27+ years in convenience store leadership. Founder of C-Store Thrive, sharing daily tips, strategies, and training to help store owners and managers grow sales and teams.
district manager
District managers prevent leadership gaps through succession planning that identifies high-potential employees and develops them systematically. Create development opportunities through shift management, vendor handling, and team leadership.
store manager
Shrinkage chips away at profits through employee theft, shoplifting, and operational errors. Proactive stores reduce losses by 15% annually through team training, technology implementation, regular audits, and balanced prevention approaches that maintain customer service while deterring theft.
Assistant Managers
Strong vendor relationships separate average stores from high-performing ones. Treat vendors as partners, check deliveries consistently against invoices, communicate professionally about issues, and maintain vendor logs.
Sales Associate
Master shift change communication to reduce errors by 30%. Clear handoffs prevent problems & build team trust.
Survival Stop Fiction
Rudy arrives seeking employment at Survival Stop, claiming the store "still feels grounded." During his interview task of refilling napkins, he stands motionless before the freezer for over three minutes.
Store Owner
The convenience store industry experienced significant consolidation in 2025 with major acquisitions reshaping the competitive landscape. Alimentation Couche-Tard closed a $1.6 billion acquisition of GetGo Cafe + Markets' 270 locations, while Nouria acquired 133-location Enmarket chain.
district manager
District managers use sales analytics to spot opportunities and drive consistent growth across stores. Review performance by location, analyze category data, and link insights to actionable steps. Districts using weekly analytics see 10% faster sales growth than monthly reviewers.
store manager
Sales reports reveal customer behavior patterns and growth opportunities beyond just numbers. Focus on top-selling items, basket size, category performance, and margins. Stores that review reports weekly see 10-15% faster growth than those checking occasionally through systematic analysis.
Assistant Manager
Assistant managers approach promotions with structure, not scrambling. Define clear goals, prepare signage and staff, track daily progress through POS reports, adjust tactics as needed, and document lessons. Stores with pre-shift promo huddles see 25% higher redemption rates.
sales asscoiate
Accuracy at the register builds trust with customers and managers. Stay calm under pressure, count out loud, double-check bills, and avoid distractions. Cashiers who double-check large bills reduce drawer shortages by 40%, proving that careful handling leads to smoother operations.
Survival Stop Fiction
After their interdimensional journey, Ram, Willie, and Joseph grapple with the reality of phasing between Survival Stop locations. Ram discovers "Don't stay too long" written in Noe's handwriting inside the Montana koozie, suggesting their missing coworker may have experienced the same phenomenon.
independent owner
Independent convenience store owners who anticipate industry shifts become market leaders. Fresh food sales grew 20% in five years, digital tools now compete with chains, and sustainability drives customer expectations. Technology frees staff for service while automation improves efficiency by 40%.