A Masterclass in Convenience Retailing Leadership - Episode 527

A look at the 2026 convenience store count, how it compares to previous years, regional variations and overall fueling trends. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

NACS President & CEO Frank Gleeson, NACS Chairman Emeritus & CEO International Henry Armour, and 2024-25 NACS Chairman and Special Advisor to Alimentation Couche-Tard Brian Hannasch talk about leadership and the industry's future in a panel discussion from the 2025 NACS Show. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard

SNAP food restriction waivers greatly complicate how retailers comply with the program, alongside new developments that affect enforcement. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Margaret Mannion, NACS Director, Government Relations Margaret leads federal advocacy efforts at NACS on issues including SNAP, food traceability and retail crime. Margaret joined NACS in 2019 as grassroots manager, leading initiatives like Day on the Hill and NACS In Store to connect convenience retailers with policymakers, strengthen industry relationships and help shape public policy.

Whether its podcasts, digital or social media, great content communicates your brand. Hear how to leverage your content and become a stronger storyteller. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Ben Nussbaum, NACS Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Ben has more than 25 years of experience in publishing, including starting USA Today's magazine program, which he grew into a multimillion-dollar-per-year business with more than 50 publications each year. Ben has been with NACS since 2023 and has been connected to the industry even longer. He worked at a Kum & Go in Iowa during college.

Henry takes us behind the scenes of our industry's biggest successes in the past 20 years, from debit swipe fee reform to enhancing the industry's image. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Henry Armour, NACS President and CEO Henry has served as NACS president and CEO since 2005 after spending his entire career in the convenience and fuels retailing industry. On January 1, 2026, he will shift roles and lead international activities at NACS.

Henry shares the biggest focus areas that were top of mind for NACS during the past two decades. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Henry Armour, NACS President and CEO Henry has served as NACS president and CEO since 2005 after spending his entire career in the convenience and fuel retailing industry. Beginning January 1, 2026, he will shift roles and lead international activities at NACS.

What separates a successful snack from the pack? Storytelling can be effective and important to sustaining a brand. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Jason Liebig, Brand History Expert, Television Host Jason is a noted brand historian, consultant, television personality and speaker, known for his deep knowledge of consumer brands and behavior. In demand for his unique perspective and captivating storytelling, he's often referred to as "The Indiana Jones of Brands" due to his extensive archive and collection of vintage brand packaging, numbering at over 100,000 pieces.

As c-stores continue to be a preferred destination for prepared foods and beverages, retailers are paying more attention to flavors. We look at what's resonating with customers and how can different flavors -- whether "swicy" or "swalty" -- be used and combined. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Amanda Baltazar, Retail & Hospitality Journalist Amanda is a journalist with 20-plus years of experience and expertise in foodservice, beverages, restaurants/bars and overall retail. She covers everything from operations to how to staff a c-suite.

On Jan. 1, 2026, retailers in 8 states will face SNAP Food Restriction Waivers that restrict items deemed "non nutritious. Here is what retailers need to know. Hosted by: Jeff Lenard About our Guest: Margaret Mannion, NACS Director, Government Relations Margaret leads federal advocacy efforts at NACS on issues including SNAP, food traceability and retail crime. Margaret joined NACS in 2019 as grassroots manager, leading initiatives like Day on the Hill and NACS In Store to connect convenience retailers with policymakers, strengthen industry relationships and help shape public policy.

Visa and Mastercard reached a settlement with merchants on a swipe fees class-action lawsuit. It's opposed by retail groups, including NACS. 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.