Thrive

C-Store Center
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This podcast is for assistant managers looking to get promoted to store managers and new store managers. Getting promoted is the easy part. Keeping the job and becoming good at it is where I can help. Good results, good work-life balance, and big bonuses are what I'm talking about!

  1. HÁ 12 H

    THE GLASS CAGE (SAFETY CULTURE & P&L)

    Show Notes (Thrive Version) Episode Title: The Glass Cage: Safety Culture & P&L (Episode 83) Episode Description: "If the lights are out, the liability is in." For a Store Manager, safety isn't just about preventing a robbery; it's about protecting the business's bottom line. A store that feels unsafe bleeds customers and burns out employees. In this episode of Thrive, Mike Hernandez breaks down CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) and gives a special shout-out to Kristin, our very first official member! We discuss how to audit your lighting, clear your sightlines, and why "The Lucas Plan" proves it's never too late to advance your career. What You Will Learn: CPTED Strategy: How to use lighting and window placement to psychologically deter criminals.The P&L Impact: The direct link between "Safety Perception," Employee Turnover, and Customer Count.The "Lucas Plan": Mike's personal story of taking 25 years to earn his degree—and why you should never give up on your own education.Community Shout-Out: Welcoming Kristin (Member #1) to the C-Store Legends family.Resources & Links: 📲 Download the Store Safety Audit: Text the word SECURE to 956-897-9192.🎧 Recommended Listen: Drive: Episode 74 (Hear how the District Manager audits safety compliance across multiple locations).

    3min

  2. 7 DE FEV.

    THE P&L KILLER (PHANTOM INVENTORY)

    Show Notes (Thrive Version) Episode Title: The P&L Killer: Phantom Inventory (Episode 82) Episode Description: "Why did I miss budget?" Often, the answer isn't the economy. It's Phantom Inventory. If your system thinks you have product when you don't, it stops ordering. Your Book Inventory stays high, but your Sales drop because customers can't buy what isn't there. In this episode of Thrive, Mike Hernandez explains the Double Whammy of Ghosts: the impact on Gross Income (Shrink) and the long-term Opportunity Cost (Lost Sales). We discuss how to use Management by Exception (The Zero Sales Report) to find these errors and get your shelves back in sync. What You Will Learn: The P&L Impact: How Shrink hits your Gross Income and Controllable Expenses.The Double Whammy: Why "Ghosts" stop the automatic ordering system, leaving you with empty shelves.The Zero Sales Report: The #1 tool for finding ghosts without wasting labor hours.The Career Path: Mike invites you to listen to Drive (District Managers) and Arrive (Owners) to prepare for the next level of leadership.Resources & Links: 📲 Download the Shrink Analysis Guide: Text the word SHRINK to 956-897-9192.

    4min

  3. 1 DE FEV.

    THE COLD WAR (THE COOLER)

    Episode Title: The Cold War: Mastering the Cooler (Episode 81) Episode Description: "I just filled the hole with something else." When a clerk tells you that, they think they helped. But a Store Manager knows the truth: they just broke the inventory data and hid a critical ordering mistake. For a Store Manager, the Cooler is a battleground for Space Control. Vendors are constantly trying to sneak in unauthorized products, and clerks are "plugging" holes to hide out-of-stocks. The result? Your best-sellers are squeezed out, and your planogram becomes a suggestion rather than a rule. In this episode of Thrive, Mike Hernandez teaches you how to be the "Landlord" of your cooler. We discuss "The Vacuum Effect," why a plugged shelf is worse than an empty one, and how to execute "The Planogram Protection Program" to take back your real estate. What You Will Learn: The Vacuum Effect: Why empty spaces naturally get filled with the wrong products if you aren't vigilant.Plugs vs. Holes: Why hiding an out-of-stock with a different product destroys your ability to order correctly.The Landlord Mindset: Treating your shelf space as high-value real estate that vendors must "pay rent" for.The Tag Audit: The simple check that exposes how broken your cooler layout actually is.The Quest: Defend the Planogram. Solo Quest: Perform a "Tag Audit." Choose one door. If the product doesn't match the shelf tag, fix it immediately. If it’s a plug, remove it and leave the hole empty as a reminder to order.Team Quest: "Gatekeep the Delivery." Check your next vendor delivery. If they bring in a product that isn't on the planogram, refuse it. Do not let them dump unassigned inventory in your store.Resources & Links: 📲 Unlock the Level 4 Planogram Guide: Text the code word COLD to 956-897-9192.

    4min

  4. 24 DE JAN.

    THE CASH REGISTER CAGE MATCH

    Episode Title: The Cash Register Cage Match: Speed vs. Accuracy (Episode 80) Episode Description: You see the line building up. You see your cashier panic. So, what do you do? You jump on the second register and kill the line yourself. You just saved the moment, but you hurt your store. For a Store Manager, the "Cash Register Cage Match" isn't about how fast you can ring; it's about how fast your team can ring when you aren't standing there. If you have to rescue your shift every day, you haven't trained them—you've enabled them. In this episode of Thrive, Mike Hernandez teaches you how to stop being the "Hero" and start being the "Coach." We analyze the hidden cost of friction (labor waste and shortages) and give you the "Friction Audit" tool to fix your store's rhythm permanently. What You Will Learn: The Hero Complex: Why jumping on the register is a trap that keeps you stuck in the weeds.The Friction Audit: How to stand back, watch the transaction, and spot exactly where your labor dollars are being wasted.The Pre-Scan Stage: The specific "eyes-first" technique you need to teach your crew today.Gamifying Speed: How to use the "10-Item Dash" to turn training into a competitive sport.The Quest: Coach the rhythm. Solo Quest: Perform a "Friction Audit." Stand back for 10 minutes during the rush. Don't ring. Just count how many times the transaction stops (PLU hunting, card errors, etc.).Team Quest: Run the "10-Item Dash" contest. Challenge your team to beat the 20-second mark with zero errors. Reward the winner.Resources & Links: 📲 Unlock the Level 3 Cheat Sheet: Text the code word SPEED to 956-897-9192.🏴‍☠️ Sponsor: Johnny Mecuerdo Chapter 2 is here. The ships La Muerte and La Sancha are waiting. Join the story at Johnny Mecuerdo on Facebook.Full Show Notes & Visuals: Visit C-Store Thrive

    4min

  5. 18 DE JAN.

    THE 10-SECOND AUDITION

    Episode Title: The 10-Second Audition: Why Customers Drive By Your Store (Episode 79) Episode Description: Stop me if you’ve done this: You drive past a restaurant because the sign is flickering or the parking lot looks dark. You didn't taste the food, but you judged the business instantly. Your customers are doing the same thing to your store every single night. In this episode of C-Store Legends, Mike Hernandez breaks down the "Front Stage" concept. Most employees think their job starts when they clock in, but the sale is actually won or lost in the parking lot. We are moving beyond the basic "Trash Run" and teaching you the "Perimeter Sweep"—the 2-minute tactic that ensures you pass the customer's 10-second audition. What You Will Learn: The Front Stage vs. Back Stage: Why the parking lot is the most critical sales floor in your building.The "Soccer Mom" Test: How to view your store through the eyes of your most safety-conscious customer.The Perimeter Sweep: A specific routine to replace lazy trash runs.Leadership Tactics: How to use the shift change to enforce exterior standards without being a nag.The Quest: Pass the audition. Solo Quest: Walk to the curb. Find one piece of trash that isn't yours. Pick it up.Team Quest: Text a photo of your cleanest pump to the number below.Resources & Links: 📲 Unlock the Level 2 Guide: Text the word CURB to 956-897-9192.🏴‍☠️ Sponsor: Join the crew at Johnny Mecuerdo on Facebook for the upcoming launch of the industry's most legendary gear.Full Show Notes & Visuals: Visit C-Store Thrive

    4min

  6. 13 DE JAN.

    The 5 Levels of C-Store Mastery: From Dive to Arrive

    Episode Title: The 5 Levels of C-Store Mastery: From Dive to Arrive Episode Description: Retail training is broken. It’s passive, boring, and frankly, it doesn’t stick. Today, we are pausing the standard playbook to introduce the new reality of the industry: Sink or Swim. In this episode, Mike Hernandez breaks down the "Old Way" of training versus the "New Era" of the Operator. We introduce the 5 stages of a convenience store career and the specific mindset shift required to master each one: Dive (Sales Associate): How to stop drowning in the details.Survive (Assistant Manager): Escaping the "purgatory" between peer and boss.Thrive (Store Manager): Moving from 70-hour weeks to operational excellence.Drive (District Manager): The shift from running a unit to leading a territory.Arrive (Independent Owner): Facing the hard truths about theft, inventory, and legacy.The era of the Passive Manager is over. It’s time to start keeping score. 🔗 GET THE VISUAL GUIDE: Don't just listen—execute. Go to www.cstorethrive.com to access the Members Only One-Pager breaking down all 5 levels and your first action item for the week. Connect with Mike: Website: C-Store ThriveProduction: C-Store Legends is a Sink or Swim Production.

    1min

  7. 18/05/2025

    Convenience Store Success: Program Recap and Future Outlook

    Episode 77 Show Notes:  Convenience Store Success - Program Recap and Future Outlook Episode Description In this milestone final episode of the "Thrive" series from C-Store Center, host Mike Hernandez celebrates the journey we've taken together and charts the exciting path forward for convenience store leaders. Join us as we explore the remarkable success stories from managers like Sarah in Milwaukee who cut waste by 40%, and Marcus in Phoenix who transformed his team using our training techniques. This isn't just a conclusion - it's a bridge to your next level of growth, whether that's advancing to district management with our "Drive" series or enhancing your current store's performance. 📚 What We've Covered Together: Financial management strategies that increased one store's profitability by 23% in just three monthsOperations excellence that boosted sales per square foot by 35%Crisis management techniques that kept teams calm during major emergenciesTeam development approaches that created clear career pathwaysThe interconnected nature of all these elements in successful store managementReal Success Transformations: Jennifer from Minneapolis finally took a full week's vacation without checking in onceMarcus in Atlanta became his district's go-to mentor for decision-makingLisa in San Diego reduced staff turnover from 75% to just 15% annuallyDavid in Portland turned his struggling store into a company-wide "Most Improved" winnerLooking Forward: ✅ Technology revolution: App ordering during fuel purchases ✅ Advanced analytics predicting inventory needs based on weather and events ✅ Personalized digital experiences increasing customer visits by 40% ✅ Evolving competition landscape beyond just other convenience stores ✅ New regulatory challenges becoming marketing opportunities Target Audience Convenience store managers ready to continue their professional growth journey and advance to new levels of leadership Episode Key Points 1. Key Program Learnings (5:00-15:00) Financial management beyond sales numbersOperations excellence through team involvementCrisis management building customer confidenceTeam development creating ownership cultureIntegrated systems across all store functionsVisual performance metrics transforming engagement2. Growth and Achievement (15:00-25:00) Leadership development success storiesDecision-making confidence improvementsStore performance transformationsCustomer satisfaction strategies that workTeam engagement reducing turnoverCreating future leaders from your team3. Future Industry Trends (25:00-35:00) Technology integration changing customer experienceData analytics transforming inventory decisionsDigital personalization increasing visit frequencyEvolving competition beyond traditional competitorsShifting consumer preferences toward health and sustainabilityRegulatory changes creating marketing opportunitiesHuman connection remaining at the heart of convenience4. Continuing Development (35:00-40:00) Advanced courses at cstorethrive.comLeadership Laboratory program launching next monthIndustry certifications boosting careersNetworking opportunities through virtual meetupsCareer advancement pathways and mentorshipsRegional study groups for specialized knowledge5. Moving Forward (40:00-45:00) Creating 90-day action blocks for implementationSetting Victory Milestones for achievementJoining mentorship programs for guidanceParticipating in regional success circlesAccessing continuous support through multiple channelsTaking the next step in your unique journeyResources Mentioned New Opportunities: "Drive" series for future district managers"Smoke Break" episodes for quick 4-7 minute insightsLeadership Laboratory six-week intensive courseNACS certification programs for career advancementRegional success circles for accountability and growthPrivate community platform for 24/7 supportAvailable Resources: Program summary guideGoal-setting templatesIndustry trend reportsDevelopment planning toolsSuccess metrics trackersConnect With Us Continue Your Journey: cstorethrive.com for comprehensive resources, articles, and activities Ready for District Management? Check out our "Drive" series designed for multi-store leadership Quick Learning Moments: Don't miss our "Smoke Break" episodes - 4-7 minutes of focused content Assessment Questions for Reflection: Your most impactful changes and leadership evolution90-day plan for technology integration while maintaining relationshipsTeam development program comparison and enhancementPersonal development roadmap aligned with industry trendsCreating a mentorship program incorporating key series learningsProduction Credits Thrive from C-Store Center is a Sink or Swim Production Host: Mike Hernandez Note: While all concepts are based on industry knowledge, specific stories and metrics are illustrative examples for educational purposes Episode Tags: Professional Development, Convenience Store Management, Leadership Growth, Industry Trends, Team Building, Career Advancement, Success Stories

    21min

  8. 11/05/2025

    Convenience Store Success: Crisis Management and Emergency Preparedness

    Episode 76 Show Notes:  Convenience Store Success - Crisis Management and Emergency Preparedness Episode Description In this vital episode of "Thrive from C-Store Center," host Mike Hernandez delivers essential guidance on crisis management and emergency preparedness - or as he calls it, "planning for the worst while hoping for the best." Learn how proper emergency planning saved one store 80% of their perishable inventory during a 12-hour power outage, while unprepared competitors faced thousands in losses. Discover why convenience stores are essential community lifelines during emergencies and how you can fulfill this role while protecting your business. 📚 What You'll Learn: Response plans for natural disasters, security incidents, and equipment failuresThe three crucial questions to ask in any emergencyCreating clear chain of command with backup decision-makersEffective crisis communication strategies for staff, customers, and mediaTransforming emergency procedures into automatic team responsesThe "walk and talk" training method that beats reading manualsReal-World Success Stories: Florida store's pre-hurricane checklist that enables safe community serviceChicago team's practiced response that ensured safety during a robbery attemptTexas manager's backup equipment relationships that saved inventory during a heat waveMichigan store's life-saving response to a customer heart attackKey Takeaways: ✅ Emergency supplies should be stored in three different locations ✅ Regular 30-minute updates keep teams calm during crises ✅ Pre-prepared media statements prevent social media disasters ✅ Mini-scenario practice during shifts builds muscle memory ✅ Simple procedures work better than perfect plans under pressure Target Audience Convenience store managers seeking practical strategies for emergency preparedness, crisis management, and protecting their stores and communities during disasters Episode Key Points 1. Types of Crises and Response Plans  Natural disasters and weather events preparationSecurity incidents and robbery responseEquipment failures and backup systemsHealth emergencies and first aid readinessBuilding relationships with backup suppliers before you need them2. Emergency Response Protocols  The three critical questions for any emergencyEstablishing chain of command with backup authorityDocumentation procedures for insurance and learningStaff role assignments during different emergenciesEquipment placement for real-world accessibility3. Crisis Communication  Internal communication: What's happening, what to do, what's nextShift handover procedures during emergenciesExternal communication as community information hubMedia relations in the smartphone eraBackup communication tools when technology fails4. Employee Training  Walk and talk training versus manual readingMini-scenarios during regular shiftsMaking quarterly drills engaging and collaborativeSimplifying procedures for stress conditionsRole-specific training depthsBuilding confidence through practiced responses5. Action Items  Walk through your store tomorrow assessing emergency preparednessHave 5-minute emergency conversations with each shiftStart implementing practical changes immediatelyResources Mentioned Essential Tools: Three-day weather event preparation checklistEmergency documentation forms next to first aid kitsLaminated emergency contact lists in multiple locationsOne-page emergency guides for each workstationPre-prepared media statements for common emergenciesTraining Methods: Walk and talk new employee orientationMini-scenario quick exercisesCollaborative drill planningRegular 30-minute communication updatesShift walkthrough handoversConnect With Us For Quick Tips: Smoke Break Store Managers - 4-7 minute episodes perfect for busy managers Ready for District Management? Check out our "Drive" series for district manager development Join Our Community: Visit cstorethrive.com for employee-related content and resources Assessment Questions for Practice: Refrigeration failure overnight shift scenario analysisDesign a 15-minute walk and talk training sessionBalancing retail and community emergency rolesComparing mini-scenarios vs. quarterly drillsThree-month improvement plan after emergency gapsProduction Credits Thrive from C-Store Center is a Sink or Swim Production Host: Mike Hernandez Important Note: All scenarios and examples are fictional and created for educational purposes only Disclaimer: This content does not replace formal emergency training or legal compliance requirements. Always consult company protocols and local regulations. Episode Tags: Crisis Management, Emergency Preparedness, Store Manager Training, Disaster Response, Community Leadership, Safety Protocols, Team Training

    20min
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Sobre

This podcast is for assistant managers looking to get promoted to store managers and new store managers. Getting promoted is the easy part. Keeping the job and becoming good at it is where I can help. Good results, good work-life balance, and big bonuses are what I'm talking about!

Informações

  • Criado por
    C-Store Center
  • Anos de atividade
    2023 - 2026
  • Episódios
    83
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © 2026 C-Store Center