Store Manager Development

C-store leadership workshops often sound good in theory but in practice, many fail because managers don’t buy in or don’t see immediate value. Jonathan, a multi-store operator, took a different approach. By committing fully to C-store leadership workshops and aligning his managers around shared conversations, clear data, and consistent habits, he saw stronger teamwork, better …

Every year, c-store leaders set goals, and every year, most of them get buried under labor issues, coverage gaps, vendor pressure, and daily fire drills. That’s why a goal setting refresh for c-store leaders matters, not to add more work, but to clear the noise, and reset focus. It’s about slowing down just enough to …

Building a strong leadership culture in C-stores doesn’t start with technology or new procedures. It starts with people. That’s what Jessica has learned in her 27 years in the convenience store industry. Today, she leads with a focus on growth, culture, and creating space for her team to succeed. Her approach is simple but powerful: …

C-store leadership isn’t just about meeting today’s sales goals, it’s about building people who can carry the business forward. Greg Hendricks has seen firsthand how strong managers and well-prepared teams create consistent results across multiple stores. His philosophy is straightforward: give people the right tools, set clear expectations, and trust them to rise to the …

In the fast-moving world of convenience stores, achieving c-store manager success goes beyond tracking sales or keeping shelves stocked. It’s about creating a store culture where employees feel motivated, customers feel valued, and every day brings opportunities for growth. This blog highlights how Michelle Cornwell has mastered this balance. From spotting future leaders and boosting …

New seasons bring new opportunities. Fall is no different. A c-store checklist for fall success helps us to find simple and important ways to keep our customers engaged.  Fall brings its own busy rhythm, back-to-school mornings, football weekends, cooler weather, and candy season. Customers expect quick service, warm food, and shelves stocked with their favorites. …

C-Store leadership is about more than keeping shelves stocked or managing schedules. It’s about creating an environment where people thrive, both the store team and the customers who walk through the doors. That’s exactly how Vince Hammock approaches his role at Homedale Market, a top-performing store and a place that feels like home to many. …

Chastity didn’t plan on a future in c-store leadership. She came from nursing, took a five-year break to fight cancer, and then decided to change her life completely. When her doctors cleared her to work, she set her sights on the c-store across the street from her house in Lakeview, Oregon. “I hounded the manager …

In a recent SG Voices panel discussion, Stephanie Galentine, Lassus Brothers, Darrell Meek, JD Streett, Mason Cowan, Tom Bandy, BandyWorks, and Jed Brewer, SG Voices, discussed how they maximize c-store leadership development ROI. Summary C-Store managers are essential to the success of convenience stores. The panel highlights that effective store management, particularly in leadership and …

Heidi Sabo shared her experience with c-store leadership keys: finding your place, building your people. She didn’t start out thinking she’d run a convenience store. In fact, she tried just about everything else before settling into what became the perfect fit. Her story is one of exploration, resilience, and returning—again and again—to the c-store world …

DD Bennett shared her experience with c-store leadership keys: Kitchen to Command. Her path to c-store manager was not smooth and was not without setbacks. She shares her story of living the full life of starting work, marriage, parenting, and ongoing career growth. Her success is an example of building a great career as a …

Building a scalable c-store operations team can be a challenge for convenience store operators. Let’s focus on one major variable in the equation: Your people. They are the key to improve c-store operations. The average turnover rate for full time employees in the industry can be substantial. As high as 130% in recent reports (NACS). …