This year’s political election is one race that c-store members can influence for the betterment of the industry. By Jim Callahan It’s election year and certainly this time around it’s critically important that each and every one of us get invested and involved in the industry that provides our livelihood—if you’re not actively involved already.…
How To Get Ahead Of The Wave
Gas prices may be down now, but high quality offerings will ensure steady c-store traffic if prices jump again. By Jim Callahan During the last few months, the convenience store industry has garnered kudos and a measure of goodwill from customers based upon the incremental drops in gas prices, which has put more dollars in…
Gassing Up on Earlier Lessons
The convenience store industry should take a chapter from the big automakers’ book and adopt the stellar performance of our industry’s current “Big Seven” c-store operators. By Jim Callahan The fuel shortage that occurred in the 1970s changed the perception of foreign compacts and their superior fuel mileage. America’s gas guzzlers quickly lost favor as…
Preaching That Freshness Always Trumps Waste
Take a lesson from the big chains that fresh food offerings always win in the end. By Jim Callahan When it comes to category offerings such as deli and coffee, the old adage “penny wise and pound foolish” should not be associated with a convenience store’s effort. Consumers have had their taste buds tantalized by…
Out of Stock Can Mean Out of Business
Running out of merchandise is a sure cause for customers to run out of patience. Thus, solving the problem of out-of-stock items is smart indeed. By Jim Callahan I have long held the belief that being out of stock is akin to running the risk of irreversibly damaging your business—beginning with that one product and…
Football Lessons I’ve Learned
With the football season upon us again, there are some life lessons to be gained from those who coach on the gridiron. By Jim Callahan So what does football have to do with addressing employee and management performance levels at convenience stores and truck stops? More than you might imagine. First though, I was struck…
Obtaining a Second Opinion
Convenience store operators who make decisions based on their instinct, knowledge and experience are often proven right. But, to be especially sure that you’re on the right track, connect with an expert. By Jim Callahan We all know something about running a business and yes, many of us have been doing it successfully for years.…
Thinking Through Shrink and Other Issues
With some inventiveness, c-stores can develop ways to manage their inventory. Effective inventory control doesn’t happen automatically. In fact, controlling inventory is somewhat of a misnomer that might be better termed: managing inventory—because of how difficult indeed it is to control. The landscape is littered with the remains of fired managers, dismissed district managers and…
Retention Takes Time
Making employees aware that you value their service requires commitment. By Jim Callahan The need for appreciation knows no bounds—extends from mothers to children, wives and husbands, employees to bosses and in every other direction imaginable. It need not be costly and really doesn’t require much thought or effort, for it starts with something as…
Industry Pearls of Wisdom
Advice may be cheap, but words that self-motivate are priceless. By Jim Callahan I’ve been fortunate enough and have benefited greatly by being surrounded by some great and learned minds, from cashiers to CEOs. Along the way, I’ve learned life lessons that have been ingrained in me. Allow me to share some pearls of wisdoms…