Best C Store Operations Podcasts (2025)

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

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

1d 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

1d 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…

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Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty 4:55

10d 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: Food Safety Basics: Getting Handling and Storage Right 3:51

10d 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

10d 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
Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance 6:12

17d 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 - Consumer Protection: Keeping Customers Safe and Satisfied 3:35

17d 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

17d 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. …

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

23d 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 - Labor Laws: Keeping Your Team Protected 2:44

23d 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

23d 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
Episode 13: Training Your Team for Compliance Success 5:48

1M ago5:48

5:48

Smoke Break - Episode 13: Training Your Team for Compliance Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for developing effective compliance training programs that stick. Learn how to transform procedures from paper documents into daily practices that protect your business and customers. Episode Overvi…

1
Episode 13 - Environmental Compliance Made Simple 3:28

1M ago3:28

3:28

Smoke Break - Episode 13: Environmental Compliance Made Simple Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential environmental compliance strategies that protect both your business and the planet. Learn practical approaches to waste management, energy efficiency, and regulatory adherence that can save money while avoi…

1
Episode 13: Turning Unhappy Customers into Loyal Fans 3:54

1M ago3:54

3:54

Smoke Break - Episode 13: Turning Unhappy Customers into Loyal Fans Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for transforming customer complaints into opportunities for building loyalty. Learn how to lead your team in handling difficult situations with professionalism and care. Episode Overview Master esse…

1
Episode 12: Navigating the World of Regulatory Compliance 5:57

1M ago5:57

5:57

Smoke Break - Episode 12: Navigating the World of Regulatory Compliance Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential compliance strategies that protect your business, customers, and reputation. Learn how regulatory adherence can become a competitive advantage rather than just a necessity. Episode Overview Master …

1
Episode 12 - Alcohol & Tobacco: Getting ID Right Every Time 3:20

1M ago3:20

3:20

Smoke Break - Episode 12: Alcohol & Tobacco: Getting ID Right Every Time Episode Duration: 3 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for maintaining perfect compliance with alcohol and tobacco regulations. Learn how to implement foolproof systems that protect your business, your license, and your community. Episode Overvi…

1
Episode 12: The Art of Customer Service 4:00

1M ago4:00

4:00

Smoke Break - Episode 12: The Art of Customer Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for creating and maintaining exceptional customer service standards in your store. Learn how to lead your team in delivering consistent, quality interactions that build customer loyalty. Episode Overview Maste…

1
Episode 11: Balancing Short-Term Sales with Long-Term Success 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

Smoke Break - Episode 11: Balancing Short-Term Sales with Long-Term Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for finding the perfect balance between immediate sales boosts and sustainable business growth. Learn how to create promotions and pricing approaches that drive both today's revenue and t…

1
Episode 11 - Health & Safety: Getting It Right 3:47

1M ago3:47

3:47

Smoke Break - Episode 11: Health & Safety: Getting It Right Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential health and safety compliance strategies that protect your customers, team, and business. Learn practical approaches to maintaining a safe environment while meeting regulatory requirements. Episode Overview Mas…

1
Episode 11: Building a Culture of Safety and Compliance 3:59

1M ago3:59

3:59

Smoke Break - Episode 11: Building a Culture of Safety and Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for creating a work environment where safety and compliance become ingrained in daily operations. Learn how to transform safety from a set of rules into a core part of your store's culture. Epi…

1
Episode 10: Building Trust Through Honest Pricing and Promotions 5:43

2M ago5:43

5:43

Smoke Break - Episode 10: Building Trust Through Honest Pricing and Promotions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for creating transparent pricing and promotions that build lasting customer relationships. Learn how honest business practices can become your store's most powerful competitive advantage. Episod…

1
Episode 10 - Putting It All Together: Making Smart Decisions 4:53

2M ago4:53

4:53

Smoke Break - Episode 10: Putting It All Together: Making Smart Decisions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in this series as he shares strategies for integrating all aspects of store management into cohesive, effective decision-making. Learn how to synthesize data, experience, and market knowledge to drive …

1
Episode 10: Emergency Preparedness and Response 4:29

2M ago4:29

4:29

Smoke Break - Episode 10: Emergency Preparedness and Response Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for preparing your store and team for emergencies. Learn how to develop and implement critical safety protocols that protect your customers and staff during unexpected situations. Episode Overview Mast…

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Episode 9: Using Data to Drive Pricing and Promotion Decisions 5:53

2M ago5:53

5:53

Smoke Break - Episode 9: Using Data to Drive Pricing and Promotion Decisions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform your store's data into powerful pricing and promotion strategies. Learn practical approaches to analyze sales information and make data-backed decisions that boost your profits. Episode Ove…

1
Episode 9 - Making Your POS Work Harder 4:14

2M ago4:14

4:14

Smoke Break - Episode 9: Making Your POS Work Harder Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for leveraging your Point of Sale system beyond basic transactions. Learn how to transform your POS data into actionable insights that drive better business decisions and boost your bottom line. Episode Overview Master …

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Episode 9: Labor Laws and Employee Rights 4:02

2M ago4:02

4:02

Smoke Break - Episode 9: Labor Laws and Employee Rights Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential labor laws and employee rights that assistant managers need to understand. Learn how to create a fair, compliant workplace while protecting both your team and your business. Episode Overview Master critical compli…

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Episode 8: Mastering Promotions That Drive Sales 6:03

2M ago6:03

6:03

Smoke Break - Episode 8: Mastering Promotions That Drive Sales Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for creating promotions that boost sales while protecting profits. Learn how to design and implement effective promotions that build customer loyalty and grow your business. Episode Overview Master essen…

1
Episode 8 - Promotions That Actually Work 4:40

2M ago4:40

4:40

Smoke Break - Episode 8: Promotions That Actually Work Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for creating and implementing effective promotions that drive sales while protecting profits. Learn how to design promotions that resonate with customers and deliver measurable results. Episode Overview Master essenti…

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Episode 8: Age-Restricted Sales - Your Guide to Compliance 4:45

2M ago4:45

4:45

Smoke Break - Episode 8: Age-Restricted Sales - Your Guide to Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for managing age-restricted sales compliance in your store. Learn how to create and maintain robust verification procedures that protect your business and team. Episode Overview Master criti…

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Episode 7: Smart Pricing Strategies That Work 5:45

2M ago5:45

5:45

Smoke Break - Episode 7: Smart Pricing Strategies That Work Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical pricing strategies that help maximize your store's profitability while maintaining customer satisfaction. Learn how to implement pricing approaches that work for both your business and your customers. Episode Overv…

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Smoke Break: Episode 7 - Smart Pricing Makes Sense 5:44

2M ago5:44

5:44

Smoke Break - Episode 7: Smart Pricing Makes Sense Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals practical strategies for developing effective pricing that balances profitability with customer satisfaction. Learn how to make informed pricing decisions that drive business success. Episode Overview Master essential pricing elemen…

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Episode 7: Safety First - Protecting Your Team and Customers 5:31

2M ago5:31

5:31

Smoke Break - Episode 7: Safety First - Protecting Your Team and Customers Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for implementing and maintaining comprehensive safety protocols in your store. Learn how to create a secure environment that protects both team members and customers. Episode Overview Mast…

1
Episode 6: Building Strong Communication and Supplier Relationships 6:20

3M ago6:20

6:20

Smoke Break - Episode 6: Building Strong Communication and Supplier Relationships Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for developing effective communication systems and strong supplier partnerships that enhance your store's operations. Learn how to create robust networks that support your business …

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Episode 6 - Ready for Anything: Making Emergency Plans Work 5:33

3M ago5:33

5:33

Smoke Break - Episode 6: Building Resilient Register Systems Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares comprehensive strategies for creating robust register systems and backup procedures that keep your store running smoothly even when technology fails. Learn how to implement policies that protect your business and maintain o…

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Episode 6: When Tech Fails - Dealing with Register Malfunctions 5:28

3M ago5:28

5:28

Smoke Break - Episode 6: Mastering Register Malfunction Management Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for handling register malfunctions effectively. Learn how to prevent technical issues and keep business running smoothly when technology fails. Episode Overview Master critical tech management ski…

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Episode 5: Mastering the Details in Inventory Management 6:31

3M ago6:31

6:31

Smoke Break - Episode 5: Building a Sales-Focused Store Culture Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for developing and implementing effective sales techniques in your convenience store. Learn how to train your team to transform routine transactions into valuable customer experiences that drive repeat busines…

1
Episode 5 - Smart Security Makes Safe Stores 6:10

3M ago6:10

6:10

Smoke Break - Episode 5: Creating a Complete Security System Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for implementing and managing comprehensive store security. Learn how to lead your team in creating and maintaining a safer store environment through both physical measures and proactive procedures. Epi…

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Episode 5: Preventing Inventory Shrinkage 5:43

3M ago5:43

5:43

Smoke Break - Episode 5: Mastering Inventory Shrinkage Prevention Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for preventing inventory shrinkage in your convenience store. Learn how to identify, prevent, and address the four main sources of shrinkage while leading your team effectively. Episode Overview Ma…

1
Episode 4: Smart Inventory Management 5:58

3M ago5:58

5:58

Smoke Break - Episode 4: Smart Inventory Management Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical inventory management strategies that help independent store owners maintain optimal stock levels and maximize profits. Learn how to balance customer demand with smart ordering practices while minimizing waste. Episode Over…

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Episode 4 - Cash Handling That Makes Cents 6:15

3M ago6:15

6:15

Smoke Break - Episode 4: Cash Handling That Makes Cents Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for a deep dive into establishing robust cash handling procedures that protect your business and streamline operations. Learn how to implement systems that keep your money secure and your books balanced. Episode Overview Master essential asp…

1
Episode 4: Cash Management and Register Operations 6:04

3M ago6:04

6:04

Episode 4: Mastering Cash Management and Register Operations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for essential insights on effective cash handling and register management. Learn how to establish robust procedures and lead your team in maintaining financial accuracy and security. Episode Overview Master critical aspects of financial…

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Episode 3: Exceptional Service and Community Engagement 8:56

4M ago8:56

8:56

Smoke Break - Episode 3: Building Excellence Through Service and Community Connection Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for insights on transforming your convenience store into a beloved community institution through exceptional service and meaningful local engagement. Learn practical strategies to create lasting connections with…

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Episode 3 - Mastering Store Layout and Product Placement 5:48

4M ago5:48

5:48

Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals proven strategies for optimizing your convenience store's layout to boost sales and enhance customer experience. Learn how small changes in product placement can lead to significant improvements in your bottom line. Episode Overview Master essential elements of store design: Strateg…

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Episode 3: Inventory Management and Career Growth 6:49

4M ago6:49

6:49

Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he explores two critical aspects of convenience store ownership: implementing effective inventory management systems and strategically growing your business. Learn practical approaches to maximize profitability while planning for expansion. Episode Overview Master essential aspects of store ow…

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Episode 2: Mastering Inventory Management and Pricing Strategy 8:24

4M ago8:24

8:24

Smoke Break - Episode 2: Mastering Inventory Management and Pricing Strategy Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for essential insights on two critical aspects of running your convenience store: smart inventory management and effective pricing strategies. Learn practical techniques to optimize your stock levels and maximize profits…

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Episode 2 - Mastering Staff Management 5:41

4M ago5:41

5:41

Smoke Break - Episode 2: Building Excellence in Customer Service and Team Leadership Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for an executive-level discussion on developing a customer-centric culture and building a high-performing team in your convenience store. Learn how to implement effective systems that elevate both customer satisf…

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Episode 2: The Art of Customer Service and Team Management 6:18

4M ago6:18

6:18

Smoke Break - Episode 2: The Art of Customer Service and Team Management Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential insights for convenience store assistant managers on mastering the dual challenges of customer service excellence and effective team management. Episode Highlights This episode unpacks two critical asp…

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Episode 1: Understanding the Convenience Store Landscape 6:41

4M ago6:41

6:41

In this premiere episode of "Smoke Break," host Mike Hernandez explores the fundamentals of the convenience store industry landscape for independent owners. Learn essential strategies for standing out in a competitive market, optimizing store layout, and building strong community connections. Perfect for both new and experienced store owners lookin…

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Episode 1 - Mastering Inventory Management 5:41

4M ago5:41

5:41

In this premiere episode of "Smoke Break," host Mike tackles the critical topic of inventory management for convenience store managers. Learn essential strategies for maintaining optimal stock levels, implementing FIFO methods, and building strong supplier relationships to maximize sales and minimize waste. Discover practical tips you can implement…

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C Store Operations Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen