Shelf Confidence

Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Shelf Confidence is a podcast brought to you by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association that focuses on trends and innovation in the food and beverage retail industry.

  1. Workforce Development | RTO + Country Fair | Shelf Confidence S8E8

    SEP 25

    Workforce Development | RTO + Country Fair | Shelf Confidence S8E8

    In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we dive into the evolving world of workforce development in the convenience store industry. Join Jeff Kahler, CEO & President of Ready Training Online (RTO), Paul Rankin, Vice President of Retail Marketing at Country Fair, and Steve Seymor, Director of Personal, at Country Fair.  As they share how their organizations teamed up to elevate training for frontline staff. From launching custom e-learning platforms to building a culture of development, this episode is packed with real stories, smart strategies, and a few laughs from the field. Whether you're in retail, HR, or just love hearing about creative business solutions, this conversation will leave you with insights and inspiration you can use. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

    45 min
  2. PA Brewing | Straub Brewery | Shelf Confidence S8E7

    SEP 18

    PA Brewing | Straub Brewery | Shelf Confidence S8E7

    In this special episode of Shelf Confidence, we're joined by William Brock, President and CEO of Straub Brewery, one of the oldest and most iconic breweries in the country. With over 150 years of brewing history in the heart of Pennsylvania, Straub has remained proudly independent, family-owned, and deeply connected to its community.  We’ll dive into the legacy of the brewery, the unique challenges and opportunities facing brewers in Pennsylvania, and what makes Straub’s approach to beer so enduring. From the story behind the famous Eternal Tap to insights on innovation, sustainability, and the future of brewing in the state, this episode is a deep pour into both tradition and what's ahead.  Crack open a cold one and join us for a conversation that blends history, heart, and hops. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

    43 min
  3. Wholesale Wisdom | Core-Mark | Shelf Confidence S8E6

    SEP 11

    Wholesale Wisdom | Core-Mark | Shelf Confidence S8E6

    Wholesalers are the backbone of the food and beverage industry, yet most consumers rarely think about how products move from manufacturers to store shelves. In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we talk with Michael Gould, President of Scranton OpCo at Core-Mark, one of the largest and most established wholesale distributors in North America.  Michael shares how Core-Mark has adapted through more than a century of change, what challenges and innovations are shaping the wholesale industry today, and how wholesalers support everything from product availability to community food access. Whether you're in retail, logistics, or just curious about how the grocery system works, this episode offers a valuable look behind the scenes. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

    26 min
  4. Pennsylvania Lottery | PA Lottery | Shelf Confidence S8E5

    SEP 4

    Pennsylvania Lottery | PA Lottery | Shelf Confidence S8E5

    The Pennsylvania Lottery is a familiar presence in convenience stores and supermarkets across the state—but there’s more happening behind the counter than most customers realize. In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we’re joined by Executive Director Drew Svitko and Deputy Executive Director of Sales & Retail Operations Eric Grubbs to talk about how the Lottery works with retailers, what’s changing with their new system, and where proceeds actually go.  We cover retailer incentives, vending equipment, new tools to streamline operations, and what businesses should know about getting started. Plus: some fun behind-the-scenes stories from the folks who run one of the most successful lotteries in the country. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

    44 min
  5. Strategy, M&A, Digital Transformation | Bakertilly | Shelf Confidence S8E4

    AUG 28

    Strategy, M&A, Digital Transformation | Bakertilly | Shelf Confidence S8E4

    In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we’re joined by three principals from Baker Tilly: Jeffrey Vrabel, Michael Milani, and Dave DuVarney. Together, they bring decades of experience across commercial strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and digital transformation.  We explore how middle market businesses—especially in the food and beverage space—are navigating growth, innovation, and change. From unlocking the value of data and AI to preparing for a successful sale or acquisition, this conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders at every stage. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

    34 min
  6. Cyber Security | CBIZ | Shelf Confidence S8E3

    AUG 21

    Cyber Security | CBIZ | Shelf Confidence S8E3

    In today’s digital world, cyber threats are more advanced than ever—and no business is immune. In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we sit down with CBIZ, a leading provider of business advisory, tax, and risk management solutions, to explore how companies can protect themselves against cybercrime. From ransomware attacks to data breaches, businesses of all sizes face growing risks in an increasingly connected landscape. Our guests from CBIZ break down the biggest cybersecurity threats facing retailers and food merchants, share best practices for preventing cyberattacks, and discuss how cyber insurance can be a safety net for businesses. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

    42 min
  7. PA Lottery | LottoShield | Shelf Confidence S8E2

    AUG 14

    PA Lottery | LottoShield | Shelf Confidence S8E2

    In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we sit down with Reza Mahmoodi, CEO and co-founder of LottoShield—a game-changing lottery management platform designed by retailers, for retailers. Reza shares how his experience running gas stations led to the idea behind LottoShield, and how the company is now helping thousands of stores across the U.S. automate inventory, prevent theft, and simplify lottery operations.  We’ll dive into the real-world challenges of managing lottery sales, explore the technology behind LottoShield’s system, and discuss how partnerships and practical innovations are shaping the future of lottery retail. Whether you sell lottery tickets or are just curious about the business behind them, this episode offers valuable insight from someone who’s lived both sides of the counter. If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

    23 min
  8. Workforce Development | GIANT + Central Penn College | Shelf Confidence S8E1

    AUG 7

    Workforce Development | GIANT + Central Penn College | Shelf Confidence S8E1

    In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we explore GIANT’s workforce development partnership with Central Penn College. Now in its 5th year and 6th cohort, this custom 5-week, 18-credit program is equipping GIANT’s managers with the skills to lead. We’re joined by Curtis Voelker (Central Penn), Dr. Jack Babinchak (Instructor), Anthony Amadure (GIANT), and a program alum to discuss the program’s impact, the evolution of a new 6-hour store manager course, and how other businesses can benefit.  If you enjoy Shelf Confidence, please subscribe and share. Thanks for listening!

    45 min
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About

Shelf Confidence is a podcast brought to you by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association that focuses on trends and innovation in the food and beverage retail industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Shelf Confidence
  • Show Website
    Shelf Confidence