Best C Store Business Strategies Podcasts (2025)

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90. How to Deeply Understand Clients' Behaviour with the 6 Human Needs 9:08

1d ago9:08

9:08

Welcome back to the Business Advisor podcast— this week we’re diving into a game-changer for advisors: understanding client behaviour through the lens of the six human needs. This is part four of our soft skills series, and it’s all about going beneath the surface to uncover what really drives your clients. I share how recognising these core needs—…

1
Episode 24: Mastering Problem Resolution 4:20

3d 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

3d 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 …

1
Episode 24: The Power of Empathy in Communication 3:02

3d 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…

1
Trump vs Ramaphosa: What Happened in the Oval Office? 32:40

4d ago32:40

32:40

In this explosive episode, “Trump vs Ramaphosa: What Happened in the Oval Office?” of Chilling With The Chaplins, we go behind the headlines to dissect the Oval Office clash that’s stirring conversations around the globe. Unpacking the Oval Office Shutdown Between United States President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa isn’…

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Indian equities, India's rise, Trumpeting Empire, future - thoughts from Bruce Keith of InvestorAi 1:23:54

7d ago1:23:54

1:23:54

In this episode we talk to Bruce Keith, the co-founder of InvestorAi, a systematic investing platform. 00:00 - Introduction to the episode. 01:00 - Bruce Keith and India. 02:00 - India's demographic dividend and its advantage. 03:00 - Fund management globally and in India. 05:00 - Indian mindset and the U.S mindset in equities investment. 07:00 - I…

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89. How to Build Rapport with Clients So That They Trust You As Their Advisor 11:30

9d ago11:30

11:30

On this week episode, I explored one of the most essential soft skills for advisors – building real rapport with clients. Rapport isn’t about impressing someone or pushing them forward; it’s about walking beside them, understanding their world, and supporting them at their pace. When you build that trust, conversations flow more naturally, decision…

1
Episode 23: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Service Weapon 3:53

9d 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

9d 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…

1
Episode 23: Clear and Concise Communication 3:11

9d 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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AI, Finally Clear for Leaders 9:16

14d ago9:16

9:16

AI, Explained Like a Human If you lead a team or a business, you don’t need more AI buzzwords. You need clarity—and a path to action. In this episode, we break down the two most important ways AI is already reshaping work: Handling repetitive tasks faster—and smarter—than humans Coordinating across systems like a 24/7 digital team You’ll walk away …

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The way we drink water, subscription & access to clean H2O for working India: the DrinkPrime Story 56:34

15d ago56:34

56:34

In this episode we catch up with Manas Ranjan, the co-founder of DrinkPrime, who tells us about how India is subscribing to his company's services. The access to clean drinking water and its narrative is something that he explains to us eloquently. Lets us find out India's working class and water narratives mean for us. 00:00 - Introduction. 01:54 …

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88. When You Should Coach & When You Should Mentor Your Clients 8:10

16d ago8:10

8:10

Welcome back to the Business Advisor Podcast. This week we’re kicking off a brand-new series: The Soft Skills of Advisory. This series is all about the skills that go beyond technical expertise—the ones that help you build trust, deepen relationships, and truly impact your clients' lives. In this episode, I dive into one of the most foundational so…

1
Episode 22: The Impact of Store Cleanliness 4:07

17d 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…

1
Episode 22 - Emergency Planning: Ready for Anything 4:16

17d 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…

1
Smoke Break - Episode 22: The Art of Active Listening 3:16

17d 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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A platform for creators to own their data & monetise their videos: the story of Skara 35:40

19d ago35:40

35:40

In this episode we talk with Udippta Das, the founding team member and head of product development at Skara. The startup is founded in Guwahati, Assam. Udippta talks about why this technology enables Indian creators to make more money than share it with third party distribution apps. 00:00 - Introduction 02:20 - The inspiration behind Skara 07:04 -…

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Episode 21: Mastering Efficient Checkout 3:54

22d 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…

1
Episode 21 - OSHA Basics: What Every Store Manager Must Know 3:17

22d 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 …

1
Episode 21: Putting It All Together - Creating the Ultimate Customer Experience 3:01

22d 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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87. The CORE Method - The Real Skills You Need to Get Clients to Take Action 10:12

23d ago10:12

10:12

In this episode, we kick off a six-week series on the often-overlooked power of soft skills in the accounting and advisory world. This isn’t just fluff — it’s foundational to how you deliver value. As advisors, many of us have been trained to be technicians, but now it’s time to step into leadership, build trust, and create transformation for our c…

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White Afrikaners in America: Refugees or Racial Preference? 27:00

25d ago27:00

27:00

In this week’s episode of Chilling With The Chaplins, we delve into the complexities surrounding the Trump administration’s decision to grant refugee status to “White Afrikaners in America: Refugees or Racial Preference?”, Episode 154 explores the implications of this policy shift and its resonance in both American and South African contexts. What …

1
AI Grows Up - Long Live Agentic 12:16

27d ago12:16

12:16

🚀 RPA is dead. Long live Agentic Automation. Imagine AI that doesn't just follow rules… it thinks, adapts, and reasons through your most complex workflows. In this special edition of Fueling AI, we unpack the game-changing concept of Agentic Automation from New Tide AI—and why it’s a huge leap forward for fuel and convenience retail. You’ll discove…

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Numocity - India's leading EV network management startup wins big with global contracts 30:09

29d ago30:09

30:09

In this episode of theUpStreamLife we talk with the founders of Numocity. Ideaspring's founder Naganand Doraswamy talks to the Numocity founders Ravi and Siddharth about their global play. 00:00 - Introduction 00:52 - From early stage to success. 02:50 - EV is mainstream. 06:02 - EV market in five years. 10:22 - Robustness of the Numocity tech stac…

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86. How to Turn Content into Clients 13:56

30d ago13:56

13:56

This week's episode dives into how vanity metrics—likes, follows, and views—can mislead business owners into feeling successful while draining their energy and stalling growth. As someone who’s coached countless advisors, I’ve seen how chasing these empty metrics leads to burnout, not revenue. The truth? Real success isn’t about viral content; it’s…

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Smart Priorities: Managing Multiple Demands Successfully 23:44

1M ago23:44

23:44

Episode 78 Show Notes: Smart Priorities - Managing Multiple Demands Successfully Episode Description In this final episode of the "Arrive" series from C-Store Center, host Mike Hernandez tackles the challenge every convenience store owner faces - managing competing demands and setting smart priorities when everything feels urgent. Discover how Rach…

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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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
Why Is Trump Cutting US Embassies in Africa? 24:49

1M ago24:49

24:49

In this week’s powerful and thought-provoking episode of Chilling With The Chaplins, we unpack a headline-shaking both continents—Why Is Trump Cutting US Embassies in Africa? | Episode 153. Coach LJ and Lady Siza break down the real-world implications of this draft executive order and what it means for diplomacy, development, and dignity across the…

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85. From 'Who Am I to Offer That?' to Advisory Confidence 17:11

1M ago17:11

17:11

In this week's episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, I dive deep into one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of building a thriving business—mindset. I share how transforming your thinking can lead to exponential growth in ways no strategy or tool ever could. Drawing from my own experiences and those of others, I explore how shift…

1
Time Well Spent: Effective Management for Store Owners 21:58

1M ago21:58

21:58

Episode 77 Show Notes: Time Well Spent - Effective Management for Store Owners Episode Description In this game-changing episode of "Arrive from C-Store Center," host Mike Hernandez reveals how smart time management can transform your store operations and reclaim your life. Discover how Mike Reynolds cut his 80-hour work weeks down to 45 hours whil…

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

1M 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 - Documentation: Your Food Safety Shield 3:18

1M 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

1M 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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84. Stop Being The Bottleneck (And Delegate With Confidence) 16:20

1M ago16:20

16:20

In this episode of the Business Advisor Podcast, I delve into the challenges of delegation faced by many accounting and bookkeeping business owners. As someone who has been there, I understand the struggle to let go while maintaining high standards. In this episode, I explore why it's so hard to delegate and provide actionable solutions to overcome…

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Future-Ready: Forecasting and Adapting to Industry Changes 24:52

1M ago24:52

24:52

Episode 76 Show Notes: Future-Ready: Forecasting and Adapting to Industry Changes Episode Description In this crucial episode of "Arrive from C-Store Center," host Mike Hernandez explores how independent convenience store owners can spot and adapt to industry changes before they catch them off guard. Discover why smart adaptation isn't about predic…

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

2M 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 - Keeping It Clean: Facility Maintenance & Sanitation 3:24

2M 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

2M 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…

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83. 14 Costly Mistakes Accountants Make When Shifting to Advisory 18:29

2M ago18:29

18:29

Welcome to another episode of the Business Advisor podcast! today we’re diving into the 14 biggest mistakes accountants make when transitioning from compliance work to business advisory. This shift can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also fraught with challenges. Many accountants struggle because they’re still thinking like a compliance firm, not…

1
Smart Growth: Developing Your Business Strategy 23:04

2M ago23:04

23:04

ARRIVE Podcast - Episode 75 Notes Episode Title: Smart Growth: Developing Your Business Strategy Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this strategic episode of Arrive, host Mike Hernandez reveals how independent convenience store owners can transform their business through effective planning and goal setting. Learn the practical approach th…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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

2M 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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What's the Story Behind the Zulu Parade in New Orleans? 27:49

2M ago27:49

27:49

🎙️ Get ready for a powerful and eye-opening conversation in this week’s Chilling With The Chaplins episode titled "What's the Story Behind the Zulu Parade in New Orleans? | Episode 152." In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating yet often misunderstood connections between the Zulu New Orleans Parade and the proud Zulu people of South Afric…

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82. 4 Hidden Leaks Stealing Your Profit And How to Fix Them Today 21:23

2M ago21:23

21:23

In this week episode, I discuss the silent killer of profits—money leakage—and how it affects businesses, including accountants and bookkeepers. Leakage isn't just about small expenses or unnecessary subscriptions; it’s about hidden inefficiencies, poor systems, and a lack of financial clarity that drains profits monthly. Many business owners think…

1
Standing Out: Finding Your Competitive Edge 22:08

2M ago22:08

22:08

ARRIVE Podcast - Episode 74 Notes Episode Title: Standing Out: Finding Your Competitive Edge Host: Mike Hernandez Episode Description: In this strategic episode of Arrive, host Mike Hernandez explores how independent convenience store owners can discover and develop their unique competitive advantages in today's challenging market. Learn how to ide…

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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C Store Business Strategies Podcasts

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