Culture of Convenience – Details, episodes & analysis

RTO is turning 20! Jeff and Kelly go through the history books to remember some of RTO's biggest moments, what was happening in the world during that time, and how the company became what it is today.

There's a lot going on under your feet! On this episode, Jeff and Kelly talk to Ben Thomas from UST Training to find out just what's going on with underground storage tanks: how they've changed over the years, Ben's evolving role in the industry, and what happens when things go wrong.

About Ben: Ben Thomas brings to the UST industry over three decades of experience, networking and ideas to help owners and inspectors solve complex technical problems in the management of UST systems. Ben’s experience goes back to 1986, when he supervised UST removals in Vermont. Between 1989 and 1995, Ben oversaw cleanup of leaking UST sites in northern Alaska. From 1995 to 2002, he ran Alaska’s UST leak prevention program. Ben gained national attention for his innovative work in web page development, outreach material, financial responsibility compliance, and most notably the Alaska third party inspection program. Since leaving Alaska in 2002, Ben’s principal focus has been education, training, and outreach to the nation’s UST owners, operators, inspectors and technicians.

In Episode 132, Jeff Kahler sits down with Eric Bolduc from Holmes Murphy Insurance to discuss keeping your store safe and saving money in the long run.  

About Our Guest: 
For over 30 years, Eric has specialized in working with business owners to help them reduce their overall exposure to risk. He's passionate about helping companies have the most comprehensive risk management program that best protects their investment.

With over 550 stores, RaceTrac is leading the charge with learning strategies and asset protection. Jeff Kahler sits down with Kelly Harrington, Director of Asset Protection, and the learning design team, Jackie Keaton and Brandon Christopher Bass, to discuss how the large chain operators overcome obstacles and maintain strong safety culture. 

About Our Guest: 
Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, RaceTrac is a third-generation, family-owned company that is comprised of four operating divisions: RaceTrac, RaceWay, Energy Dispatch, and Metroplex Energy. RaceTrac owns and operates more than 550 RaceTrac convenience store locations across seven southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. RaceTrac also owns more than 200 RaceWay stores in 12 states across the Southeast.

Until 2019 coupons were made from paper. With digital coupons entering the scene things are about to change - even in convenience stores. What impact will this have on the industry? Producer Kelly sits down with the Coupon Bureau's Brett Watson to get to the info.  

About Our Guest: 
At The Coupon Bureau, Brett Watson is leading the charge, with the support of an incredible team, to revolutionize the coupon industry with Universal Coupons. As CEO, she drives both strategic direction and tactical execution, ensuring our vision becomes reality. Working closely with industry stakeholders, Brett helps to shape Universal Coupons to meet the ever-evolving needs of the market. Partner communication and management are key, and she's delighted have the opportunity to develop and nurture relationships critical to our success. 

But it's not just about the product; it's about our culture. Brett fosters an environment of collaboration and empowerment. Having an empowered team is critical to the daily work it takes to make fast and effective decisions to drive the adoption of Universal Coupons. And yes, being a start-up CEO means do more than lead. From strategic planning to occasionally taking out the trash, Brett Watson is dedicated to propelling The Coupon Bureau forward in their mission to transform the coupon industry.

Bob Duprey is no stranger to creating consistent training systems. In this interview, Jeff Kahler explores how shift leaders can really elevate restaurant service, especially in quick service restaurants (QSRs)! Bob and Jeff also dive into Shift Leader Playbook, the newest course from Restaurant Playbooks.  

About Our Guest: 
For the last 20 years, Bob Duprey has worked with Fortune 500 clients to develop custom eLearning solutions. As the founder of Restaurant Playbooks, he formed a team of passionate pros with proven expertise in the restaurant industry, and Learning & Development. Bob's goal is to create engaging eLearning experiences that develop behaviors and deliver results.

Besides bringing her family business out of the red, Stephanie Stuckey has built a team and marketed her brand, all while completely re-inventing herself in a matter of a couple years. Hear her secrets and strategies in this episode! 

About Our Guest: 
Stephanie Stuckey, CEO and Chair of Stuckey's Corporation, has been on a path to revive her family's company and brand since purchasing it in 2019. Stephanie is the author of UnStuck: Rebirth of an American Icon, coming out April 2, 2024, where she details her experiences with the business and shares insights and strategies she has used along the way.

Recruiting and Retaining advice abounds in our interview with Steve Seymour, author of 100 Ideas to Improve the Workplace. Steve lays out practical - and some out of the box ideas - to not only create a winning team but keep them in your organization. Hint: Treat people the way you want to be treated, but also do this one thing ... Find out more in this episode! 

About Our Guest: 

Steve Seymour is the Director of Personnel Training & Development at Country Fair, Inc., a chain of 72 convenience stores throughout Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. In 2019 and 2021, Country Fair, Inc. was named one of America's Best-In-State Employers by Forbes Magazine. Steve has 30+ years of experience in HR and is passionate about creating a positive work culture that improves employee morale and retention. He is the author of 100 Ideas to Improve the Workplace: An HR Nerd’s Guide to Creating Excellent Culture, which was published in 2023. All proceeds of the book will be donated to Transplants.org, a charity that Steve actively supports.  

AI is all the rage these days, but how exactly will it benefit c-stores? On this week's podcast we talk to Susan Sly, CEO of The Pause Technologies and Top Women in AI Finalist, to get her take on how AI can help businesses, employees, and the customer.  

What's your take on AI? Did this episode change your mind? We'd love to know! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com. 

It's time for another end-of-season recap! This week Jeff Kahler is tackling the burning questions our listeners sent in during Season 11. Airplane etiquette, "beige flags" in business, working with family; all these and more discussed in this episode. 

What was your favorite moment from Season 11? We'd love to know! Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments at: https://www.cultureofconvenience.com/ or email Producer@CultureofConvenience.com.