Best Growing Convenience Store Customers Podcasts (2025)

1
How to Build a Loyal Base of Local Customers for your Farm 36:42

4h ago36:42

36:42

Ryan Grace, an Account Manager at Barn2Door, shares the who, what, when, where, why and how of building a Loyal Base of Local Customers for your Farm. Learn the best practices for identifying Buyers in your community, maintaining consistent communications and leading them to make a purchase. For more Farm resources, visit: Barn2Door.com/Resources…

1
Is it never too late to get divorced? Does nothing beat a convenience store? 34:42

1d ago34:42

34:42

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Episode 17: Mastering Your POS System 3:51

6d ago3:51

3:51

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Mastering Your POS System Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for becoming more efficient and confident with your store's Point of Sale system. Learn how to transform this everyday tool into a skill that enhances your customer service and workplace value. Episode Overview …

1
The Hurdles of Farm Growth 43:06

7d ago43:06

43:06

Tom of Bennett Farms (MI) shares the challenges tackled (and overcome!) as he doubled his Farm sales… then doubled again in just 4 years. In this latest episode, hear Tom’s advice for Scaling your Farm Business. For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resourcesBy Erin Farmer

1
Do butter tarts beat Nanaimo bars? And is there no shame in quitting? 35:10

9d ago35:10

35:10

Which Canadian confection are you sweet on: Butter tarts or Nanaimo bars? And do quitters never win? Featuring: Deborah Kimmett, Jon Steinberg, Graham Chittenden, and Leonard Chan.

1
Episode 16: Creating a Store Atmosphere That Customers Love 5:13

14d ago5:13

5:13

Smoke Break - Episode 16: Creating a Store Atmosphere That Customers Love Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in our series as he shares strategies for creating an inviting store environment that brings customers back again and again. Learn how your attitude, actions, and attention to detail can transform the …

1
POPULAR Grassroots Marketing Academy for Farmers 51:43

14d ago51:43

51:43

In this week’s episode, Alex of Chucktown Acres (SC) and host of Barn2Door’s Grassroots Marketing Academy, talks about the priority and lessons of each session, ideal outcomes, and what he has learned as a teacher. See why this class --- helping Farmers tap into local Buyer demand to increase sales --- is always full with a long wait list! For more…

1
Shh! Is silence golden? Does a smoothie make a meal? 36:33

16d ago36:33

36:33

We decide if quiet is something to treasure, and whether a smoothie is meal-worthy. Featuring: Yumi Nagashima, Charlie Demers, Katie-Ellen Humphries, and Gavin Clarkson.

1
Episode 15: Mastering the Art of Communication 4:46

21d ago4:46

4:46

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Mastering the Art of Communication Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares advanced communication techniques that can transform your customer interactions and team collaboration. Learn how to elevate your verbal and non-verbal skills to create more meaningful connections and standout service. Epis…

1
Farmer Spotlight: Sasquatch Family Farms 1:10:04

21d ago1:10:04

1:10:04

What happens when you have 2 Independent Farmers --- one from each coast --- talk shop? In this week’s episode, Alex of Chucktown Acres (SC) chats w/ Shauna of Sasquatch Family Farms (WA) about growing a business from scratch, community support in clutch moments, and why and how Farmers can attract local Buyers to ensure ongoing sales. For more Far…

1
Do billionaires have it harder than millionaires? And is there always something happening in Barrie, Ontario? 34:24

23d ago34:24

34:24

Which wealth bracket has it worse: Billionaires or millionaires? And we decide if Barrie, Ontario is the place to be! Featuring: Dave Hemstad, Don Kelly, Chris Quigley, Courtney Gilmour.

1
Episode 14: Growing Your Career Without Breaking the Bank 4:54

27d ago4:54

4:54

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Growing Your Career Without Breaking the Bank Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for professional development that don't require expensive training or formal education. Learn how to leverage your current position to build valuable skills that can advance your career in re…

1
Busting Farm Marketing Myths 56:02

28d ago56:02

56:02

In this week’s episode, Janelle (Barn2Door CEO) and Cory (Farmer Success Team) discuss marketing myths (misconceptions) that can negatively impact Farmers' sales outcomes. If you are an Independent Farmer selling direct --- this is a must listen, to avoid and/or overcome marketing pitfalls! And discover GREAT tips for Farmers on successful marketin…

1
Gulp, we're going there - should Canada be the 51st state? 27:46

30d ago27:46

27:46

In a debate that needed its own full episode, the elbows go up and the gloves come off when two of our favourite debaters take on Canada becoming the 51st state.

1
Attracting Local Buyers to your Online Farm Store 29:20

1M ago29:20

29:20

In this week’s episode, Ryan from the Barn2Door Success Team (who talks all day everyday with Independent Farmers!) discusses tips for Farmers' online store(s). Hear what he recommends for Farmers selling direct into their local communities. For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resourcesBy Erin Farmer

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Episode 13: Finding Your Balance - Work, Life, and Convenience Store Success 4:38

1M ago4:38

4:38

Smoke Break - Episode 13: Finding Your Balance - Work, Life, and Convenience Store Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance while succeeding in your convenience store career. Learn how to manage your time effectively, set boundaries, and prioritize you…

1
How to Sell Out of Chicken Subscriptions 33:35

1M ago33:35

33:35

In this week's episode, Janelle and Erica of Benoit Family Farmstead (MO) discuss how to successfully sell out of Summer Chicken Subscriptions. Erica shares her tips for building FOMO around Subscription sign ups, marketing to local Buyers and packaging meat to move her inventory. For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources…

1
Are rings better than bracelets? And is it always great to be a trailblazer? 35:46

1M ago35:46

35:46

Which jewels rule: rings or bracelets? And being a trailblazer is great…right? Featuring: Graham Clark, Heidi Brander, Faris Hytiaa, and Lara Rae.

1
Episode 12: Handling Emergency Situations Like a Pro 4:58

1M ago4:58

4:58

Smoke Break - Episode 12: Handling Emergency Situations Like a Pro Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for responding to emergency situations with confidence and professionalism. Learn how to protect yourself, your team, and your customers during unexpected events. Episode Overview Master responses…

1
Episode 11: Staying Safe and Sharp During Late-Night Shifts 4:58

2M ago4:58

4:58

Smoke Break - Episode 11: Staying Safe and Sharp During Late-Night Shifts Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for maintaining both personal safety and quality customer service during overnight shifts. Learn practical techniques for staying alert, managing unique night-time situations, and creating …

1
Farmer Spotlight: Hopewell Farms 43:06

2M ago43:06

43:06

In this week's episode, Janelle meets with Phil of Hopewell Farms to discuss becoming a Farmer, marketing to local Buyers and making healthy food convenient. Phil shares his best practices for reaching Buyers in his community and making a plan for his sales. For more Farm resources, visit: Barn2Door.com/Resources…

1
Should Americans move to the Maritimes? And does going to the dentist rule? 27:35

2M ago27:35

27:35

We debate if Americans should relocate to Canada’s East Coast, and whether a trip to the dentist is anything to smile about. Featuring: Jay Malone, Nikki Payne, Mayce Galoni, and Matt Wright. (Originally recorded in September 2017)

1
Episode 10: Mastering the Rush Hour Rush 5:08

2M ago5:08

5:08

Smoke Break - Episode 10: Mastering the Rush Hour Rush Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for handling peak business periods with efficiency and professionalism. Learn how to transform chaotic rush hours into smooth operations while maintaining quality customer service. Episode Overview Master ess…

1
Should we all do pottery? And love lineups? 34:36

2M ago34:36

34:36

It’s a throwdown when we decide if everyone should take up pottery. Then, should we all love lining up? We get down to the pros and cons of this social practice. Featuring: Jacob Samuel, Brittany Lyseng, Abdul Aziz, and Ryan Williams.

1
Episode 9: Building Lasting Customer Relationships 5:39

2M ago5:39

5:39

Smoke Break - Episode 9: Building Lasting Customer Relationships Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for creating genuine connections with regular customers. Learn how to transform routine transactions into meaningful relationships that benefit both customers and your store. Episode Overview Master…

1
Virtual Meetings vs. In-Person Meetings & Volunteering 33:03

2M ago33:03

33:03

We decide whether meeting on Zoom beats brainstorming in the boardroom, plus we debate the virtues of volunteering. Volunteering — should everyone do it? Featuring: Peter Brown, Julie Kim, Maddy Kelly, and Charlie Demers.

1
Episode 8: Mastering the Art of Difficult Customer Situations 4:45

2M ago4:45

4:45

Smoke Break - Episode 8: Mastering the Art of Difficult Customer Situations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for handling challenging customer interactions with professionalism and skill. Learn how to turn difficult situations into opportunities for building customer loyalty. Episode Overview Ma…

1
Children vs. Parents: Who is Smarter? & Talent Shows 35:12

2M ago35:12

35:12

Are children smarter than their parents? Ivan Decker and Syd Bosel decide who wears the smarty-pants in their households. Then, does nothing beat a talent show? Sean Lecomber and Canada’s Got Talent finalist Sterling Scott bring more than the same old song and dance when they go toe-to-toe on this topic.…

1
Direct to Consumer Strategies for Selling Whole Cows 44:36

2M ago44:36

44:36

In this week's episode, Janelle meets with Will of Old Rich Valley (VA) to discuss how their Farm successfully moves a whole cow through their Farm store. Through Herd Shares, Bundle Boxes, cuts and Value-Added items, the Farm has learned best practices for selling a whole animal. Focus on nomenclature, convenient fulfillments and an easy ordering …

1
Episode 7: Taking Your Customer Service to the Next Level 5:59

2M ago5:59

5:59

Smoke Break - Episode 7: Taking Your Customer Service to the Next Level Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares advanced customer service techniques that transform good service into exceptional experiences. Learn practical strategies to enhance your customer interactions and build lasting connections. Episode Overview Mast…

1
Breakup Songs & Hard Rock Cafe 35:32

3M ago35:32

35:32

Do breakup songs rule? This Valentine’s weekend, Anesti Danelis and Jan Caruana hit all the right notes when it comes to these tragic tunes. Then, are Hard Rock establishments worth a visit? Elvira Kurt and Kyle Brownrigg make memora-believers of their Ottawa audience when they discuss this famed franchise.…

1
Grow C-Store Sales & Foot Traffic Faster With SMPs (Strategic Marketing Promotions) 32:40

3M ago32:40

32:40

Send us a text What’s the fastest and easiest way to grow your convenience store sales without breaking budgets? Answer: SMPs---Strategic Marketing Promotions. SMPs create and communicate your convenience value to customers, then differentiate your stores to beat out competitors for sales, time after time. It’s awesome. But here’s a secret…successf…

1
Episode 6: Turning Product Knowledge into Sales Magic 4:29

3M ago4:29

4:29

Smoke Break - Episode 6: Turning Product Knowledge into Sales Magic Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform your product knowledge into successful sales interactions. Learn practical techniques for creating memorable customer experiences that drive sales and build loyalty. Episode Overview Master essentia…

1
How to Sell Beef Subscription Boxes 36:18

3M ago36:18

36:18

In this week's episode, Janelle meets with Cory from the Barn2Door Success Team to discuss best practices when selling beef in your Farm store. Learn tactics that successful Farms use to move more product through their store, how they manage less popular products, and the ideal product mix and package sizes. For more Farm resources, visit: https://…

1
Episode 5: Smart Selling Techniques for Success 4:40

3M ago4:40

4:40

Smoke Break - Episode 5: Smart Selling Techniques for Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical selling techniques that help you better serve customers while increasing sales. Learn how to transform basic transactions into valuable customer interactions that benefit everyone. Episode Overview Master essenti…

1
Hawkins Cheezies & Conspiracy Theories 35:14

3M ago35:14

35:14

Are Ontario’s own Hawkins Cheezies king of the chip aisle? It’s crunch time when Deborah Kimmett and Sean Cullen debate this delight. Then, should conspiracy theories be indulged? Don’t miss Nathan Macintosh and Chris Locke’s illuminati-ing takes on this topic.

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5 Mistakes That Sabotage Your Convenience Store Marketing & Sales Success. 36:49

3M ago36:49

36:49

Send us a text When you learn to see... •The convenience industry and its' customers DIFFERENTLY, •Your store model and retail marketing DIFFERENTLY... ...ONLY THEN can you create new sales and growth opportunities. Let's explore: Why doesn't the convenience store industry grow commensurate with the growing importance of convenience in every other …

1
How to Allocate your Farm Marketing Spend 17:25

3M ago17:25

17:25

In this week's episode, James meets with Taylor of Bridging the Gap Financial Services LLC to discuss how to allocate Farm finances across marketing efforts. Taylor explains what can be considered a write off and the importance of budgeting for marketing efforts. For more Farm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources…

1
Fake Meat & Scuba Diving 27:35

3M ago27:35

27:35

In this meaty episode from Season 14, Rob Bebenek and Dave Hemstad air their beefs on plant-based meats. Then, Elvira Kurt and Hunter Collins take the plunge when they discuss scuba diving. (Originally recorded in October 2019)

1
Episode 4: Mastering Your Product Knowledge 4:37

3M ago4:37

4:37

Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for building your product expertise and using it to create better customer experiences. Learn how to transform basic transactions into valuable customer interactions through deep product knowledge. Episode Overview Learn essential skills for: Building comprehensi…

1
How the USDA's Proposed Salmonella Framework Affects Poultry Processors 29:21

4M ago29:21

29:21

In this week's episode, James meets with Alexia of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund to discuss the proposed Salmonella framework from the USDA FSIS. Learn how this may affect your local poultry processor. Make a comment by January 17th, 2025: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FSIS-2023-0028 Learn more about the proposal: https://www.farmtoc…

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Episode 3: Mastering Advanced Customer Service Techniques 5:04

4M ago5:04

5:04

Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for creating and maintaining exceptional customer service standards in your convenience store. Learn how to train your team in advanced service techniques that will set your store apart from the competition. Episode Overview Master essential aspects of customer service leadership: Training sta…

1
Baby Showers & Winter in Alberta 33:51

4M ago33:51

33:51

Erica Sigurdson and Dakota Ray Hebert rattle each other’s nerves when they decide if baby showers are great. Then, does nothing beat winter in Alberta? Brittany Lyseng and Ola Dada break the ice on this seasonal subject.

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Episode 2: Making the Most of Your Convenience Store Career 5:13

4M ago5:13

5:13

Smoke Break - Episode 2: Making the Most of Your Convenience Store Career Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for another insightful episode of "Smoke Break," your go-to podcast for convenience store career development. In this episode, we explore the hidden opportunities and advantages of working in the convenience store industry,…

1
Canada's National Anthem & Everything Happens for a Reason 35:56

4M ago35:56

35:56

Jon Steinberg and Ali Hassan compete for their Ottawa audience’s true patriot love when they decide if Canada has the best national anthem. Then, Courtney Gilmour and Nour Hadidi are masters of their own destiny when they debate if everything happens for a reason.

1
Episode 1: Welcome to Convenience Store Operations 6:01

4M ago6:01

6:01

Join host Mike Hernandez for the premiere episode of "Smoke Break" where he introduces the fundamentals of convenience store operations and essential customer service skills. Learn what makes convenience stores unique, how to handle common workplace scenarios, and tips for creating positive customer experiences. Show Notes: Introduction to convenie…

1
From 1 to 1,000: How I Grew my Local Farm Customer Base 30:56

5M ago30:56

30:56

In this week's episode, James and Rachel of Shenk Family Farms (NC) discuss how the Farm grew a customer base from the ground up. Rachel shares her tips for beginning a Farm business, and how to establish consistency with Buyers. For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resourcesBy Erin Farmer

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Exclusive Content: 5 Tips for Farms to Sell Out Before Next Season 26:49

5M ago26:49

26:49

This audiobook shares 5 tips from 1000's of Farms across the country to engage Buyers in the winter to increase revenue stability, drive cash flow and offset costs during the Off-Season. Learn the tactics to sell out before next season! Find more Farm resources: https://www.barn2door.com/resourcesBy Erin Farmer

1
Left vs. Right & Christmas Markets 35:22

5M ago35:22

35:22

Is left superior to right? David Pryde and Derek Seguin do right by their Ottawa audience during this divergent debate. Then, Kate Davis and Ron Sparks turn the yule-tide when they discuss if Christmas markets are a holiday must.

1
Pickup Trucks & The Customer is Always Right 37:20

5M ago37:20

37:20

Is the pickup truck the best type of vehicle? Katie Ellen-Humphries and Dan Taylor refuse to Dodge the question when they hit the road with this topic. Then, laughs are in store when Yumi Nagashima and Faris Hytiaa decide if the customer is always right.

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Growing Convenience Store Customers Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen