We’re back! Our next batch of ten episodes focuses on the importance of differentiation, and we kick it off by speaking to fuels consultant and data scientist, Brandon Lawrence. Learn why COVID-19 was a “dress rehearsal,” how fuel demand will face structural challenges, and why Brandon is a fan of Buc-ee’s, Casey’s, and a single-store operation in Arkansas called MuleKick.

About Brandon:

Brandon Lawrence is the founder of Fuel Insight, an independent data science consultancy based in the retail fuel industry. With eight years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Brandon specializes in leveraging data to create actionable insight for business leaders, enabling automated decisions at scale, and managing risk. He previously led the fuel analytics group at Murphy USA and was responsible for developing their proprietary sales forecasting application, a novel fuel price optimization engine, and business models for various go-to-market initiatives.

Brandon holds a Bachelors in Sustainable Supply Chain Management from Louisiana Tech University and a Masters in Data Science from Southern Methodist University.

Topics Discussed:

• 03:10 – Why COVID-19 was a dress rehearsal for fuel and convenience stores
• 14:40 – The real reason why electric vehicles will present a challenge to fuel and convenience stores
• 22:10 – If visits decline at the forecourt, how can retailers maintain foot traffic?
• 38:00 – Why differentiation is essential, and why Brandon and his wife always stop at a convenience store in Arkansas called MuleKick
• 51:40 – Why Texas convenience stores are unique, and why Brandon’s nephew wanted to go as a Buc-ee’s employee for Halloween

Connect with Brandon:

• Fuel Insight
• Email
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Is COVID-19 a Dress Rehearsal? (industry divergence, what COVID-19 really meant for retailers, etc.)
• Preparing for Post-Pandemic Headwinds (challenges to fuel demand, why EVs will fragment the customer base, etc.)
• From Convenience Retail to Destination Retail (how single stores and small chains can outcompete larger brands)
• [Google Maps] MuleKick