Best Convenience Store Management Training Podcasts (2025)

1
Legal and Regulatory Compliance 20:40

1d ago20:40

20:40

Episode 68 Show Notes: Legal and Regulatory Compliance Episode Description In this final episode of the "Drive" series from C-Store Center, host Mike Hernandez tackles the critical topic that affects every aspect of convenience store operations - legal and regulatory compliance. Discover how Maria Rodriguez transformed her district from averaging t…

1
Convenience Store Success: Program Recap and Future Outlook 20:57

1d ago20:57

20:57

Episode 77 Show Notes: Convenience Store Success - Program Recap and Future Outlook Episode Description In this milestone final episode of the "Thrive" series from C-Store Center, host Mike Hernandez celebrates the journey we've taken together and charts the exciting path forward for convenience store leaders. Join us as we explore the remarkable s…

1
Staying on Track: Managing Interruptions in Store Operations 18:32

2d ago18:32

18:32

Episode 68 Show Notes: Staying on Track - Managing Interruptions in Store Operations Episode Description In this final episode of the "Survive" series from C-Store Center, host Mike Hernandez tackles one of the biggest challenges assistant managers face - the constant interruptions that derail productivity and focus. Discover how Marcus transformed…

1
Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers 4:33

2d ago4:33

4:33

Smoke Break - Episode 20: The Art of Greeting and Assisting Customers Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares powerful stories and proven strategies for transforming customer experiences through effective greeting practices. Learn how independent store owners like you have significantly increased customer loyalty and sales…

1
Episode 20: Record Keeping - Your Safety Net 3:25

4d ago3:25

3:25

Smoke Break - Episode 20: Record Keeping - Your Safety Net Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals why effective documentation is crucial for health and safety compliance across your district. Learn how proper record keeping serves as both protection during inspections and a valuable management tool that identifies operat…

1
Episode 20 - When Things Go Wrong: Food Safety Emergency Response 3:35

2d ago3:35

3:35

Smoke Break - Episode 20: When Things Go Wrong: Food Safety Emergency Response Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he provides essential guidance for handling food safety emergencies in your convenience store. Learn how to develop an effective crisis response plan for situations like power outages, product recalls, and foodborne…

1
Episode 20: Reading and Responding to Customer Cues 3:06

2d ago3:06

3:06

Smoke Break - Episode 20: Reading and Responding to Customer Cues Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to interpret and react to the silent signals customers communicate through their body language, tone, and expressions. Learn why understanding these non-verbal cues is essential for providing exceptional service a…

1
Ensuring Employee and Customer Safety 21:59

9d ago21:59

21:59

Episode 67 Show Notes: Ensuring Employee and Customer Safety Episode Description In this crucial episode of "Drive from C-Store Center," host Mike Hernandez explores comprehensive safety strategies that protect both employees and customers while enhancing business operations. Learn how one district manager reduced safety incidents by 70%, decreased…

1
Convenience Store Success: Crisis Management and Emergency Preparedness 19:55

9d ago19:55

19:55

Episode 76 Show Notes: Convenience Store Success - Crisis Management and Emergency Preparedness Episode Description In this vital episode of "Thrive from C-Store Center," host Mike Hernandez delivers essential guidance on crisis management and emergency preparedness - or as he calls it, "planning for the worst while hoping for the best." Learn how …

1
Making the Right Choices: Priority Setting for Store Leaders 18:35

9d ago18:35

18:35

Episode 67 Show Notes: Making the Right Choices - Priority Setting for Store Leaders Episode Description In this essential episode of "Survive from C-Store Center," host Mike Hernandez tackles one of the biggest challenges facing assistant managers - making smart priority decisions when everything seems urgent. Learn from Alex's real-world experien…

1
Episode 19: Building Your Store's Reputation Through Service 4:43

10d ago4:43

4:43

Smoke Break - Episode 19: Building Your Store's Reputation Through Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for developing and maintaining a stellar reputation that brings customers back again and again. Learn how exceptional service can become your store's most powerful competitive advantage in today's …

1
Episode 19: Making the Most of Health Department Visits 3:45

10d ago3:45

3:45

Smoke Break - Episode 19: Making the Most of Health Department Visits Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in our health and safety series as he shares strategies for turning health department inspections into positive experiences. Learn how to prepare your store network for regulatory visits and use them as op…

1
Episode 19 - Documentation: Your Food Safety Shield 3:18

10d ago3:18

3:18

Smoke Break - Episode 19: Documentation: Your Food Safety Shield Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down the essential documentation practices that protect your business from food safety issues and regulatory consequences. Learn how to implement comprehensive record-keeping systems that demonstrate your commitment to …

1
Episode 19: The Power of Empathy in Customer Service 3:07

10d ago3:07

3:07

Smoke Break - Episode 19: The Power of Empathy in Customer Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares insights on developing and fostering empathy in customer interactions. Learn how to lead your team in creating meaningful customer connections that transform typical transactions into memorable experiences. Episode Ov…

1
Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management 22:39

17d ago22:39

22:39

Episode 66 Show Notes: Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management Episode Description In this crucial episode of "Drive from C-Store Center," host Mike Hernandez explores the essential aspects of emergency preparedness and crisis management for convenience store district managers. Learn why 40% of businesses without comprehensive emergency plans …

1
Convenience Store Success: Financial Analysis and Profitability 20:26

20d ago20:26

20:26

THRIVE Podcast - Episode 75 Notes Episode Title: Convenience Store Success: Financial Analysis and Profitability Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this essential episode of Thrive, host Mike Hernandez reveals how convenience store managers can transform overwhelming financial data into actionable insights that drive profits. Learn how on…

1
Making Every Minute Count: Time Management for Store Leaders 17:36

16d ago17:36

17:36

SURVIVE Podcast - Episode 66 Notes Episode Title: Making Every Minute Count: Time Management for Store Leaders Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this game-changing episode of Survive, host Mike Hernandez reveals how convenience store assistant managers can transform from working 60+ hours a week to efficient leaders who accomplish more i…

1
Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service 5:02

20d ago5:02

5:02

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals practical strategies for transforming good customer service into increased sales. Learn how to train your team in service techniques that naturally boost transaction values and create more profitable customer int…

1
Episode 18: Emergency Preparedness - When Minutes Matter 3:46

21d ago3:46

3:46

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Emergency Preparedness - When Minutes Matter Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for preparing your store network for emergencies before they happen. Learn how to develop and implement comprehensive emergency plans that protect your team, customers, and business when every…

1
Episode 18 - Keeping It Clean: Facility Maintenance & Sanitation 3:24

16d ago3:24

3:24

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Keeping It Clean: Facility Maintenance & Sanitation Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential sanitation practices that go beyond surface cleaning to ensure true food safety. Learn how to implement comprehensive cleaning systems that will impress health inspectors and protect your cus…

1
Episode 18: Common Customer Needs in Convenience Stores 3:19

16d ago3:19

3:19

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Common Customer Needs in Convenience Stores Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down the fundamental customer needs that drive convenience store visits. Learn how to lead your team in prioritizing these core needs to enhance customer satisfaction and build store loyalty. Episode Overview Maste…

1
Loss Prevention and Security Measures 21:51

24d ago21:51

21:51

DRIVE Podcast - Episode 65 Notes Episode Title: Loss Prevention and Security Measures Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this profit-protecting episode of Drive, host Mike Hernandez explores how district managers can implement effective loss prevention and security measures that directly impact the bottom line. Learn how to move beyond si…

1
Convenience Store Success: Effective Promotions and Sales Techniques 18:20

27d ago18:20

18:20

THRIVE Podcast – Episode 74 Notes Episode Title: Convenience Store Success: Effective Promotions and Sales Techniques Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this profit-boosting episode of Thrive, host Mike Hernandez reveals strategies for creating effective promotions and sales techniques that increase your convenience store's revenue withou…

1
Finding Real Solutions: Root Cause Analysis for Store Leaders 17:03

23d ago17:03

17:03

SURVIVE Podcast - Episode 65 Notes Episode Title: Finding Real Solutions: Root Cause Analysis for Store Leaders Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this problem-solving episode of Survive, host Mike Hernandez explores how convenience store assistant managers can go beyond quick fixes to find and address the true causes of store challenges.…

1
Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool 4:55

27d ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for turning satisfied customers into your most effective marketing team. Learn how to create experiences that inspire customers to spread the word about your store without spending a fortune on ad…

1
Episode 17: Building Your Safety Culture 3:21

24d ago3:21

3:21

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Building Your Safety Culture Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for creating a genuine safety culture that goes beyond rules and procedures. Learn how to develop an environment where safety becomes part of your stores' DNA rather than just another compliance requirement. Episode Ov…

1
Episode 17 - Temperature Control: The Hot and Cold of Food Safety 3:02

24d ago3:02

3:02

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Temperature Control: The Hot and Cold of Food Safety Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential temperature control practices that protect your customers and business. Learn how to implement effective monitoring systems that prevent foodborne illness risks while maintaining compliance.…

1
Episode 17: Understanding Different Customer Expectations 3:05

27d ago3:05

3:05

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Understanding Different Customer Expectations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares insights on recognizing and adapting to varied customer expectations in your store. Learn how to lead your team in providing personalized service that meets the diverse needs of your customer base. Episode Overvi…

1
Risk Assessment and Identification 23:32

1M ago23:32

23:32

DRIVE Podcast - Episode 64 Notes Episode Title: Risk Assessment and Identification Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this essential episode of Drive, host Mike Hernandez explores how district managers can systematically identify and assess risks across their convenience store operations. Learn how to implement a comprehensive approach to…

1
Convenience Store Success: Employee Training and Development 17:35

1M ago17:35

17:35

THRIVE Podcast - Episode 73 Notes Episode Title: Convenience Store Success: Employee Training and Development Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this essential episode of Thrive, host Mike Hernandez explores how effective employee training can transform your convenience store's performance while significantly reducing turnover. Learn prac…

1
Critical Thinking for Store Leaders 17:11

1M ago17:11

17:11

SURVIVE Podcast – Episode 64 Notes Episode Title: Critical Thinking for Store Leaders Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this transformative episode of Survive, host Mike Hernandez explores how convenience store assistant managers can develop critical thinking skills that solve problems at their root cause rather than just treating sympto…

1
Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty 4:55

1M ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for transforming casual shoppers into devoted customers who drive business growth. Learn how to build meaningful customer relationships that increase sales, encourage word-of-mouth marketing, and create a community a…

1
Episode 16: Mastering Health and Safety Inspections 3:46

1M ago3:46

3:46

Smoke Break - Episode 16: Mastering Health and Safety Inspections Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for preparing your store network for health and safety inspections. Learn how to develop systems that ensure your locations are inspection-ready every day, not just when inspectors are expected. Episode Over…

1
Episode 16: Food Safety Basics: Getting Handling and Storage Right 3:51

1M ago3:51

3:51

Smoke Break - Episode 16: Food Safety Basics: Getting Handling and Storage Right Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential food safety practices that protect your customers and business. Learn how to implement proper handling and storage procedures that form the foundation of your store's food safety system. E…

1
Episode 16: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Weapon 2:44

1M ago2:44

2:44

Smoke Break - Episode 16: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Weapon Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for developing comprehensive product knowledge that enhances customer service and boosts sales. Learn how to lead your team in becoming product experts who can confidently guide customers to the perfect purch…

1
Implementing Feedback-Driven Improvements 22:56

1M ago22:56

22:56

DRIVE Podcast – Episode 63 Notes Episode Title: Implementing Feedback-Driven Improvements Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this transformative episode of Drive, host Mike Hernandez reveals how district managers can turn customer and employee feedback into measurable store improvements. Discover a systematic approach to gathering, analyz…

1
Convenience Store Success: Managing Inventory and Supply Chain 19:23

1M ago19:23

19:23

THRIVE Podcast - Episode 72 Notes Episode Title: Convenience Store Success: Managing Inventory and Supply Chain Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this profit-boosting episode of Thrive, host Mike Hernandez reveals practical strategies for mastering inventory and supply chain management in your convenience store. Learn how to transform yo…

1
Effective Decision-Making for Store Leaders 17:33

1M ago17:33

17:33

SURVIVE Podcast - Episode 63 Notes Episode Title: Effective Decision-Making for Store Leaders Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this practical episode of Survive, host Mike Hernandez explores how convenience store assistant managers can transform their decision-making abilities from sources of stress into powerful leadership tools. Learn…

1
Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance 6:12

1M ago6:12

6:12

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in our compliance series as he shares strategies for transforming compliance from a set of rules into a core part of your store's identity. Learn how to create an environment where doing things the right way becomes …

1
Episode 15: Health and Safety - Your Foundation for Success 4:10

1M ago4:10

4:10

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Health and Safety - Your Foundation for Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for implementing effective health and safety compliance across your store network. Learn how to create systems that protect your customers, employees, and business while building a strong safety cult…

1
Episode 15 - Consumer Protection: Keeping Customers Safe and Satisfied 3:35

1M ago3:35

3:35

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Consumer Protection: Keeping Customers Safe and Satisfied Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential consumer protection strategies that build customer trust while keeping your store compliant with regulations. Learn how to implement practices that protect both your customers and your busin…

1
Episode 15: Time Management - Balancing Service and Operations 3:03

1M ago3:03

3:03

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Time Management - Balancing Service and Operations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for managing the competing demands on your time as an assistant manager. Learn how to balance excellent customer service with operational responsibilities while maintaining your sanity. …

1
Measuring and Improving Customer Satisfaction 24:10

2M ago24:10

24:10

DRIVE Podcast - Episode 62 Notes Episode Title: Measuring and Improving Customer Satisfaction Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this data-driven episode of Drive, host Mike Hernandez explores how district managers can systematically measure and improve customer satisfaction across their convenience store locations. Learn practical method…

1
Convenience Store Success: Store Layout and Visual Merchandising 18:55

2M ago18:55

18:55

THRIVE Podcast - Episode 71 Notes Episode Title: Convenience Store Success: Store Layout and Visual Merchandising Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this transformative episode of Thrive, host Mike Hernandez reveals how convenience store managers can turn their store layout and visual merchandising into powerful sales tools. Learn practic…

1
Making Smart Choices: A Guide for Store Leaders 19:02

2M ago19:02

19:02

SURVIVE Podcast - Episode 62 Notes Episode Title: Making Smart Choices: A Guide for Store Leaders Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this powerful episode of Survive, host Mike Hernandez explores the critical skill of decision-making for convenience store assistant managers. Learn practical frameworks and techniques to make better choices…

1
Episode 14: Regular Audits and Reviews - Your Path to Compliance Success 5:38

2M ago5:38

5:38

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Regular Audits and Reviews - Your Path to Compliance Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for implementing effective audit systems that protect your business and prevent compliance issues. Learn how regular reviews can transform from tedious tasks into valuable tools f…

1
Episode 14: Staying Adaptable in Today's Retail Landscape 4:09

2M ago4:09

4:09

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Staying Adaptable in Today's Retail Landscape Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for maintaining adaptability across your store network in a rapidly changing retail environment. Learn how to anticipate industry shifts, test new concepts, and prepare your team for ongoing evolution.…

1
Episode 14 - Labor Laws: Keeping Your Team Protected 2:44

2M ago2:44

2:44

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Labor Laws: Keeping Your Team Protected Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential labor law compliance strategies that protect your team and your business. Learn how to navigate wage requirements, scheduling regulations, and workplace policies while building a fair, legal work environ…

1
Episode 14: Building a Customer Service Dream Team 3:15

2M ago3:15

3:15

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Building a Customer Service Dream Team Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for developing and maintaining a team that consistently delivers outstanding customer service. Learn how to train, motivate, and lead your staff to create memorable customer experiences. Episode Ove…

1
Mastering Customer Complaint Resolution: A District Manager's Guide 24:43

2M ago24:43

24:43

DRIVE Podcast - Episode 61 Notes Episode Title: Mastering Customer Complaint Resolution: A District Manager's Guide Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this powerful episode of Drive, host Mike Hernandez explores how district managers can transform customer complaints into opportunities for building customer loyalty across their convenienc…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Convenience Store Management Training Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen