Under attack from taxes, credit card fees and even some of our branded partners, retailers must continue to fight on.

In the days of old before crude was “liquid gold” and drive-offs were unheard of, we had low taxes and no faxes and just two blends to deal with.

We had clean air, grocery stores played fair, and few credit cards plagued us. We sold gas for 29.9 cents and made in the neighborhood of 8 cents per gallon. We were looked up to as pillars of the community and were considered good and fair businessmen and women by most all who came in contact with us. (more…)

I recently read a great quote attributed to a one time door-to-door sales person and lately more recognizable as founder of the billion-dollar company that bears her name, Mary Kay Cosmetics. Mary Kay Ash said, “Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe you can achieve.” (more…)

Staying Alive: Planning to Thrive!

Staying Alive is both the title of an old disco tune, as well as a description of the challenge that today’s c-store operators face. C-store growth in numbers as well as quality continues unabated. I certainly don’t have all the answers about staying relevant, but I have some very interesting facts that indicate it is being done on a consistent basis in one of the very toughest markets. (more…)