past 11 years at Verifone where he has helped lead… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/convenience/CM542_ai-exposes-hidden-costs-shrink.mp3?dest-id=346774) ## [Key Signals Shaping the U.S. Economy - Episode 541](https://conveniencematters.com/episode/541-key-signals-us-economy) _2026-05-04_ 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… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/convenience/CM541_key-signals-us-economy.mp3?dest-id=346774) ## [Accept your Doppler invite (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/TJhKhz3tAEQA) _2026-05-04 · **Sponsored**_ Create your Doppler account using the invite code you received. ## [Top Takeaways From the NACS State of the Industry Summit - Episode 540](https://conveniencematters.com/episode/540-nacs-state-of-industry-summit-2026) _2026-04-20_ 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… [Listen](https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/convenience/CM540_nacs-state-of-industry-summit-2026.mp3?dest-id=346774)