Best C Store Operations Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 30: Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls 4:03

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5h ago4:03

4:03

Smoke Break - Episode 30: Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to eliminate the most common cause of convenience store accidents through systematic floor safety protocols. Learn proven strategies for managing wet surfaces, creating effective cleaning schedules, redesigning high-ri…

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Episode 29: Hazard Communication - Your First Line of Defense 3:55

5h ago3:55

3:55

Smoke Break - Episode 29: Hazard Communication - Your First Line of Defense Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms hazard communication from confusing paperwork into a practical safety system that protects your employees from dangerous chemical exposures. Learn proven strategies for creating accessible safety data she…

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Episode 30 - Safety Metrics: Making Numbers Work For You 3:17

5h ago3:17

3:17

Smoke Break - Episode 30: Safety Metrics: Making Numbers Work For You Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demystifies safety metrics and transforms raw data into actionable insights that protect your team. Learn practical approaches for tracking incident patterns, identifying time-based trends, calculating true safety costs, …

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Episode 29 - Safety Audits That Get Results 3:18

5h ago3:18

3:18

Smoke Break - Episode 29: Safety Audits That Get Results Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms safety audits from checkbox exercises into powerful prevention tools that protect your team and keep OSHA satisfied. Learn strategic timing approaches, systematic inspection methods, equipment verification techniques, and m…

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Episode 30: Problem Resolution That Builds Trust 2:21

5h ago2:21

2:21

Smoke Break - Episode 30: Problem Resolution That Builds Trust Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the counterintuitive truth that well-handled complaints create stronger customer loyalty than if problems never occurred. Learn immediate response techniques, active listening protocols, ownership mentality regardless of…

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Episode 29: Ethical Upselling and Cross-Selling 2:21

5h ago2:21

2:21

Smoke Break - Episode 29: Ethical Upselling and Cross-Selling Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms upselling and cross-selling from potentially sleazy tactics into genuine customer service that builds trust and loyalty. Learn the golden rule of customer-benefit-first selling, pressure-free suggestion techniques, tra…

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Episode 28: Understanding OSHA Basics for Your Store 3:54

15h ago3:54

3:54

Smoke Break - Episode 28: Understanding OSHA Basics for Your Store Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demystifies OSHA compliance for independent convenience store owners, transforming overwhelming regulations into manageable, actionable safety systems. Learn how to protect your employees, customers, and business through pra…

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Episode 28 - Safety Incentives That Actually Work 3:15

15h ago3:15

3:15

Smoke Break - Episode 28: Safety Incentives That Actually Work Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to design safety incentive programs that encourage genuine safety awareness instead of accident concealment. Learn strategic approaches for rewarding positive behaviors, creating fair multi-role programs, maintaining…

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Episode 28: Making Personalized Recommendations 2:22

15h ago2:22

2:22

Smoke Break - Episode 28: Making Personalized Recommendations Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform basic product suggestions into personalized recommendations that boost sales while making customers feel genuinely valued. Learn the art of attention-driven selling, strategic timing techniques, and conve…

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SZN 9 EP 20 - Kelley Jensen / Brain Performance Technologies Improving PTSD, TBI, and More / SAINT / MeRT / TMS / Qualified under TriCare Insurance / T.O.C. Podcast Sponsor 42:16

2h ago42:16

42:16

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, host Greg Grogan speaks with Kelley Jensen about the transformative potential of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for mental health, particularly within the military and first responder communities with Brain Performance Technologies. Kelley shares her personal journey with her autistic so…

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Episode 27: Mastering Customer Feedback 4:30

3h ago4:30

4:30

Smoke Break - Episode 27: Mastering Customer Feedback Episode Duration: 4:30 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode of the customer service series as he reveals how to transform customer feedback from occasional complaints into a strategic business improvement tool. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've mastere…

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Episode 27 - Building Your Safety Committee 4:02

8d ago4:02

4:02

Smoke Break - Episode 27: Building Your Safety Committee Episode Duration: 4 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through creating an effective safety committee that actively prevents accidents rather than just reacting to them. Learn optimal committee sizing, strategic member selection, clear responsibility assignment, and documentati…

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Episode 27: Building Customer Rapport 2:20

8d ago2:20

2:20

Smoke Break - Episode 27: Building Customer Rapport Episode Duration: 2 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how building genuine customer relationships transforms one-time shoppers into loyal regulars who choose your store regardless of price. Learn practical techniques for remembering names and preferences, engaging in meaningful small …

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SZN 9 EP 19 - Freddie, U.S. Army Military Police / Any Mission Anywhere is a Veteran Owned & Operated Hockey Company / T.O.C. Hockey Charity Game in 2026 25:23

13h ago25:23

25:23

In this conversation, Freddie shares the origins of his initiative, 'Any Mission Anywhere,' which began as a personal quest for purpose and community after his service in the U.S. Army. He discusses the importance of structure and camaraderie in his life and how these elements inspired him to create a movement that embodies selflessness and reinteg…

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Episode 26: Making the Most of Mystery Shopping 4:35

14d ago4:35

4:35

Smoke Break - Episode 26: Making the Most of Mystery Shopping Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform mystery shopping from a "gotcha" program into a powerful customer service improvement tool. Learn proven strategies from successful store owners who've used mystery shopping to recognize excellence, ident…

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Episode 26 - Safety Training That Sticks 4:15

14d ago4:15

4:15

Smoke Break - Episode 26: Safety Training That Sticks Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms boring safety training into engaging, memorable sessions that actually prevent accidents and save lives. Learn proven techniques for creating hands-on learning experiences, breaking content into digestible chunks, and customiz…

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Episode 26: Handling Challenging Customer Scenarios 3:12

12d ago3:12

3:12

Smoke Break - Episode 26: Handling Challenging Customer Scenarios Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the conclusion of the communication series as he walks you through real-world challenging customer situations and proven resolution strategies. Learn step-by-step approaches for handling product complaints, managing rush hour t…

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SZN 9 EP 18 - Sgt. Dakota Meyer / U.S.M.C. Medal of Honor Recipient / Re-Enlisting in the U.S.M.C. as Recon MOS / Leaderships Role in Mental Health / Compare Combat Veterans Trauma to First Responders ... 47:36

15d ago47:36

47:36

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, host Greg Grogan speaks with Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient, about his journey from a small town in Kentucky to becoming a Marine and ultimately receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan. Dakota shares his experiences transitioning from military to civilian life, the c…

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SZN 9 EP 17 - Max / EMS & Volunteer Firefighter in Germany / U.S. vs. Germany Mental Health Resources / Strong Is Reaching Out For Help / Peer Support Benefits 47:37

18d ago47:37

47:37

Max, all the way from Germany, shares his experiences and insights as a paramedic, discussing the challenges and emotional toll of the job, the importance of support from colleagues, and his unwavering passion for emergency services. We compare U.S. vs. German mental health resources and the differences between the stigma. "It's not like a job for …

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SZN 9 EP 16 - Melissa Ewing / T.O.C. Contracted Therapist in Kansas / Dropping 22 Non-Profit / Accelerated Resolution Therapy / Spouses Forgotten About in First Responder Community 28:00

29d ago28:00

28:00

Melissa Ewing, a T.O.C. contracted therapist in Kansas, shares her personal experiences and emphasizes the need for better systems to educate and support these spouses as they navigate the unique challenges of being married to first responders. In addition, Melissa talks about what therapy would look like if anyone in our T.O.C. community would wan…

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SZN 9 EP 15 - Karlee Davis / Begin Counseling / T.O.C. Contracted Therapist in West Virginia / Begins Emergency Responder Cultural Competence Model 45:44

29d ago45:44

45:44

In this podcast episode, Karlee Davis shares her experiences as a licensed independent clinical social worker in the state of West Virginia. Karlee has been in private practice since 2007 and founded Begin Counseling in 2023. Karlee discusses what therapy looks like with her as a T.O.C. contracted therapist and breaks down the 'Begins emergency res…

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SZN 9 EP 14 - Mike Ergo / U.S. Marine Corps 0311 Combat Veteran / Operation Phantom Fury / Struggles with Transition to Civilian Life / Therapist Helping Veterans / Thin Line Advisory 47:47

1M ago47:47

47:47

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, host Greg Grogan speaks with Mike Ergo, a former U.S. Marine and current therapist who has dedicated over 13 years to helping combat veterans. They discuss Mike's journey from military service to civilian life, the challenges of transitioning, and the importance of mental health support. Mike sha…

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SZN 9 EP 13 - Bill Johnson, Merging Vets and Players / U.S. Army Ret. Sgt. Maj. / Support for our Veteran Community / In Person & Virtual Resources 35:25

1M ago35:25

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In this episode, Greg Grogan interviews Bill Johnson, the Texas Regional Manager of Merging Vets and Players (MVP), a nonprofit organization that connects veterans and professional athletes to support each other in their transitions to civilian life. They discuss the founding of MVP, its expansion across the U.S., the importance of physical fitness…

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SZN 9 EP 12 - Doug White / Author of 'Hiding in Plain Sight' / U.S. Air Force Veteran / Retired Police Officer / Looking at your Pistol in a Police Car / Dismissed by Administration / Normalizing Mental ... 56:23

2M ago56:23

56:23

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, host Greg Grogan speaks with Doug White, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired law enforcement officer, about his journey through mental health challenges and the importance of addressing these issues within the first responder community. Doug shares insights from his book, 'Hiding in Pla…

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SZN 9 EP 11 - Roger Sutherland / A Healthy Shift / Coaching Shift Workers to Thrive / 40 Years of Police Experience in Australia / Optimize Health & Wellness / Reduce Fatigue & Weight Gain 1:44:47

2M ago1:44:47

1:44:47

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, Greg Grogan interviews Roger Sutherland, a retired police officer with 40 years of experience in Australia. They discuss the challenges faced by shift workers, particularly in law enforcement, including mental health issues, weight gain, and the importance of values in policing. Roger shares his …

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SZN 9 EP 10 - Albert Lu / MetFix Boise in Idaho / Nutrition & Fitness Tips / Physical Health Benefits Mental Health / Maintain a High Level of Health & Fitness Working Graveyard 26:54

2M ago26:54

26:54

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, Greg Grogan speaks with Albert Lu, the owner of Metfix Boise, about the intersection of physical and mental health, particularly for first responders and military personnel. They discuss the importance of nutrition, the challenges faced by those in high-stress jobs, and the role of community in f…

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SZN 9 EP 9 - Terry Moran w/ Vets Boats / Non-Profit Based in San Francisco / Improving Mental Health on the Water / 28 Years U.S. Navy / F-14 Tomcat Fighter Pilot 1:04:20

3M ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Tuning in from the lovely Bay Area is Terry, who founded Vets Boats in 2014, with the intent to help our veteran community overcome the challenges of mental health by sailing on the water and working on experiential sailing, sail training, and restoration & events. Terry served honorably in the United States Navy as a fighter pilot with deployments…

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SZN 9 EP 8 - Thomas LaGrave / Prior U.S. Navy SEAL / BUDS Class 106 / Drug Addiction & Kicked off Team 1 / Motivational Speaker 31:51

3M ago31:51

31:51

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective podcast, host Greg Grogan speaks with Thomas LaGrave, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who shares his journey from a troubled childhood and military service to overcoming addiction and finding purpose in helping others. Thomas discusses his experiences in the military, the challenges of transitioning to civilian l…

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SZN 9 EP 7 - Chappy / U.S. Navy Veteran / Arizona Trail Program Veteran Engagement & Trail Stewardship / Operation Freedom March 55:29

3M ago55:29

55:29

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, Greg Grogan speaks with Michael 'Chappy' Chappell about his military experiences, the transition to civilian life, and his work with the Arizona Trail Association's VETS program. They discuss the importance of community support for veterans, the therapeutic benefits of nature, and the ongoing cha…

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SZN 9 EP 6 - Ben & Cindy / U.S. Navy Corpsman / 11th MEU and Multiple Deployments / Building a Relationship while Depressed and Misusing Alcohol / Ibogaine Treatment in Mexico / Suicidal Thoughts Conversation ... 1:01:25

4M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

In this episode of the Overwatch Collective Podcast, host Greg Grogan speaks with Ben and Cindy about their journey through military service, mental health challenges, and the impact of substance misuse. Ben, a former U.S. Navy Corpsman, shares his experiences with PTSD and the struggles he faced after leaving the military. Cindy provides insight i…

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SZN 9 EP 5 - Marty & Chris w/ Trident K9 Consulting / Training Officers and K9's in Northern California / Stress a K9 Handler Experiences / Liability of Sending the Fur Missile / K9 Getting Injured / Officer ... 51:42

4M ago51:42

51:42

Listen in as Marty and Chris give a full breakdown of Trident K9 Consulting, which was founded in 2015 and provides a plethora of training with several agencies in Northern California in addition to auditing across the Country. We talk about the stress of training they provide to new Officers as they transition into K9 handlers on the road and at t…

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SZN 9 EP 4 - Jesse Catches Up / Fundraiser Information 11:05

4M ago11:05

11:05

If you are wondering about the fundraiser, take a listen as I broke it down for ya! If you are wanting to hop on a podcast with Mike and I, reach out to us and we can make that happen! Support the showBy The Overwatch Collective

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SZN 9 EP 3 - Jonah & Rene / U.S. Coast Guard Members / Balancing Civilian Life While in The Military Reserves / PSU 308 Member Died By Suicide / Advice for Our FR & MIL Community 1:15:47

4M ago1:15:47

1:15:47

Tune into a fun and random in person podcast with Jonah and Rene, two fellow U.S. Coast Guard service members. This episode was recorded in a hotel room while on the East Coast on active duty orders so the audio/video may not be the best, but the topic of conversation is all we care about. Jonah and Rene share some great insight on what life is lik…

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SZN 9 EP 2 - Max Garcia / U.S.M.C. Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) / Motivational Speaker / CPR in Back of Humvee After Gunshot Wound / Losing Marines to Suicide as Senior Enlisted Personnel / PTS Diagnosis Out of Nowhere ... 54:12

5M ago54:12

54:12

Coming to you from Sydney Australia is Retired Sergeant Major Max Garcia, who served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for 24 years. Sgt. Major shares some wild stories from his combat deployments, gives us a different perspective on mental health coming from higher enlisted, and honors a few friends and Marines who unfortunately died by …

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SZN 9 EP 1 - Jessica Cowick, LCSW / T.O.C. Contracted Therapist / U.S. Army (Ret.) / What Therapy Looks Like With Jessica 47:38

5M ago47:38

47:38

Tune in to listen to Jessica Cowick, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who is a contracted therapist with The Overwatch Collective based out of Florida. Jessica is licensed in Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Listen in as Jessica discusses her service in the U.S. Army, co-parenting with an active duty service member, and what therapy would look l…

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SZN 8 EP 17 - Paul & Dakota / Partners On an Ambulance / Not Realizing Burnout Had Creeped In / How Personal Life Affects Work Life / Starting a Support Team at Department 54:53

5M ago54:53

54:53

Paul and Dakota have both been in EMS for over 10 years in Southern California and are currently partners on an ambulance. In this episode, they discuss some of the fun parts of working on an ambulance in addition to some of the challenges. Paul disclosed some personal family struggles, which ultimately caused him to realize he was burned out and n…

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SZN 8 EP 16 - Chad / U.S.M.C. 0311 / 11 Friends Lost by Suicide / A Glock Misfire? / The Pain of Receiving Notifications of Suicides via Text / Co-Founder of Forge Concepts 1:02:45

5M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Thank you to Chad for joining The Overwatch Collective Podcast after getting connected through Veterans_Up! Chad served in the United States Marine Corps as an 0311, infantry rifleman. Chad started his USMC career in active duty and then transitioned to the reserves so he could partake in a deployment to Afghanistan. Chad discusses his deployments …

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SZN 8 EP 15 - Alison Fienning / T.O.C. Contracted Therapist / Neck Up Check Ups for First Responders / Founder of Pinpoint Behavioral Health Solutions / PTSD is a 3rd Wheel 39:22

5M ago39:22

39:22

Tune into this episode to learn about Alison Fienning, one of The Overwatch Collective's contracted therapists who is licensed in Ohio, Kentucky, Florida, & Arizona. Alison has been a therapist for over 12 years and specializes in working with our first responder community. Alison is embedded with several first responder departments after founding …

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Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon 4:23

6M ago4:23

4:23

Smoke Break - Episode 25: Role-Playing - Your Training Secret Weapon Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how role-playing transforms awkward training sessions into powerful skill-building experiences that boost customer service confidence. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've used role-playing t…

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SZN 8 EP 14 - Natalie Montenegro / T.O.C. Contracted Therapist in California / Importance of Cultural Competency / Tips for First Responder Spouses 45:09

6M ago45:09

45:09

Joining today is Natalie Montenegro, a T.O.C. contracted therapist in California. Natalie has been a therapist for over 18 years and specializes in working with our first responder community. Natalie is also married to a Law Enforcement Officer in California and her sister is a Dispatcher. In this episode, Natalie touches on what therapy looks like…

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Episode 25 - OSHA Inspections: Be Ready, Not Worried 3:11

6M ago3:11

3:11

Smoke Break - Episode 25: OSHA Inspections: Be Ready, Not Worried Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms OSHA inspection anxiety into confidence through proper preparation and daily readiness practices. Learn how to maintain inspection-ready standards every day, organize essential documentation, and train your team to…

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Episode 25: De-escalating Tense Situations 3:29

6M ago3:29

3:29

Smoke Break - Episode 25: De-escalating Tense Situations Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals essential de-escalation techniques that transform heated confrontations into manageable conversations. Learn proven strategies for maintaining calm under pressure, using language that defuses tension, and creating safe environ…

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Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution 4:20

6M ago4:20

4:20

Smoke Break - Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms how you view customer complaints and problems, revealing how effective resolution strategies can turn unhappy customers into loyal advocates. Learn proven techniques from successful store owners who've mastered the art of tur…

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Episode 24 - Incident Reports: Getting the Details Right 3:07

6M ago3:07

3:07

Smoke Break - Episode 24: Incident Reports: Getting the Details Right Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how proper incident reporting protects your store from major complications and liability issues. Learn comprehensive documentation strategies for all types of incidents, from customer injuries to near-misses, and …

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Episode 24: The Power of Empathy in Communication 3:02

6M ago3:02

3:02

Smoke Break - Episode 24: The Power of Empathy in Communication Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how empathetic communication transforms challenging customer interactions into positive experiences that build trust and loyalty. Learn practical techniques for understanding customer perspectives, using language that v…

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SZN 8 EP 13 - Brian Laurence, LMFT / Prior T.O.C. Contracted California Therapist / 30 Years LEO in Northern California / 3 Years U.S. Army Military Police / Benefits of Prior LEO & MIL Experience in the ... 39:46

6M ago39:46

39:46

Thank you to Brian Laurence for joining the podcast virtually from Northern California! Brian served 3 years in the U.S. Army followed by 30 years in law enforcement, where he retired as a Lieutenant. Once retired, Brian focused on become a licensed marriage and family therapist in order to continue serving the community, specializing in our first …

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Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon 3:53

6M ago3:53

3:53

Smoke Break - Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how deep product knowledge transforms your staff from order-takers into customer service experts. Learn proven strategies from successful store owners who've turned product expertise into a competitive advantag…

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Episode 23 - When Accidents Happen: First Response Matters 3:15

6M ago3:15

3:15

Smoke Break - Episode 23: When Accidents Happen: First Response Matters Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through critical first response procedures when workplace accidents occur. Learn how your actions in the first few minutes can significantly impact outcomes, from scene safety assessment to proper documentati…

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Episode 23: Clear and Concise Communication 3:11

6M ago3:11

3:11

Smoke Break - Episode 23: Clear and Concise Communication Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the essential communication skills that make assistant managers more effective in fast-paced convenience store environments. Learn how to deliver messages quickly and clearly to customers and team members, prioritize informat…

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SZN 8 EP 12 - Melissa Cavanaugh / T.O.C. Contracted Therapist / Children's Challenges with Deployments & How Therapy Helps / Military Spouse Challenges / Tips & Tricks for Service Members Deploying with ... 52:52

6M ago52:52

52:52

Tune in to listen to Melissa Cavanaugh, one of T.O.C.'s contracted therapists as she discusses life as a military spouse as her husband is a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy. Also, Melissa is a therapist who specializes in working with children whose mother and/or father are in the U.S. Military and are deployed. Melissa is licensed in California, Ma…