Best C Store Operations Podcasts (2025)

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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

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5d 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

12d 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

26d 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M ago3:07

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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

4M 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 / 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 Therapy ... 39:46

4M 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

4M ago3:53

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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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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…

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Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness 4:07

5M ago4:07

4:07

Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how store cleanliness directly impacts customer perception, shopping behavior, and sales success. Learn proven strategies from real store transformations that show how smart cleaning systems, staff engagement, and attention t…

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Episode 22 - Emergency Planning: Ready for Anything 4:16

5M ago4:16

4:16

Smoke Break - Episode 22: Emergency Planning: Ready for Anything Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through comprehensive emergency planning that protects your team and customers when seconds count. Learn how to create actionable emergency procedures, assign specific roles, and conduct effective drills that prepar…

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Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Art of Active Listening 3:16

5M ago3:16

3:16

Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Art of Active Listening Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals the difference between simply hearing customers and truly listening to them. Learn essential active listening techniques that transform customer interactions, build stronger relationships, and help you resolve issues more effecti…

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SZN 8 EP 11 - Joshua Fernandez / U.S. Army 11 Bravo / Suicides Following Discharge from the Army / How Physical Fitness Benefits Mental Health 56:27

5M ago56:27

56:27

Joining via zoom from Northern California is Joshua Fernandez. After spending four years in the U.S. Army as an infantryman with a deployment overseas, he switched to the Army National Guard for three years. After discharging from the military, he unfortunately lost several friends to suicide in addition to a suicide attempt. Joshua touched on the …

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Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout 3:54

5M ago3:54

3:54

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout Episode Duration: 9 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for transforming slow, frustrating checkout experiences into swift, memorable interactions that keep customers coming back. Learn how independent store owners have dramatically reduced wait times and improved cu…

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Episode 21 - OSHA Basics: What Every Store Manager Must Know 3:17

5M ago3:17

3:17

Smoke Break - Episode 21: OSHA Basics: What Every Store Manager Must Know Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demystifies OSHA regulations with practical, actionable guidance for convenience store managers. Learn the essential safety requirements that protect your team and keep your store compliant, from hazard communication …

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Episode 21: Putting It All Together - Creating the Ultimate Customer Experience 3:01

5M ago3:01

3:01

Smoke Break - Episode 21: Putting It All Together - Creating the Ultimate Customer Experience Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demonstrates how to combine all customer service skills into seamless, exceptional experiences. Learn how to blend cue reading, empathy, needs anticipation, and expectation management to create mem…

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SZN 8 EP 10 - Trevor Ellis / U.S. Marine MV-22 Osprey Pilot / Losing Two Marines to Suicide / U.S. Military Pilots & Mental Health is a Challenge / Isolation After Discharging from the Marine Corps 49:33

5M ago49:33

49:33

Thank you to Trevor Ellis for joining T.O.C.'s Podcast! Trevor was a U.S. Marine for 10 years where he spent 6 years flying the MV-22 Osprey and did two combat deployments. After flying the Osprey, Trevor found himself working with the grunts on the ground. Trevor touches on the challenges of seeking mental health assistance while being. pilot, los…

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

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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SZN 8 EP 9 - Nick Abeyta / Prior Infantry U.S. Marine / Benefits of Ketamine Assisted Therapy / How 9 Sessions Changed His Life / Deployment Life with New Wife / Challenges in Marriages While Deployed ... 1:03:12

5M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

Thanks to Nick Abeyta for joining T.O.C.'s Podcast. Nick and Greg met in Camp Fuji, Japan, while on their deployment with 2nd Battalion 23rd Marines. Thankfully, they were able to stay in contact and Nick wanted to share about the challenges he and his wife faced during his deployment overseas after recently being married and his feedback on ketami…

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

5M 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…

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Enhancing Store Operations - Your Guide to Continuous Improvement 17:09

5M ago17:09

17:09

Episode Show Notes: Enhancing Store Operations - Your Guide to Continuous Improvement Episode Description In the final episode of "Dive from C-Store Center," host Mike Hernandez wraps up the series with powerful insights on creating lasting efficiency in your store operations through continuous improvement. Learn how one associate's simple observat…

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

5M 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 …

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

5M 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 …

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

5M 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…

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SZN 8 EP 8 - Nick McCarthy / Retired K9 Officer / Officer Involved Shooting That Changed His Life Forever / Effects on Family Post OIS / Challenges with Command Staff / The Shit Talking Needs To Stop ... 2:31:44

5M ago2:31:44

2:31:44

Very excited to get Nick McCarthy on the podcast. Nick and Greg worked together for about 10 years and have some great memories together. Nick shares his journey of joining Law Enforcement with his sole goal of becoming a Canine Handler. Once Nick and K9 Tyke just started to mesh well together and were ready for a great career together, one suspici…

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

5M 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…

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Mastering Difficult Situations - Your Guide to Conflict Resolution 16:59

5M ago16:59

16:59

DIVE Podcast - Episode 66 Notes Episode Title: Mastering Difficult Situations - Your Guide to Conflict Resolution Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this essential episode of Dive, host Mike Hernandez explores how convenience store sales associates can transform challenging customer situations into opportunities for building trust and loy…

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Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service 5:02

6M 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…

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

6M 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…

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

6M 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…