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McCrae Olson talks Big Brother and convenience store marketing
Ernie and Frank sit down to chat with McCrae Olson—who many of you know as a finalist from Big Brother 15. But did you know that McCrae is also a longtime employee at one of Frank’s favorite convenience stores, 36 Lyn? In this episode, McCrae dives deep into the state of convenience store marketing, explains...
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Latest Episodes
Our favorite convenience stores of 2022!
We’re back! Recorded just before the New Year, we reveal our favorite convenience stores of 2022—and share a big update about the podcast! You won’t want to miss this...
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Episode 12: Mark Truman
Did you know there’s a gas station serving 81 flavors of slushies—and a variety of delicious nitro ice cream—from inside its convenience store? In this episode, EdgePetrol’s Mark Truman...
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Episode 11: Brandon Lawrence
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....
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Episode 10: Al Hebert and Frank Beard
Thank you for being with us for the past nine episodes. To celebrate our tenth, we did something different. This is an honest and off the cuff conversation between...
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Episode 9: Jessica Williams
How are retailers navigating COVID-19, and what strategies can help them win in foodservice when this pandemic is over? Al and Frank chat with Jessica Williams, founder and CEO...
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Episode 8: Mike Zahajko
The coronavirus pandemic has raised concerns about cleanliness at convenience stores. In this episode, Mike Zahajko of CAF Outdoor Cleaning shares tips, strategies, and other information that retailers should...
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Behind The Mic

Frank Beard
Frank Beard is a Des Moines, Iowa-based marketer, speaker, and writer who frequently travels to visit exceptional retailers. He currently serves as the Head of Marketing at Rovertown. Past affiliations including Standard AI and GasBuddy. Frank writes a monthly column for C-Store Dive, and his analyses have been feature in NPR, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, and more. He’s also a frequent speaker at events. Fun fact: Frank once spent a month eating at gas stations and lived to tell the tale.

Al Hebert
Al Hebert is the Gas Station Gourmet. Part travel, mostly food, the Gas Station Gourmet showcases America’s hidden culinary treasure—gas station cuisine. Al is also a popular speaker at events in the convenience retailing industry, and his monthly NACS Magazine column explores the secrets of successful, independent retailers. Al resides in Abbeville, LA.

Ernie Harker
Ernie Harker is a world-class branding consultant, speaker, and author. Known for building the brand behind the $3 billion convenience retailer, Maverik, Ernie works with many clients through his company, Ernburn. Ernie is a frequent keynote speaker, the author of “Your Brand Sucks,” and an accomplished artist and athlete. Fun fact: he recently climbed Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
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