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Thrive

Thrive

Written by: 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!© 2026 C-Store Center Careers Economics Personal Success Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • THE 10-SECOND AUDITION

    THE 10-SECOND AUDITION
    Jan 18 2026

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

    The 5 Levels of C-Store Mastery: From Dive to Arrive
    Jan 13 2026

    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 Thrive
    • Production: C-Store Legends is a Sink or Swim Production.
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    1 min
  • Convenience Store Success: Program Recap and Future Outlook

    Convenience Store Success: Program Recap and Future Outlook
    May 18 2025
    Episode 77 Show Notes: Convenience Store Success - Program Recap and Future OutlookEpisode DescriptionIn 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 opportunitiesTarget AudienceConvenience store managers ready to continue their professional growth journey and advance to new levels of leadershipEpisode Key Points1. 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 MentionedNew 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 UsContinue Your Journey: cstorethrive.com for comprehensive resources, articles, and activitiesReady for District Management? Check out our "Drive" series designed for multi-store leadershipQuick Learning Moments: Don't miss our "Smoke Break" episodes - 4-7 minutes of focused contentAssessment 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 CreditsThrive from C-Store Center is a Sink or Swim ProductionHost: Mike HernandezNote: While all concepts are based on industry knowledge, specific stories and metrics are illustrative examples for educational purposesEpisode Tags:Professional Development, Convenience Store Management, Leadership Growth, Industry Trends, Team Building, Career Advancement,...
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    21 mins
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