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# Study Groups

Same-Industry Peer Groups for Executives

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## Posts

- [Less Talk, More Action: Getting A/R Off the Phone with Self-Service Portals and Modern Payments](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/05/29/getting-a-r-off-the-phone-with-self-service-portals-and-modern-payments/) - Fuel marketers are rethinking how A/R gets done, shifting from phone based follow up to tools that help customers act faster and teams recover more margin. When invoices, balances, and payment options are available through a self service portal—and every transaction is routed to the most efficient payment rail—organizations reduce friction, shorten the path from
- [The Customer Service Clock Starts Before the First Word](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/07/22/the-customer-service-clock-starts-before-the-first-word/) - One client recently demonstrated the value of connecting executive direction with frontline behavior. The strategy was deliberately simple: get back to the basics, greet every customer, and thank every customer. During the following two months, the client’s overall customer service score rose from 55% to 64%. That represents a nine-percentage-point gain and a 16.4% relative
- [Scaling Customer Service: How AI Turns Checkout Conversations into Coaching Opportunities](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/07/02/scaling-customer-service-how-ai-turns-checkout-conversations-into-coaching-opportunities/) - Most companies track sales, labor, and average service time, but those metrics only describe the final outcome. The customer experience begins much earlier, often before an employee says a word. Small, unnoticed delays at the counter can accumulate into thousands of customer hours of frustration across an organization. Join us as Nick Lynch, Founder &
- [Growth Starts Here: Credit Strength + Smart Lending for Petroleum Businesses](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/08/04/growth-starts-here-credit-strength-smart-lending-for-petroleum-businesses/) - Featuring Capital One Business - Convenience and Gas Banking As one of the top 10 financial services providers in the U.S., we can offer a unique combination of financial strength, personal attention and flexible products. And since we know that every organization has its own unique challenges and opportunities, our focus is on getting to
- [What fuel loyalty programs are missing — even if membership is growing](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/07/21/what-fuel-loyalty-programs-are-missing/) - Upside’s latest report diagnoses the “loyalty plateau,” where programs continue to add members but see declining engagement. Most fuel and convenience retailers would consider a loyalty member “their” customer, no questions. But new data shows that hardly any consumers stop at just one program membership — and as enrollment keeps climbing, the strength of any
- [Change Management, Rewritten for an AI World](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/07/23/change-management-rewritten-for-an-ai-world/) - By Shyam Rao, Founder and CEO Every operator knows the people-process-tech framework. It has ordered change management for decades, and the order is the whole point: start with your people, redesign your process, and only then, at the end, choose the technology. Careful. Deliberate. Tech last. AI breaks that sequence. Run it in the traditional
- [The Cost of Product Rationalization: Managing SKU Complexity in Lubricant Distribution](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/07/21/the-cost-of-product-rationalization-managing-sku-complexity-in-lubricant-distribution/) - The lubricant industry has never offered more product choices than it does today. Between evolving OEM requirements, emissions regulations, synthetic formulations, specialty applications, and private-label offerings, distributors are managing increasingly complex inventories. While expanded product portfolios allow companies to serve a broader customer base, they also introduce operational challenges that can quietly impact profitability. For
- [Monthly Risk Management Meeting: A Critical Discipline for Petroleum Companies](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/07/21/monthly-risk-management-meeting/) - Petroleum distribution companies rarely suffer from a shortage of meetings. In a business defined by regulatory complexity, fluctuating markets, and daily operational hazards, there is always a reason to gather teams to discuss initiatives, coordinate planning, or simply check in. Yet among all these conversations, one meeting consistently stands out as essential to the company’s
- [M&A Case Study: Matrix Advises on the Sale of Leahy-Wolf Co. to ACE Solutions, LLC](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/07/21/matrix-advises-sale-of-leahy-wolf-to-ace-solutions/) - Leahy-Wolf Co. is a leading Midwest lubricants distributor providing commercial, industrial, and automotive lubricants, diesel exhaust fluid, antifreeze, coolants, and related products to customers throughout Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Founded in 1946 by James Leahy and Herbert Wolf as a fuel distributor serving the Chicago metropolitan area, the company evolved significantly over the decades.
- [The “Low Rate” That Cost One Operator $387,000 a Year](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/07/21/the-low-rate-cost-300k-for-one-operator/) - Here's what every fuel marketer should know before trusting a processor’s headline rate. When you ask a payment processor for their best pricing, you’ll almost always hear the same pitch: “interchange-plus.” It sounds fair. You pay the card networks’ actual cost, plus a small markup for the processor, and that’s it. Chase the lowest markup,
- [The New Era of Fleet Management: AI-powered Operations & Online Inventory Visibility](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/04/30/the-new-era-of-fleet-management-ai-powered-operations-online-inventory-visibility/) - Fuel marketers are always looking for practical ways to strengthen margins across both fleet operations and capital heavy assets. Understanding what drives performance in transport and tankwagon routing is an important start, but real gains come from improving revenue miles, building drop density, and increasing asset utilization. At the same time, surplus inventory requires a
- [The Discipline Advantage: What 2025’s Top Performers Do Differently](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/07/15/the-discipline-advantage-what-2025s-top-performers-do-differently/) - Every year, businesses explain their performance through market conditions. Demand softens. Costs rise. Customers become more cautious. Competition intensifies. And in many ways, those explanations were valid in 2025. Across several Study Groups industries, growth slowed as tariffs, cost pressures, and cautious investment weighed on demand. In many sectors, simply holding ground was an accomplishment.
- [Minnesota Joins Growing Number of States Regulating PFAS](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/06/29/minnesota-joins-growing-number-of-states-regulating-pfas/) - Minnesota has joined the wave of states enacting laws to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In 2023, Minnesota passed Amara’s Law, Minnesota Statute Section 116.943, which has two primary functions: banning certain PFAS-containing products and gathering information about the prevalence of such products distributed or sold in Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
- [Your Greatest Competitive Advantage Is Already Around You](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/06/26/your-greatest-competitive-advantage-is-already-around-you/) - By John McCauley, Partner and Director of Brand Design Large convenience chains have deep pockets. They have sophisticated loyalty programs, national marketing budgets, and supply chains that can source virtually anything at scale. But there is one thing they cannot buy, cannot manufacture, and absolutely cannot fake: a genuine connection to the community they serve.
- [AI Isn’t a Threat to Your Software. It’s a Test.](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/06/29/ai-isnt-a-threat-to-your-software-its-a-test/) - Submitted by Stephan Okano, VP of Engineering We met with a fuel wholesaler at SIGMA and heard a story that has since come up in different versions from several other operators. His college-age nephew, home on break, sat down with an AI tool and built a working fuel inventory dashboard in an afternoon. No developers.
- [Why Do Companies Hedge?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/06/29/why-do-companies-hedge/) - The concept of hedging often appears daunting to companies approaching it for the first time. They might think perhaps it’s too complex or it’s only for larger businesses. This isn’t true now and it wasn’t true back in the late 1970’s when the world’s first successful energy futures contract was traded on the New York
- [Ditching the Tablet Farm: How to Master Online Delivery Without Operational Chaos](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/06/26/master-online-delivery-without-operational-chaos/) - Triggered out of necessity during the Covid pandemic, convenience store operators scrambled to capture the exploding demand for online delivery. The industry-wide response was a collective, chaotic sprint to deploy third-party marketplaces. Almost overnight, store counters across the country became "tablet farms"—cluttered with flashing screens from DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, each pinging, chiming, and
- [Unlocking $20 Million in Foodservice Margin](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/06/26/unlocking-20-million-in-foodservice-margin/) - Strategy & Quick Wins Propel Surge in Margin Growth Understanding that foodservice is the future of retail convenience business, the convenience store chain raised the bar with bold foodservice margin targets. For most c-store retailers, foodservice represents one of the highest-margin categories in their stores. As fuel sales continue to decline across the industry, foodservice
- [The Store Is the Message](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/03/24/the-store-is-the-message/) - By John McCauley, Partner and Director of Brand Design, Paragon Solutions Two independent data sets landed on the same day recently, and together they tell a story that every convenience retailer should be paying attention to. When separate research methodologies and separate sample pools arrive simultaneously and point in the same direction, it’s worth taking
- [Federal Courts Draw a Line:  Generative AI Communications Fall Outside Attorney-Client Protection](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/05/27/federal-courts-draw-a-line-generative-ai-communications-fall-outside-attorney-client-protection/) - Submitted by Brent Lorentz, Shareholder In a decision likely to influence how courts evaluate privilege claims involving generative AI, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York recently held that a criminal defendant’s communications with a publicly available AI platform (i.e. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others) were not protected by either the
- [SG Voices Talks - Episode 1: Fuel Pricing & Operations in a Volatile Market](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/05/29/sg-voices-talks-episode-1-fuel-pricing-operations-in-a-volatile-market/) - Joining the conversation: David Thompson - VP, POWERHOUSE Developing and executing a price risk management strategy in energy markets can be daunting. With the right approach, disciplined execution, and a trusted partner you can minimize the effect of energy price volatility through hedging. POWERHOUSE can be that trusted partner. We help businesses like yours throughout
- [When Your Team Sends the Customer to the Competition](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/05/26/when-your-team-sends-the-customer-to-the-competition/) - After four generations in the convenience store business, I've learned to pay close attention to the small things people say at the counter. A broken cooler gets your attention fast. A long line does too. Those problems are visible. What gets missed is the quiet revenue leak. A customer walks up, asks for an item,
- [Maximizing Margins: Turning Your Pricebook into a Profit Machine](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/05/27/maximizing-margins-turning-your-pricebook-into-a-profit-machine/) - Every retailer fundamentally understands that the pricebook is a massive, complex database, and maintaining it requires constant attention and regular updates. That said, it's easy for pricebook teams to get caught up in the sheer volume of data they manage and miss the opportunity to use it more strategically. This is especially true when high
- [From Deployment Dread to Reliable Rollouts: The Case for QA Test Automation](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/05/27/from-deployment-dread-to-reliable-rollouts-the-case-for-qa-test-automation/) - A new loyalty integration or a software update should herald progress, but for many mid-market convenience store chains, it too often initiates a systemic crisis. The reality of retail technology deployment is frequently characterized by instability: point-of-sale (POS) system crashes, mobile application errors preventing customer redemption, and critical hardware interfaces failing under the load. These
- [War, Technology, and Fuel Price Volatility: Why Closed Loop Automation Matters](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/05/26/war-technology-and-fuel-price-volatility-why-closed-loop-automation-matters/) - The current turmoil in the Middle East has once again demonstrated just how volatile fuel prices can be. Driven by supply uncertainty, market speculation, and rapid shifts in futures pricing, the resulting price instability has created a challenging environment for petroleum marketers. The New Reality: Intraday Volatility Requires Intraday Synchronization Petroleum marketers who were typically
- [Resilient but Restrained: The U.S. Labor Market in Spring 2026](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/05/15/us-labor-market-spring-2026/) - By Dr. David Nelson The April 2026 U.S. jobs report offers a portrait of an American labor market that continues to defy the most pessimistic forecasts while simultaneously resisting any return to the dynamism of the post-pandemic hiring boom. The number of jobs created in April was well above what was forecast, but the deeper
- [Delivering on Your Foodservice Promise](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/03/04/delivering-on-your-food-service-promise/) - If you were able to catch April’s webinar on foodservice branding and fuel customer engagement, you’ll understand the margin-transforming power of foodservice for convenience retail. But now that your food program is drawing customers into the store, how do you ensure brand consistency and profitability? The answer lies in rigorous optimization measures, and leveraging modern
- [M&A Case Study: Matrix Advises Monfort Companies on the Sale of its Convenience Retail Portfolio](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/04/20/ma-case-study-matrix-advises-monfort-companies-on-the-sale-of-its-convenience-retail-portfolio/) - Monfort Companies is a diversified investment manager with a portfolio of assets across real estate, energy, entertainment, and other high growth industries. In 2013, the Company broadened its holdings with its first investment in convenience retail by acquiring several convenience stores in Denver, Colorado. Over the next decade, Monfort aggressively grew its company-operated store footprint,
- [What’s driving success for gas and convenience stores](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/05/01/whats-driving-success-for-gas-and-convenience-stores/) - Editor’s note: This content was first published on Capital One Commercial Insights. Fuel and convenience store operators in the U.S. are enjoying a period of strength and resilience, boosted by a number of positive trends. The pressure of rising operating costs has begun to moderate as U.S. inflation has returned to a more normal range.
- [The 5 Key Strategies That Keep Frontline Teams Feeling Engaged and Empowered](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/04/20/5-key-strategies-keep-frontline-teams-engaged-and-empowered/) - What top leaders are doing differently to build teams that stay, engage, and thrive. Organizations everywhere are facing tighter labor pools, higher customer expectations, and constant operational pressure. And the numbers tell the story: 73% of frontline workers feel disconnected from their organization. When those team members leave, SHRM estimates it costs $4,700 per hire
- [The Hidden $100,000 Fee You Should Know Before Your Next Brand Change](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/04/20/the-hidden-100k-fee-you-should-know-before-your-next-brand-change/) - When you are evaluating a brand change, renewal, or debranding decision, the conversation almost always starts with fuel cost, signing bonuses, and brand incentives. Those matter. But there is another line item that rarely gets the same scrutiny and can quietly cost you just as much: credit and debit card processing fees. Though there are
- [Stop competing on price: A smarter growth strategy for fuel retail](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/04/20/stop-competing-on-price-a-smarter-growth-strategy-for-fuel-retail/) - For decades, fuel retail has operated on a simple competitive lever: lower the sign price and wait for volume to follow. But today’s market conditions are exposing the limits of that strategy. Fuel margins are healthy, but with constant price volatility, the landscape can change in an instant. Where you’d expect to see daily price
- [Unlocking Capital: Evaluating Idle Inventory in the Downstream Petroleum Sector](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/04/20/evaluating-idle-inventory-in-downstream-petroleum-sector/) - In asset-heavy industries, capital discipline is often associated with growth like expanding operations, upgrading infrastructure, or investing in new equipment. Yet one of the most overlooked sources of trapped capital is far less visible: idle inventory and underutilized equipment. Across the downstream petroleum sector, surplus assets quietly accumulate over time. A product line may be
- [Margins Up, Backlog Down: The Dual Story of 2025 General Contractors](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/04/17/margins-up-backlog-down-the-dual-story-of-2025-general-contractors/) - 2025 was a strong year for general contractors in a Study Group, with meaningful improvements across virtually every profitability metric. Here is a look at how these firms performed as a group, where they excelled, and where the road ahead presents some challenges. Revenue and profitability: a year of operational improvement Revenue grew 4.1% year
- [From Gas Pump to Food Counter: Getting Customers in Your Door](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/02/02/from-fuel-pump-to-food-counter-getting-customers-in-your-door/) - In today’s convenience landscape, customers expect current technology, ease of purchase, and high-quality foodservice offerings. Getting these discerning customers in the door takes intentionality in brand design and awareness, and technology integration. Successful retailers understand that winning in foodservice isn’t about scale, but about knowing exactly what customers want and positioning their brand to deliver
- [2025 Petroleum Verticals: Who Won, Who Slipped, and Why It Matters](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/04/16/2025-petroleum-verticals-who-won-who-slipped-and-why-it-matters/) - The 2025 Study Groups petroleum marketing financial results are in the books. Below we look at how four distinct business models performed against one another and the national average. Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) tells us which segments are generating the best returns, but the real story lies beneath that headline number: in gallons moved,
- [Mysterious network performance issues?  Check your edge devices.](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/30/edge-devices-network-performance/) - To improve customer and employee experience, convenience retailers are becoming increasingly dependent on high-volume, real-time data transmission for a growing range of essential applications. Payment processing, digital menu boards, retail media, fuel tank monitoring, and video surveillance are among the more popular technology applications being deployed by c-store operators. However, disruptions in network performance can
- [Edge Computing and AI: Powering the Next Wave of Retail Innovation](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/06/edge-computing-and-ai-powering-the-next-wave-of-retail-innovation/) - Retail technology is evolving at breakneck speed. According to the 2025 Convenience Store News Technology Study, retailers are prioritizing investments in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations (35%), retail media networks (30%), touchscreen ordering monitors (23%), and digital ad displays (18%). On the payment side, AI-driven self-checkout (24%), biometric authentication (24%), and RFID (21%) are gaining
- [C-store Tech Talk: Faster Payments and Seamless Networks](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/20/faster-payments-seamless-networks/) - In the fast-moving world of c-store operations, invoicing efficiency and network security are key to staying ahead. But where should leaders focus their efforts? Data-driven insights make all the difference. This webinar brings together industry experts to explore two critical areas shaping the future of c-store success. Join us as KC Cook, President at PIX
- [Cutting Through Complexity: How a Unified Network Architecture Powers the Future of Fuel Retail](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/29/unified-network-architecture-powers-retail/) - In today’s competitive fuel retail landscape, branded wholesalers need secure, reliable, and cost-effective network infrastructure. Yet many unwittingly complicate their network setup, harming performance and security in the process. The Complexity of Petroleum Retail Networks Branded retail sites involve many players - fuel brands, POS vendors, retailers, and store operators - each with distinct needs:
- [Building from the Ground Up: Why Retail Fuel Stations Must Prioritize the Network Layer in IT Strategy](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/26/fuel-stations-must-prioritize-network-layer/) - In Fostering Innovation, Andrew Laudato introduces the Hierarchy of IT Needs, a powerful model that borrows from Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs. At its foundation lies the network infrastructure - not a luxury, but a non-negotiable for businesses to function successfully. For modern retail stores – including fueling stations, convenience stores, quick serve restaurants, and
- [Enable Your Team to Perform Even When They’re Slammed: 5 Strategies to Stay Consistent Under Pressure](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/03/26/enable-your-team-to-perform-even-when-theyre-slammed-5-strategies-to-stay-consistent-under-pressure/) - By David J. McClaskey, President, and Billy Schaefer, Vice-President If you lead a convenience store or manage fuel delivery operations, you know the feeling. Your best team member just called out sick, a delivery is running late, and there are customers three deep at the counter. Everything that normally runs smoothly is suddenly hanging by
- [Leadership Insider: Savvy Credit Strategies & Gallon Growth with Trade Credit Insurance](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/06/25/credit-strategies-trade-credit-insurance/) - Fast-growing businesses face mounting pressure to extend credit while protecting cash flow—a balancing act that hinges on the strength of the credit department. As companies scale, the need for specialized roles becomes critical: from analysts who monitor customer risk to managers who enforce policy and ensure compliance. Trade credit, which provides a vital tool for
- [Sales or Gallon Pricing?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/11/12/sales-or-gallon-pricing/) - While many of our articles focus on companies not using credit insurance, today I’d like to speak to the companies that are currently insuring their receivables. Whether it be Allianz (formally Euler Hermes), Coface, or Atradius, it’s good to know they are utilizing this safety mechanism to protect them from taking losses on their A/R.
- [How Digital Experience Is Redefining Branded Dealer Relationships](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/03/27/how-digital-experience-is-redefining-branded-dealer-relationships/) - In today’s competitive fuel distribution market, branded dealers expect more than reliable supply and competitive pricing; they expect frictionless access to information. For suppliers, that shift is significant. The companies that make it easiest for dealers to access information, place orders, and manage their business are increasingly the ones that win new accounts and keep
- [Setting Your New Credit Manager Up for Success](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/03/26/setting-your-new-credit-manager-up-for-success/) - Hiring or promoting an internal candidate into the credit manager role is a critical step in strengthening your company’s financial health. To ensure they thrive in their role, it’s essential to establish clear, concise processes and foster leadership support from day one. Here’s how to set your new credit manager up for success with practical
- [From AI Assistant to Agentic Commerce: What Convenience Retailers Need to Know](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/03/26/from-ai-assistant-to-agentic-commerce-what-convenience-retailers-need-to-know/) - By Shyam Rao, Founder and CEO, Tote.ai If you read my last article in this newsletter, you walked away with a framework for evaluating AI claims in convenience retail. Five questions to ask vendors. Ways to tell whether the intelligence in a system is structural or cosmetic. This article builds on that foundation. The industry
- [When Fuel Markets Move at War Speed](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/03/26/when-fuel-markets-move-at-war-speed/) - The call comes before most traders have finished their first coffee. Overnight, a drone strike on an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf hits the news. By the time U.S. futures markets open, Brent crude has already surged past $115 a barrel. By midmorning, rack postings begin moving. By lunch, a wholesaler with half a
- [Across the Board, Here's What SG Members Are Talking About](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/03/16/sg-meeting-insights/) - After every Study Groups meeting, participants are asked to reflect on where they found the most value during the two or more days spent together. Across groups of 8–15 industry peers, the feedback has been remarkably consistent: open group discussion is cited as the most valuable element by a wide margin. Over the past year
- [Engaging & Empowering Your C-store Team, Even Under Pressure](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/05/engaging-empowering-c-store-team-under-pressure/) - Today’s c-store operators face tighter labor pools, higher customer expectations, and constant operational pressure. Staying competitive requires clear communication with frontline employees and workflows that run smoothly, even on the busiest shifts. The most effective leaders are rethinking how to keep their employees engaged and happy, and how to design smarter, stress proof processes. Join
- [The Sign in Design: The Role of Graphics and Signage in Convenience Retail](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/25/graphics-signage-convenience-retail/) - By: Joe Torres In the ever-changing world of retail, where consumer preferences and behaviors continuously evolve, the role of graphics and signage in modern store design cannot be overstated. Beyond décor and aesthetics, signage and graphics serve as strategic tools that influence the customer experience, shape brand perception, and ultimately impact the success of retail
- [Turn Foodservice Tech into Your Competitive Advantage](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/23/turn-foodservice-tech-into-your-competitive-advantage/) - Convenience retail is moving fast, embracing AI-enabled upselling, smart kitchen automation, frictionless checkout, and integrated loyalty apps. Tech providers are eager to showcase their solutions, and customers increasingly expect digital, seamless experiences. With foodservice acting as a trip driver and margin booster, retailers are eager to leverage tools that consistently put quality products into customers'
- [Mergers & Acquisitions and Legal Update: 2026](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/12/03/mergers-acquisitions-legal-update-2026/) - We are delighted to once again offer a petroleum marketing and convenience Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Legal update webinar. This webinar will get you up to date on what you need to know as you plan either your growth or exit strategies. Join these industry experts as they discuss key market consolidation trends and
- [The 15% Solution: How Writing Processes to 100% Transforms Revenue and Operations](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/02/24/the-15-solution-how-writing-processes-to-100-transforms-revenue-and-operations/) - You walk into a convenience store at 7:00 AM, needing coffee before a critical meeting. The team member is stocking shelves, doesn't look up, and offers no greeting. You wait. And wait. Now imagine the same store where the process specifies and the team member: greets every customer within three seconds, makes eye contact, smiles,
- [Why AI at the Point-of-Sale Matters for Fuel and Convenience Retail](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/02/24/why-ai-at-the-point-of-sale-matters-for-fuel-and-convenience-retail/) - By Shyam Rao, Founder and CEO, Tote.ai If you’ve been in fuel and convenience retail long enough, you know the technology powering most stores hasn’t fundamentally changed in decades. Point-of-sale (POS) systems still operate largely the way they did 20 years ago: processing transactions in silos, applying discounts that may or may not calculate in
- [Spotting Trouble Early: Managing a Declining Customer Account](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/02/23/spotting-trouble-early-managing-a-declining-customer-account/) - When a reliable customer’s payment habits begin to slip, it is a signal you can’t afford to ignore. A variety of factors — new ownership, management changes, divorce, loss of a key customer or broader economic pressures — can quickly turn a once dependable account into a potential credit risk. When you start feeling uneasy
- [Modern Customers Expect Modern Tools: Why Portals Are a Must-Have for Fuel Marketers](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/02/23/portals-are-a-must-have-for-fuel-marketers/) - For decades, petroleum marketing has been built on relationships. Trust, responsiveness, and long-standing partnerships have fueled growth in an industry where reliability matters as much as price. That hasn’t changed, but customer expectations have. Today’s customers still value personal relationships, but they also expect the same level of digital access and transparency they experience in
- [The Future of Autonomous Fuel Supply Chains: How Close Are We Really?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/02/19/how-close-are-we-to-autonomous-fuel-supply-chains/) - It’s 9:00 PM. A major terminal goes down; prices are spiking 20 cents at midnight, and two drivers just called in sick. In the traditional fuel world, this is where the firefighting begins. What follows is a frantic night of phone calls, manual re-dispatching, and margin erosion. For years, the industry has tried to solve
- [Change Management That Actually Works](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/02/02/change-management-that-actually-works/) - Change is no longer periodic, but constant: new systems, re-organizations, acquisitions, pricing strategies, safety programs, technology rollouts, leadership transitions. Yet despite the best intentions, most change efforts still fail to deliver the results leaders expect. Harvard Business Review’s 10 Must Reads on Change Management, including John Kotter’s foundational work Leading Change, offers a clear takeaway
- [Selling Peace of Mind](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/22/selling-peace-of-mind/) - Looking at the following chart, it might be appropriate to offer fuel marketers congratulations simply for surviving 2025. The geopolitical and economic factors that whipsawed the market last year have been well documented: Tariffs affecting global trading relationships Military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities On again/off again hopes for Ukraine peace deal Removing Maduro from
- [Building Brand Loyalty: Five Critical Touchpoints](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/30/brand-loyalty-five-touchpoints/) - Submitted by: John McCauley, Director of Brand Design In my years as Director of Brand Design at Paragon Solutions, I've seen the convenience store landscape fundamentally transform. Location advantage, once the industry's golden ticket, now provides minimal protection in today's hyper-competitive marketplace. Through hundreds of design projects, I've identified a pattern: customer loyalty is methodically
- [Navigating Succession: A Conversation Between Generations](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/08/10/navigating-succession-a-conversation-between-generations/) - Transitions between generations in family businesses are pivotal moments that shape the future of the enterprise. Recently, the son of a family business CEO approached me with a blunt question: "How can you help push my father out of the CEO role?" I redirected the conversation, emphasizing that the focus should be on facilitating a
- [From Solo Decisions to Shared Expectations:  Crafting a Dividend Policy for Multi-Generational Family Businesses](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/dividend-policy-family-businesses/) - The "Why" for a Dividend Policy Governance structures in multi-generational family businesses are essential to ensure long-term success, preserve family harmony, and create clarity around financial expectations. A well-defined dividend policy is a cornerstone of such governance, as it balances the competing interests of reinvesting profits for growth and distributing income to family shareholders. Without
- [Beyond Clean: How Smart Restroom Design Drives Profits](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/30/beyond-clean-how-smart-restroom-design-drives-profits/) - Submitted by Jacob Pfaff, Relationship Manager In the competitive world of convenience retail, customer experience is everything. While many owners focus on fuel prices, product selection, and location, one critical aspect is often overlooked: the bathroom. A clean, well-maintained restroom reflects your store’s standards and has a direct impact on customer retention, reputation, and profitability.
- [Importance of Environmental Due Diligence in Downstream Energy Property Transactions and Development](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/23/environmental-due-diligence-downstream-energy-property-transactions/) - Environmental due diligence is an important consideration in most real estate transactions and development, but takes on particular importance when transferring, redeveloping or acquiring current or former service stations. Environmental due diligence provides prospective purchasers, developers, and lenders with information necessary to make good business decisions regarding environmental risk. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
- [Closing the Action Gap with AI: Voice Tickets for Equipment Fixes and Frontline Coaching](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/23/closing-the-action-gap-with-ai-voice-tickets-for-equipment-fixes-and-frontline-coaching/) - Store leaders hear problems all day: A gas pump fails A card reader freezes A new cashier struggles at the POS during rush. Most stores track equipment issues with a work order, then leave the people issue to memory and hallway coaching. Problems repeat, and leaders lose time, sales, and morale. AI-powered voice technology closes
- [Why Data Readiness Matters in an AI World](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/23/why-data-readiness-matters-in-an-ai-world/) - Organizations are racing to implement AI and advanced analytics, convinced that the right algorithms will unlock transformative insights. Yet many still struggle to see meaningful results. The hard truth is that no matter how smart your analytics engine or AI model is, it can't compensate for poor data. Analytics and AI can be powerful processors,
- [Elevating Your C-store Brand: Superior Design, Superior Water Quality](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/17/elevating-your-c-store-brand/) - In the c-store business, success means not only bringing customers in but keeping them coming back. And keeping customers happy means making sure the ice machine doesn’t break, especially with a hot summer just over the horizon. To help you tackle these essentials, we have industry experts ready to share tips and tricks in brand
- [Limescale and Biofouling: the Silent Menaces Wreaking Havoc on Your C-store and Car Wash](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/15/limescale-and-biofouling-silent-menaces/) - Water is the lifeblood of your convenience store and car wash operations—but not all water is created equal. Hidden inside your pipes, machines, and spray nozzles are two culprits of bad water quality: limescale and biofouling. Understanding these issues is the first step toward protecting your equipment, improving customer experience, and reducing maintenance costs. Here,
- [Hard Water Is Costing You Money!](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/30/hard-water-is-costing-you-money/) - Water quality is often an overlooked factor that can impact the success of convenience stores, new and old. From the efficiency of equipment, maintenance costs, taste of beverages and the customer experience, poor water quality carries hidden costs and challenges. By addressing these issues, convenience store owners can enhance operations, reduce expenses, and improve the
- [The Invisible Manager: How AI is Transforming C-Store Inventory](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/23/the-invisible-manager-how-ai-is-transforming-c-store-inventory/) - In the high-stakes, high-volume world of convenience store retail, "out of stock" isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It can mean a lost customer relationship. For decades, C-store owners have relied on a mix of gut feeling, manual counts, and historical spreadsheets to manage their shelves. But as consumer habits shift and supply chains become more
- [The New C-store Customer: What Billions of Transactions Reveal](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/11/04/new-c-store-customer-what-transactions-reveal/) - In today’s fuel and convenience retail landscape, loyalty isn’t what it used to be, and neither is the shopper. Price sensitivity, inflation, and shifting definitions of value are reshaping how consumers choose where to shop and what keeps them coming back. Join us as Dr. Thomas Weinandy, Principal Research Economist at Upside, breaks down what’s
- [How Did Study Groups Members Stack Up in 2025?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/14/study-groups-member-2025-report-card/) - End-of-Year Performance Summary by SG Vertical Study Groups (SG) member performance in 2025 reflected steadiness in a year of uneven economic conditions. “Flat was the new up” in most of the industries our members participate in. Tariffs, cost pressures, and investment uncertainty weighed on several sectors, making the year more challenging than in most years
- [Your Superpower Isn't Scale, It's Knowledge: Building Food Brands Customers Actually Want](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/06/building-food-brands-customers-want/) - By Davis McCauley, Lead Brand Designer For decades, foodservice in convenience stores and travel centers was viewed as an amenity, a secondary consideration behind fuel price, location, and speed. That hierarchy has fundamentally changed. Prepared food and dispensed beverages are now among the fastest-growing and highest-margin categories inside the store, often delivering margins two to
- [The uncommitted fuel & c-store customer: What new data tells us about winning every transaction](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/06/the-uncommitted-fuel-c-store-customer-what-new-data-tells-us-about-winning-every-transaction/) - Why are better experiences creating less loyal customers? The loyalty programs are better. The forecourts are cleaner. The foodservice rivals QSR quality. Yet after analyzing over 10 billion transactions and surveying thousands of shoppers and retailers, one clear truth emerged in 2025: consumers are more uncommitted than ever. Despite significant retailer investments in loyalty, pricing,
- [M&A Case Study: Matrix Advises Downs Energy on its Sale to Pilot Company](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/06/matrix-advises-downs-energy-sale-to-pilot-company/) - Downs Energy is a leading petroleum marketer that operates six high-performing cardlocks with a large fleet card customer base and a delivered fuels and lubricants distribution segment servicing commercial and municipal customers throughout Southern California. The Company was founded in 1940 when Elvin Downs became a wholesale distributor for Standard Oil Co. in Corona, California.
- [Unleaded Fees: Stripping Away the "Premium" Cost of Online Payments](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/06/stripping-away-premium-cost-of-online-payments/) - For two decades, the petroleum industry has operated on a simple "handshake" at the pump. The customer swipes their card, the machine verifies the chip, and the transaction is complete. This is Card Present (CP) processing—a world c-store owners and fuel marketers know well. However, the "Amazon Effect" has officially arrived at the gas station.
- [6 Retention Strategies That Actually Work in 2026](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2026/01/06/6-retention-strategies-that-actually-work-in-2026/) - You’re trying everything. Higher starting wages. Sign-on bonuses. Employee appreciation days. You've added PTO, improved benefits, and invested in better training programs. And yet, you're still watching good people walk out the door before they hit their 90-day mark. Here's what makes this especially frustrating: some c-store chains are actually winning the retention battle in
- [The Economy in 2026](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/12/16/the-economy-in-2026/) - By Dr. David Nelson As we wrap up another year, our thoughts turn to the year ahead and what’s in store for the U.S. Economy. Will we see a continuation of economic growth? Will the labor market strengthen or weaken? What’s the direction for consumer prices and inflation? Normally at this time of year, we
- [Beyond Social Media: How to Leverage Customer Experience Marketing](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/07/20/beyond-social-media-how-to-leverage-customer-experience-marketing/) - Time and time again, we encounter clients aspiring to build brands as iconic as Buc-ee’s and Wawa. The allure of their notoriety and dedicated fanbase is undeniable. But what exactly makes these brands so exceptional? What draws other owners and operators to emulate their success? One crucial factor is their mastery of customer experience marketing.
- [The Power of Brand Strategy in Convenience Retail](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/11/22/the-power-of-brand-strategy-in-convenience-retail/) - In the fast-paced world of convenience retail, a strong brand strategy is crucial for long-term success. It's about creating a cohesive identity that resonates with customers and sets a store apart from competitors. Brand strategy goes beyond just having a catchy name and logo (though, that’s important too!); it's a comprehensive approach guiding every aspect
- [Brand ROI – Your Most Valuable Asset Might Not Be What You Think](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/brand-roi-intangible-asset/) - Picture this: you walk into your convenience store early one morning, passing shiny coffee machines, new kitchen equipment, and carefully curated inventory. These are your assets, right? But what if your most valuable asset is something intangible? As Brand Design Director at Paragon Solutions, I’ve seen branding transform convenience stores from simple pit stops into
- [How Gaming Transforms C-store Profits](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/01/how-gaming-transforms-c-store-profits/) - In the modern convenience store landscape, the old business model of “gas, smokes and Cokes” is no longer cutting it. Staying competitive means thinking outside the box and adopting new and innovative revenue streams that build customer loyalty and significantly increase profits. Join us as Rob Dolrenry, SVP of North America Corporate Accounts at J&J
- [Gratitude: A Path to True Joy](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/11/14/gratitude-path-to-true-joy/) - By Jed Brewer, CEO of Study Groups “It’s not joy that makes us grateful; it’s gratitude that makes us joyful.” My friend shared those words one night in a small group we were part of. She was reflecting on painful seasons in her life that she felt were unfair. The quote, she said, offered her
- [Shifting the AI Mindset: Leveraging C-store Tech to Take Better Care of People](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/02/leveraging-ai-c-store-tech/) - In the fast-paced environment of c-store operations, leaders want reliable data to evaluate performance and improve operations. Most often, this means looking at transactional and financial data—solid numbers to add to a daily scorecard. But what about the human element? The anecdotal information that doesn't get captured by a barcode scanner or gas pump meter?
- [Fueling Success: Ending the Tug-of-War Between Supply and Logistics](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/15/ending-tug-of-war-between-supply-and-logistics/) - A Story of Two Teams Meet Sarah. She's a Supply Analyst, and her screen looks like the matrix—a sea of numbers representing fuel prices, market trends, and arbitrage opportunities. This morning, she found a golden opportunity: a supplier 90 miles away is selling gasoline for twenty cents less per gallon. By her calculations, rerouting four
- [Empower Your Employees So You Never Hear “I Didn’t Know” Again](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/29/empower-employees-eliminate-i-didnt-know/) - In convenience stores and fuel distribution businesses, where every detail matters—from safe handling of fuel to fast and friendly customer service—the phrase “I didn’t know” can be costly. It can mean a frustrated customer, a compliance risk, or a missed opportunity to build loyalty. The good news? There’s a simple, proven way to eliminate those
- [M&A Case Study: Matrix Advises Redwood Oil Company, Inc. on its Sale to Jacksons Food Stores, Inc.](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/15/ma-case-study-redwood-oil-company-sale-jacksons-food-stores/) - Redwood Oil Company, Inc. is a leading convenience retailer that operates 24 high-performing convenience stores throughout Northern California. The Company was founded in 1972 when Peter Van Alyea opened the first Redwood Market in Marin County, California. The store’s immediate success led to the addition of two more stores in the same year. Throughout the
- [C-Store Manager Leadership: Building Great Teams That Drive Success](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/30/c-store-manager-leadership-building-great-teams/) - Strong convenience store performance begins with effective leadership. The best managers aren’t stopping at schedules and cigarette counts. They’re developing people and driving culture to build resilient, profitable stores. This article explores strategies from industry leaders on how that kind of leadership is built from within. Growing leaders from within is a sign of strong
- [Frontline Engagement Benchmarks: How Top Companies Are Investing in 2026](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/28/frontline-engagement-benchmarks/) - As 2025 winds down, many companies are asking the same question: what will it take to keep great people in 2026? Across industries, one pattern keeps surfacing in the data: organizations with the longest frontline team retention are the ones that build stronger connections with their people. Communication Is the Foundation of Engagement When frontline
- [The Road to ROI: How AI-fueled Logistics & Customer Engagement Tech Drive Growth and Efficiency](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/08/04/ai-logistics-customer-engagement-tech-drive-growth/) - As fuel distributors navigate unpredictable market conditions and increasingly complex supply directives, staying competitive requires operational agility. Scaling without increasing headcount demands smarter systems—ones that blend human expertise with AI-driven precision. In harmony with streamlined logistics, distributors need customer interfaces that redefine service efficiency: streamlining transactions, centralizing communication, and delivering real-time visibility into inventory and
- [Harnessing the Power of Solar: Is it right for your business?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/01/16/harnessing-the-power-of-solar-is-it-right-for-your-business/) - Owner installed photovoltaic solar systems tout the opportunity to “own” your own power instead of renting from the utility. But at what cost and complication? When and how does it make financial sense? Join us as Russ Edwards, President of Tiger Solar, and Taylor Sutton, COO of Tiger Fuel, discuss the ups and downs of
- [Mergers & Acquisitions and Legal Update - 2024](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/02/07/mergers-acquisitions-and-legal-update-2024/) - We are delighted to once again offer a petroleum marketing and convenience Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Legal update webinar. This webinar will get you up to date on what you need to know as you plan either your growth or exit strategies. Join Spencer Cavalier (Co-Head of Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking)
- [C-store Insider: Protecting Lottery Profits & Mastering Card Processing Fees](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/03/22/c-store-insider-protecting-lottery-profits-mastering-card-processing-fees/) - Internal lottery theft has long been a pain point for the convenience store industry. From cashiers pocketing tickets to managers making packs disappear, these thefts are both frequent and costly. On the point-of-sale side, credit card processing fees can take a significant chunk out of sales profits. Thankfully, there are solutions that will help you
- [C-store Design with Generations in Mind](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/04/22/c-store-design-with-generations-in-mind/) - Should you aim to please the Gen Z and Alpha kids who expect all things high tech? Should you aim to please Gen X and older folks who just want things to be simpler? If you feel stuck in the middle, the good news is that there are c-store design professionals who can help direct
- [Education Spotlight: Demystifying Health Insurance](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/07/22/education-spotlight-demystifying-health-insurance/) - When it comes to employee benefits, the complicated world of health insurance tops the list of most confusing, stressful and costly. How does your company decide which plans best match your employee demographics? How can you make sure to take the best care possible of your hard-working staff while not breaking the bank? Thankfully, there
- [Innovation and Legislation: The Power of Distributed Gaming](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/09/12/innovation-and-legislation-the-power-of-distributed-gaming/) - When you think of gaming machines like video poker, you probably envision a casino floor in Vegas. Certainly understandable. But there are myriad non-casino locations across the U.S. with gaming machines, including c-stores and truck stops. Distributed gaming is a lucrative opportunity for non-casino businesses if state law allows it. Is it available in your
- [Why, When, and How to Use AI in Fuel Marketing Operations](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/10/10/ai-in-fuel-marketing/) - Practical, No-Fluff Advice for Getting Started As fuel distributors you’ve probably heard all the buzz about Artificial Intelligence (AI), but what does it really mean for your business? Forget the pie-in-the-sky tech talk. This webinar is about practical, on-the-ground ways you can use AI right now to make your operations more efficient and profitable. Join
- [Hiring: Techniques for Selecting the Right People](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/11/16/hiring-techniques-for-selecting-the-right-people/) - Are you tired of dealing with high turnover and short-staffed shifts? Selecting the right hourly-role, customer-facing employees can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. This webinar will help you improve your selection process based on easy to implement, proven practices. In this webinar, David McClaskey and Billy Schaefer, with over 80 years
- [How Technical Analysis Can Empower Fuel Marketers](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/12/17/how-technical-analysis-can-empower-fuel-marketers/) - As a fuel marketer, you’ve probably heard the term, “market technicals” during financial news reports. But what does that term mean, exactly? More importantly, how does it apply to your business, and can it help you make key decisions? Join us as David Thompson, Executive VP at POWERHOUSE shares how technical analysis complements traditional supply
- [Using Automation to Achieve Successful C-store Technology Deployments](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/01/23/using-automation-to-achieve-successful-c-store-technology-deployments/) - As a fuel retailer, you know about the struggle to keep up with the latest technology patches and major updates. When it’s time to update your point-of-sale software, for example, what’s the best way to ensure mission-critical functionality stays up and running? The key lies in testing automation. Join us as Josh Carr (CEO/COO), Brighid
- [Mergers & Acquisitions and Legal Update](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/26/m-and-a-and-legal-update/) - We are delighted to once again offer a petroleum marketing and convenience Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Legal update webinar. This webinar will get you up to date on what you need to know as you plan either your growth or exit strategies. Join Spencer Cavalier (Co-Head of Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking)
- [Idle pumps, lost profits: how to capture more gallons without site growth](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/03/20/how-to-capture-more-gallons/) - With declining fuel demand and rising vehicle efficiency, on-site enhancements and sign prices are no longer enough. With the average station operating at just 24% capacity, optimizing performance is critical. Join Dan Sutterman, Director of Business Development at Upside, as he talks about the state of retail fuel and c-stores, pump capacity analysis, and strategies
- [C-store Insider: Better Operations with Store Managers & Data Trends in Consumer Spending](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/15/c-store-insider-better-operations-with-store-managers-data-trends-in-consumer-spending/) - Join us as we hear from: Tom Bandy, President at BandyWorks Mason Cown, CCO at BandyWorks Guest speakers with BandyWorks: Stephanie Galentine at Lassus Brothers Oil and Darrell Meek at JD Streett & Co. Colin Guheen, Managing Director - Investment Research Group at Capital One Michael Blommer, Vice President - Investment Research Group at Capital
- [Wholesale Fuel Toolkit: Fuel Pricing & Hedging Strategies](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/20/fuel-pricing-hedging-strategies/) - Wholesale fuel marketers face daily challenges with two key pain points: fuel pricing volatility and inventory management. Everything from natural disasters to geopolitical disruptions complicate cost forecasting and affect financial stability, and fluctuating demands impact stock level requirements, risking either capital lock-up or lost sales. Together, these factors require agile strategies to maintain profitability and
- [From Chaos to Competitive Edge: The Case for a Data Orchestration Platform](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/15/case-for-data-orchestration-platform/) - In the fast-paced world of convenience retail, success is measured in moments: a quick fuel-up, a morning coffee run, an evening snack purchase. Each of these moments generates a critical piece of data. But for many large C-store operators, these pieces exist in a fractured landscape. Fuel transactions are in one system, POS transactions in
- [Effective KPI Strategies](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/15/effective-kpi-strategies/) - Running a petroleum company is a complex business, especially with myriad moving parts impacted by real-time events. Having pre-set, critical financial data points available for review, tracking and benchmarking should be part of the management team’s strategy, just like tracking personal health through vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol. The question is
- [Strategic Planning & Leadership: Why Now Matters](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/09/strategic-planning-leadership-why-now-matters/) - As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect. Strategic planning isn’t just about updating a spreadsheet, it’s about defining direction, setting goals, and aligning your team around a vision that endures. Done well, it becomes less of a task and more of a framework for shaping the future. This article
- [A Band of Brothers and a Lifetime of Payoffs](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/09/a-band-of-brothers-and-a-lifetime-of-payoffs/) - What’s your approach to getting the most out of each meeting? I challenge myself to walk away from every Study Group meeting with tangible next steps—usually three to five well-defined action items for the next few months. If I’m taking the time and expense to travel, I want a real payoff. I want it to
- [Shared Ideas That Drive Real Results](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/09/shared-ideas-that-drive-real-results/)
- [A Trusted Space for Insight and Growth](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/09/a-trusted-space-for-insight-and-growth/) - What led you to join a Study Group? I was introduced to Study Groups through Fairhaven and immediately saw the value in connecting with leaders who truly understand our industry. The relationships, benchmarking, and idea sharing that come from these meetings have been invaluable. What impact has the experience had on you and your business?
- [Finding Confidence, Clarity, and Connection](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/09/finding-confidence-clarity-and-connection/) - What led you to join a Study Group? I was recommended to the group and met Ben Scellick at a convention. His presentation caught my attention and made me realize how valuable it would be to connect with peers facing similar challenges. I needed people I could share both struggles and victories with. What impact
- [Ideas, Insights, and a Network That Delivers](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/09/ideas-insights-and-a-network-that-delivers/) - What led you to join a Study Group? I joined after conversations with existing Study Group members who spoke highly of the experience. I was looking for a place to exchange ideas and find sounding boards for any challenge that comes with owning or operating a company—from intergenerational ownership transfers to which automated floor cleaners
- [Collaboration That Drives Real Change](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/09/collaboration-that-drives-real-change/) - What led you to join a Study Group? I joined on a referral from a peer who knew the value firsthand. From day one, it’s been a tremendous resource to network and collaborate with like-minded businesses and individuals. As we like to say, “None of us is as smart as all of us.” What has
- [It’s Not Just About the Meetings—It’s About the People](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/08/its-about-the-people/) - My first Study Groups experience perfectly captured what this community is all about. I flew to Savannah for my very first Study Groups meeting—excited, but not quite sure what to expect. I landed late at night to find no Ubers, no Lyfts, and an hour-long taxi wait. I kept refreshing the app, wondering how I
- [The Heart of Study Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/08/the-heart-of-study-groups/) - When Crisis Brings Out the Best in People I had been working with Study Groups for five years when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. One of my members lived in the area and was facing devastation to his property, his business, and his employees’ lives. His Study Group sprang into action—delivering supplies, equipment, and even
- [Building Community, One Connection at a Time](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/08/building-community-one-connection-at-a-time/) - Discovering the Heart Behind the Work When I first joined, I knew who Study Groups served and what we did—but not the heart behind it. I’ve always loved helping people solve problems, process options, and put plans into action. I had no idea how naturally that personal passion would align with the work we do
- [From Data Forms to Digital Transformation](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/06/digital-transformation/) - A story of innovation, growth, and the people who helped shape it. Initial Involvement and Early Challenges When I began my work with Study Groups, the organization lacked a website and there were no data warning messages in place. At that time, much of the effort was dedicated to the careful evaluation of raw data,
- [Two Decades of Growth and Still Learning](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/two-decades-of-growth/) - How long have you been a member of Study Groups? I’ve been part of Study Groups for over 20 years and have had the opportunity to participate in three different groups. Along the way, I’ve also served as a facilitator for three groups, which has given me a unique perspective on what makes these communities
- [Pushed to Think Differently](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/pushed-to-think-differently/) - What initially led you to join? I was invited by a retired c-store executive from another company who thought I’d benefit from being part of a Study Group. I decided to give it a try, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made as a business leader. What have you
- [One of the Best Decision in 76 Years](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/best-decision-in-76-years/) - What initially led you to join? We initially joined Study Groups because we wanted to improve our business and gain insight into how other ready-mix producers were approaching common opportunities and challenges. We knew there was value in learning from others who were walking similar paths. What have you gained from being part of your
- [No Regrets, Only Results](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/no-regrets-only-results/) - What initially led you to join? We were in the process of succeeding our parents as owners of our company and wanted to grow in both competence and confidence. Joining a Study Group felt like the right next step—to learn from others who had already walked the path we were about to take. What have
- [Scott Taylor on Growth, Mentorship, and the Power of Shared Insight](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/scott-taylor-on-the-power-of-shared-insight/) - What initially led you to join? I joined on the recommendation of an industry peer who spoke highly of the value and relationships built through Study Groups. At the time, I was looking for perspective from others who had walked similar paths and could offer advice and accountability. What have you gained from being part
- [Dwayne Clifton on a Network That Never Stops Giving](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/a-network-that-never-stops-giving/) - What initially led you to join? Our company has been involved with Study Groups since the 1980s. I was fortunate to attend several Owners’ meetings early on and was immediately struck by the openness of the group and the willingness to share. What have you gained from being part of your group? Over the years,
- [Ron Bachman on Seeing My Business Through New Eyes](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/see-your-business-through-new-eyes/) - What initially led you to join? A good friend recommended Study Groups. What have you gained from being part of your group? I’ve learned to look at my business through the lens of successful marketers who genuinely care about helping me grow. Their perspective helps me spot the obvious—areas that need a tune-up or a
- [Brad Gulbrandson on Turning Shared Insight into Action](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/turning-shared-insight-into-action/) - What initially led you to join? Others in our organization were already part of Study Groups and were bringing back best-in-class resources for their departments. We felt we could continue to benefit by joining a group focused on the sales side. What have you gained from being part of your group? The group helps reinforce
- [Matt Hill on Learning, Applying, and Winning—Together](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/learning-applying-and-winning-together/) - What initially led you to join? I was promoted to this position and voted into the 3800 Group to replace Wayne Swicord. What have you gained from being part of your group? I’ve gained so much in just a year! The relationships I’ve built are incredible, and everyone is eager to help each other succeed.
- [Tyler Barnes on Finding Perspective, Building Confidence](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/finding-perspective-building-confidence/) - What initially led you to join? A customer of mine from the petroleum industry was already a member and thought it would be a great fit. I’d always struggled to find like-minded contacts locally—people I could speak with openly about the challenges of running our business. What have you gained from being part of your
- [Todd Ferris on a Network that Makes you Better](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/a-network-that-makes-you-better/) - What initially led you to join? Others at my company were part of Study Groups and found them valuable. When I got the chance to join, I took it. What have you gained from being part of your group? A network of professionals to bounce ideas off, ask questions, and learn from their experience—especially when
- [Don Burrone on Going Further, Together](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/07/go-further-together/) - What initially led you to join? The success and relationships built within the owner group led to forming the QC/Sales/GM-level group I’m part of now. What have you gained from being part of your group? A place to share ideas, challenges, and wins—and the chance to learn from others facing similar situations. The openness and
- [Study Groups Shares Vision for the Future as It Enters Its Fifth Decade](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/10/02/study-groups-vision-for-the-future/) - Fresh off its 40th anniversary celebration, Study Groups is setting its sights forward. With a new CEO, a sharpened strategic focus, and growing demand across key industries, the company is entering its fifth decade with energy and a renewed commitment to its core values. In recent years, Study Groups has expanded its offerings beyond its
- [Study Groups Celebrates 40 Years with Leadership Promotions and Bold Vision for the Future](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/15/study-groups-celebrates-40-years/) - Study Groups, the trusted leader in peer advisory groups and financial education for industry executives, proudly marks its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of helping leaders grow their businesses, gain perspective, and build meaningful relationships. Founded in 1985 by Dr. David Nelson, Study Groups was built on a powerful mission: to create permanent value and
- [Study Groups Launches “40 Years, 40 Stories” to Celebrate Member Impact and Lifelong Connections](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/25/40-years-40-stories/) - As Study Groups continues its celebration of 40 years in business, the company is turning the spotlight toward its members with the launch of “40 Years, 40 Stories,” a campaign honoring the business leaders, peer groups, and moments that have defined its journey. Founded in 1985 by Dr. David Nelson, Study Groups has brought together
- [Plan Grader Lite: The Check-up Your Health Plan Must Have](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/29/plan-grader-lite/) - Improve Your Health Plan One Question at a Time. Most employers don’t realize they’re managing one of their largest spend categories with zero upstream visibility. Stop and let that settle in. Benchmarking and claim costs, your traditional measures of plan performance, are lagged, reactive, and downstream. Enter the Plan Grader Lite. Built on questions not
- [The Independent Assessment Every Health Plan Has to Have!](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/30/health-plan-independent-assessment/) - Benchmarking plan designs, premium costs, and employee contributions is one thing, but have you ever benchmarked the bones and infrastructure of your health plan? The things upstream that everything flows from? The foundation that your health plan is built on? See, costs (and your upcoming renewal) are lagging indicators; but contractual freedom, leveraging data, and
- [Like it or not, you are running a health insurance company](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/you-are-a-health-insurance-company/) - Like it or not, you are running a health insurance company. The only question is: how are you running it? If we are being honest, no one really likes to talk about health insurance. It’s expensive, confusing, and kind of a black box. All we know is that costs continue to go up, benefits continue
- [How Healthy are Your Health Benefits Communications?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/11/01/how-healthy-are-your-health-benefits-communications/) - 4 Things to Improve Communications Whether you just finished open enrollment, are in the thick of open enrollment, or it is a couple of months off, communicating your company’s health benefits is a year-round job, not a one-time event. And why is effective communication of your health benefits so important? First, your company is investing
- [Cut Your Payment Time in Half with a Simple Shareable Link](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/25/shareable-link-speeds-up-payments/) - For many businesses, cash flow is a constant concern. The traditional invoicing process often involves a significant waiting period, manual data entry, and time-consuming follow-ups, all of which can strain your working capital and slow down growth. In today's digital economy, an increasing number of companies are turning to a simple, effective solution to this
- [Qualified Small Business Stock: How Companies in the Downstream Energy Industry Can Leverage Section 1202 to Exclude Millions in Gains](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/26/downstream-energy-leverage-section-1202-save-millions/) - Small business owners in fuel distribution, retail and business-related downstream energy face unique challenges. Volatile margins, regulatory requirements and environmental compliance can place pressure on growth and profitability. Amid these headwinds, one powerful but often overlooked opportunity stands out: Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code, also known as the Qualified Small Business Stock (“QSBS”) exclusion.
- [From Frustration to Flow: Choosing Software with the End User in Mind](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/25/choosing-software-with-end-user-in-mind/) - Everything in business today is powered by software—sales pipelines, customer support, data analytics, and even the lunch order at your favorite café. But when organizations select software based solely on cost, flashy features, or vendor reputation—without thinking about the people who will actually use it—they’re setting themselves up for friction, frustration, and lost productivity. End
- [From Gut Feel to Ground Truth: How Audio Intelligence Helps Operators Make Smarter Decisions](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/25/audio-intelligence-helps-operators-make-decisions/) - Trusting Your Instincts... and Then Backing Them Up If you've run a convenience store long enough, you’ve had this feeling. Something's off. Maybe sales are dipping. Maybe the team seems a little flat. The place looks clean, the shelves are stocked, and nothing is technically broken. But your gut says something isn’t right. That instinct
- [In a shifting economy, c-stores have room to lead](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/25/shifting-economy-c-stores-room-to-lead/) - Economic uncertainty is reshaping the way consumers spend, but convenience stores continue to prove their resilience. Those that act decisively — rather than waiting for conditions to settle — will be the ones to come out ahead. At Upside, we monitor the most extensive set of fuel and convenience metrics available. This summer, we noticed
- [Understanding Group Captive Insurance: A Strategic Alternative](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/09/10/understanding-group-captive-insurance/) - Group captive insurance has gained traction with Study Groups members over the last number of years as an alternative to traditional insurance. At its core, a group captive is an insurance company collectively owned by multiple businesses with similar risk profiles. This model allows members to better take control of their insurance destiny—managing costs, customizing
- [Your Store Is Talking. Are You Listening?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/30/your-store-is-talking-are-you-listening/) - Why Now Is the Time to Prepare Your Business for the AI Wave A Quiet Wake-Up Call Last month, a customer walked into a mid-sized convenience store in Idaho. The line was short, the cashier was friendly, and everything seemed fine. But just before paying, the customer looked at the card reader and muttered, “This
- [Solving C-Store Employee Errors from the Roots Up](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/20/solving-c-store-employee-errors-from-the-roots-up/) - For presentation slides: Please reach out to McClaskey Excellence Institute directly - Info@McClaskeyExcellence.com C-store owners, directors of operations, and managers know how vital front-line employees are for smooth retail operations. They provide friendly service, promote loyalty programs, keep the shelves stocked and restrooms clean. They bring your customers back and keep your brand strong. So,
- [Grading Your Health Plan: What Most Employers Miss (and How to Fix It)](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/24/grading-your-health-plan/) - As a business leader, you want to take the very best care of your most valuable assets: your employees. And that includes making sure your health insurance plan is the best it can be. But how do you determine plan performance? Companies often rely on downstream measures such as benchmarking and claim costs, which are
- [Rethinking Remote: A Smarter Path Forward for Executive Leadership](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/08/06/rethinking-remote-work/) - The pandemic forced many businesses into remote work overnight. For some, the results were mixed: productivity dipped, collaboration felt strained, and the model was quickly dismissed as unsustainable. But what if the problem wasn’t remote work itself, but how it was managed? Today, remote and hybrid work are no longer temporary fixes, they’re part of
- [Tariffs Ruled Unlawful but Still in Force:  5 Things You Should Do Now](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/30/tariffs-ruled-unlawful-still-in-force/) - The recent decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade declaring certain Trump-era tariffs unlawful has wide-reaching implications—not only for legal departments, but for finance and operations leaders across various industries. For businesses that rely on imported steel, aluminum, equipment, or technology inputs, these tariffs have impacted margins, disrupted supply chains, and triggered reassessments of
- [How fuel retailers can win the uncommitted customer](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/30/win-uncommitted-customer/) - Make sense of evolving behavior at your stations to form habits that last, turning infrequent customers into your customers. Fuel retailers work hard to attract new customers — but what happens after those first few visits? As multi-regional independents expand into new markets and overall fuel consumption continues to decline, retention is getting more and
- [How to Hire a Great Credit Manager: Key Personality Traits and Retention Tips](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/30/hire-great-credit-manager/) - The petroleum company credit department is a critically important area that can be tough to staff correctly. This department is a high customer touch area and affects desired company growth while also performing risk management. To make things even more interesting, problems that originate in other departments often show up in the credit department’s Accounts
- [Beyond Spreadsheets: From Copy-Paste to Connected](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/30/beyond-spreadsheets/) - Spreadsheets are amazing. They're flexible, familiar, and can handle almost any kind of data you throw at them. They've been the backbone of business operations for decades, and for good reason—they work. However, if you're still running critical parts of your operation through spreadsheets, you're probably experiencing some familiar pain points: Data entry redundancy Human
- [C-Store Self-Checkout: Your Guide to a Smarter Checkout](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/30/c-store-self-checkout-your-guide-to-a-smarter-checkout/) - In the world of convenience, speed is king. Your customers are in a hurry, and the last thing they want is to get stuck in a checkout line. This isn't just an annoyance anymore; it's a business killer. The modern shopper, armed with a smartphone and accustomed to one-click ordering, now defines "convenience" by how
- [5 Easy Steps to Improve Your Cash Flow with Online Payments](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/30/5-steps-improve-cash-flow-online-payments/) - Cash flow is everything when you sell fuel, oil, or lubricants. With large invoices, tight margins, and fast-moving deliveries, waiting days—or weeks—to get paid creates friction you can’t afford. The good news: online payments can help you accelerate receivables without adding costs or complexity. Here are five simple steps to get started: 1. Understand Your
- [Is Your Team Misaligned? Here’s How to Fix It and Boost Repeat Business](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/30/fix-team-misalignment-boost-business/) - Why working harder isn’t always working Have you ever had that feeling you’re running full speed, but somehow your business isn’t gaining ground? Maybe your team is busy, but not productive. Maybe decisions stall. Or worse, maybe your customer experience depends on whose shift it is that day. These are symptoms of a bigger issue:
- [M&A Case Study: Matrix Advises on the Sale of Pope Transport to Petroleum Transport Company, Inc.](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/29/mergers-and-acquisitions-pope-transport-to-ptc/) - E.J. Pope & Son, Inc. d/b/a Pope Transport is a third-generation, family-owned and operated business with a rich history in Mt. Olive, North Carolina. The Company was founded in 1919 by Emmett Pope as a coal hauling business, and in 1938 home heating oil distribution was added to their service offerings. Pope opened its first
- [Technology for Small Companies: Breaking the "Too Small" Mindset](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/29/technology-for-small-companies-breaking-the-too-small-mindset/) - The David vs. Goliath Technology Gap Picture this: You're sitting in your Study Group, listening to market leaders talk about their impressive digital transformations. They showcase AI-powered analytics, automated workflows, and sophisticated logistics systems that seem to run like clockwork. They are already much larger than your company but seem to be able to scale
- [Labor Maturity Model: Shifting from Cost to Profit Drivers](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/29/labor-maturity-model-shifting-from-cost-to-profit-drivers/) - Many convenience store operators are facing a growing performance gap relative to their labor-cost line item. Finance-only-driven labor budgets, gut-based scheduling, turnover, and inconsistent execution can all lead to gross profit erosion. Store complexity keeps increasing – food service, loyalty, AI tools, delivery – while the systems used to measure and assess performance struggle to
- [Making the Shift from Doing to Leading](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/25/shift-from-doing-to-leading/) - A timely reminder that great leadership often starts with letting go of the urgent to focus on the essential. Most leaders don’t begin as leaders. They begin as doers—problem-solvers, builders, operators. The kind of people who jump into the middle of a mess and get things done. But as teams grow and complexity rises, the
- [The Two Types of Leadership Energy](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/25/the-two-types-of-leadership-energy/) - Leadership is often seen as bold, loud, and forward-facing. The commanding voice in the boardroom. The driving force behind the vision. The cheerleader at the front of the room rallying the team toward the next big goal. This is one kind of leadership energy — and it’s critical. But there’s another kind too. Quieter. Often
- [Empowering Your Workforce: The Key to Employee Engagement](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/07/15/empowering-your-workforce/) - As leaders of people-powered companies, empowering employees to reach their full potential is essential. The focus on employee engagement has grown significantly in recent years, with studies showing that investment in employees leads to increased satisfaction and retention rates, ultimately boosting company success. Businesses that prioritize employee engagement see 21% higher profitability.3 Investing in your
- [Study Groups Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/06/12/study-groups-celebrates-40th-anniversary/) - By David M. Nelson Flashback: It’s June 19, 1985. I’m in a bit of a panic. The reports aren’t right. Tomorrow will be the very first Study Groups meeting. As we’re leaving Bellingham to drive seven hours across Washington state to Spokane, I pick up the reports. My wife Lynne and I are traveling with
- [The Case for Specialized Software: Why Best-in-Class Solutions Are Winning Over All-in-One Platforms](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/06/10/case-for-specialized-software/) - Evaluating Your Technology Strategy Your current technology may be showing its age, approaching end-of-life, falling short of evolving business needs, or delivering subpar service levels. As you search for modern solutions to address specific operational challenges, you'll face a critical decision: Should you invest in multiple best-in-class specialized solutions that integrate together, or seek a
- [Choosing the Right Business Group: Local Business Leader Peer Group vs. National Industry-Specific Financial Benchmarking Group](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/18/choosing-the-right-type-of-leadership-group/) - When seeking professional development and networking opportunities, business leaders often consider joining various business groups. Two popular options are local business leader peer groups and national industry-specific financial benchmarking groups. While both offer valuable resources, they cater to different needs and priorities. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between these two types of
- [Five Essential Steps for New Leaders to Drive Success](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/08/five-essential-steps-for-new-leaders-to-drive-success/) - Becoming a new leader can be both exciting and challenging. As you embark on your leadership journey, it's crucial to lay a strong foundation for success. In this blog post, we will explore five essential steps that every new leader should take to effectively lead their team and drive organizational growth. From understanding the business
- [How fuel retailers can find opportunity in a world of economic uncertainty](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/01/fuel-retailers-opportunity-economic-uncertainty/) - For more than two years, the American economy has defied expectations, avoiding a widely-predicted recession. Today, the risk of recession rises again, but both the economy and American retailers continue to show resilience. Several factors are playing to retailers’ advantage in 2025: Retailers are feeling positive. In Upside’s Q1 2025 pulse survey, 87% of fuel
- [Leadership That Endures](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/16/leadership-that-endures/) - As the leader of a mid-sized company, you have moved from being an owner-operator dictating nearly every move to a leader of a team of decision makers. You're in an influential position—able to impact culture directly and shape strategy without the inertia of size. But that effectiveness hinges on three essential leadership traits: nimbleness, codifying
- [Navigating Payment Challenges: A Guide to Supporting Customers in Stress](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/01/navigating-payment-challenges/) - What should you do when a previously reliable customer's payment habits start to slip a bit, and they start to exhibit indicators for concern? Anything from new ownership or management to outside economic stresses or sales slowdowns can change a good customer into a problematic customer. When a customer's current supply needs and deteriorating payment
- [Optimizing Retail Performance: Data Delivery and Targeted Controls](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/01/optimizing-retail-performance/) - This article provides a case study for GoMart, a three-generation retail chain of 125 stores that found itself facing increasing competition. With mature, experienced management and reliable business operations, the leadership team recognized the need to evolve operational strategies to maintain their competitive edge. By adopting a new approach, GoMart achieved sales growth and increased
- [The Corporate Transparency Act:  What It Is, What Changed, and What Businesses Should Do Now](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/01/corporate-transparency-act-businesses-plan/) - Why is the government asking who owns my business? The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), which is bipartisan legislation, became effective in 2024. Designed to fight money laundering and illicit finance, the CTA requires certain companies to report their beneficial ownership information (“BOI”) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”)—or face penalties. Originally, the CTA applied
- [Software: Buy, Build, or Both?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/01/software-buy-vs-build/) - Businesses rely on software for efficiency, scalability, and competitive advantage. The key question is whether to build custom software or buy an off-the-shelf solution. Each approach has advantages, and the right choice depends on business needs, budget, and long-term strategy. Off-the-Shelf Buying off-the-shelf solutions is best for companies needing a quick, cost-effective solution with industry-standard
- [Your Card Readers Are About to Expire. Are You Ready?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/05/01/card-readers-expiration-prep/) - If you’re running a convenience store or retail business, there’s a ticking clock you can’t afford to ignore—your card readers are about to expire. And no, it’s not just a software update. The Payment Card Industry (PCI) has set a firm deadline: April 30, 2026. After that, the payment devices many retailers rely on today
- [How Does My Company Start a Hedging Program?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/30/start-hedging-program/) - To paraphrase a saying from the software industry, volatility in the energy market isn’t a ‘bug’…it’s a feature. The chart above of the continuous NYMEX ULSD futures contract proves the point. If you ship fuel on a pipeline or hold inventory in a storage tank, your bottom line is exposed to the possibility of loss
- [Smarter Fuel Payments: How Heating Oil, C&I, and Jobbers Can Speed Up Getting Paid for Big Invoices](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/30/smarter-fuel-payments/) - If you deliver home heating oil, commercial fuel, or full transport loads, getting paid quickly and reliably matters. Invoices often run from $5,000 to over $100,000. Old ways like wire transfers, bank drafts, and mailed checks can be slow and aren't always what today's customers want. The fuel business is changing and so is how
- [Three Ways to Reduce Turnover](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/30/three-ways-to-reduce-turnover/) - Are you tired of working short-staffed? Or training employees only for them to turn around and quit? You’ve tried incentives, higher pay, yet nothing seems to break this pattern. You’ve been looking for the solution in the wrong place. Here are three things you can do to reduce your turnover to never work short-staffed and
- [M&A Case Study: Matrix Advises on the Sale of Cato, Inc.’s Home Heat and Commercial Fuels Division to Star Group, L.P.](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/30/matrix-advises-sale-cato-star-group/) - Cato, Inc. (the “Company”), headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, is a leading petroleum marketer, convenience retailer, branded QSR operator, and diversified fuels distributor with operations throughout Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. The Company was founded in 1960 by Elliot “Buck” Cato and provided refined fuels distribution service to local families, businesses, and farms. Throughout several decades of
- [The Power of Peer Advisory Groups: Common Benefits for Business Professionals](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/28/common-benefits-of-peer-advisory-groups-for-business-professionals/) - In today's fast-paced and competitive business landscape, professionals are increasingly turning to peer advisory groups for support, guidance, and growth. These groups offer a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and gain valuable insights. In this blog post, we will explore the 8 most common benefits of joining a peer advisory group
- [The Power of Benchmarking Financials: Gaining an Edge in Your Industry](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/18/the-power-of-benchmarking-financials-gaining-an-edge-in-your-industry/) - In today's highly competitive business landscape, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for sustainable success. While there are numerous strategies to achieve this, one method that has proven to be effective is benchmarking financials with same industry peers. Benchmarking allows businesses to compare their financial performance, identify areas of improvement, and gain valuable insights
- [Leadership Succession Planning: Securing Your Business’s Future](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/04/16/leadership-succession-planning/) - Leadership succession planning is critical for long-term business stability—yet many leaders delay it until it’s too late. Whether you're leading a family-owned petroleum marketing company, a construction firm, or a growing enterprise, failing to prepare for leadership transitions can result in operational disruptions, lost institutional knowledge, and uncertainty for employees and stakeholders. A well-structured succession
- [Taming the Chaos: Mastering Your Workflow with ‘Getting Things Done’](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/03/18/mastering-workflow-with-g-t-d/) - In today's fast-paced knowledge work environment, we are constantly bombarded with information. Emails, messages, tasks, and projects flood our minds, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and stressed. This constant influx can lead to a sense of being perpetually behind, with important items slipping through the cracks. David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) system offers a solution
- [Cyber Threats Facing Industrial and Service Sectors in 2025](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/20/cyber-threats-2025/) - In an increasingly digital world, industrial and service sectors—including petroleum, propane, transportation, food service, car wash, HVAC, ready mix, and construction—are facing growing cybersecurity threats. As cybercriminals evolve their tactics, businesses in these industries must prioritize resilience and proactive defense strategies to mitigate financial, operational, and reputational risks. The Evolving Threat Landscape Executives must be
- [Effective Defenses Against Fraud](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/effective-defenses-against-fraud/) - Submitted by Jason Noll, Senior Director - Convenience & Gas It’s hard to think of a worse place to discover fraud than in your accounts payable function, where the consequences of vulnerability to cyberattacks are significant. Some 80% of companies were targeted with actual or attempted payment fraud attacks in 2023, according to a survey
- [The Key to Strategic Plan Success? Accountability.](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/strategic-plan-accountability/) - Everyone wants to be in the 38% category, exceeding what was planned (see graph below). The key is to ensure that on Day 1, you set in place an accountability system to ensure quick course correction. We’re already assuming you have a strategic plan for 2025. We’re also assuming your plan contains Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
- [Best Practices for Selecting a New Point of Sale Solution](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/selecting-new-point-of-sale-solution/) - It is clear that we are at an inflection point with point of sale (POS) technology for the C-store industry. Significant innovations from longtime technology vendors as well as newcomers to the space are leading many chains to reevaluate their current store tech stack in the search for what will be the best solution for
- [M&A Case Study: Matrix Advises Jolley Stores and S.B. Collins on its Sale to Stewart’s Shops](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/ma-case-study-matrix-advises-jolley-stores-and-s-b-collins-on-its-sale-to-stewarts-shops/) - Submitted by Spencer P. Cavalier, CFA, ASA: Co-Head of Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking, and Sean P. Dooley, CFA, ASA: Managing Director Jolley Associates, LLC and S.B. Collins, Inc. (“SBC” or the “Company”) is a leading petroleum marketing, convenience retailing, and residential heating oil distributor in New England and NY. Founded in the
- [Decoding static fuel offers: The four hidden variables that determine success](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/static-fuel-offers-variables-for-success/) - We break down key factors that influence how static fuel discounts drive consumer behavior and impact retailer profitability Customers are always looking for ways to save at the gas pump, and retailers continually search for unique ways to provide them with the value they’re looking for. Though fuel is a competitive industry where any edge
- [Protecting Against the Seasonal Squeeze in Retail Gasoline Profit Margins](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/seasonal-squeeze-retail-gas-profits/) - THEN (December 2024): “Sharply Lower Wholesale Prices Boost Retail Gasoline Margins” NOW (January 2025): “Margins Stumble into the New Year, More Weakness May be on Tap” Source: OPIS Retail Fuel Watch (1/9/2025) You Have a Problem The robust profit margins gasoline retailers often enjoy in late fall and early winter can deteriorate as spring arrives.
- [Is ZERO FEE Processing Too Good to Be True?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/zero-fee-processing/) - You've seen the rise of credit card processing fees eating into profit margins. You've also seen how businesses try to fight back: a 3% surcharge here, a $5 convenience fee there. (And don't even get me started on tipping at fast food restaurants! Do I really need to tip 15% for someone to “toasting” my
- [C-Store Growth: Building a Scalable Operations Team](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/c-store-growth-scalable-operations-team/) - Stable, cohesive growth can be a significant challenge for convenience store operators when scaling operations. Let’s focus on one major variable in the equation: your people. The average turnover rate for full-time employees in the industry can be substantial: as high as 130% in recent reports (NACS). Gallup polls show the lowest employee engagement in
- [The Importance of Credit Application](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/importance-of-credit-application/) - What’s so important about the credit application? The company credit application is truly the workhorse of a credit function, from start to finish. It is the first official document a new prospective customer is exposed to, and the purpose of this vitally important customer information source is more than it seems at first glance. Not
- [Updates Are Now Available](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/updates-are-now-available/) - Submitted by Johnny Bertucci, President Everything we do these days seems to involve an app of some kind. Banking, ordering food or groceries, saying hi to the grandkids or grandparents, taking a plane or taxi, or maybe even finding love. Our smartphones and apps seemingly update and upgrade automatically, or messages of warning and alert
- [Just What is a “Corporate Veil” and Why Should I Care?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/02/11/corporate-veil/) - While the concept of a “corporate veil” may sound like silly legal jargon to many, this important concept is not one to be dismissed. With your personal liability on the line, appropriately structuring your business enterprise is an important (yet often overlooked) consideration in protecting your business and yourself. It also comes with benefits, as
- [Time is money. Don’t waste either with the wrong fuel dispatch software.](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/08/02/time-is-money-dont-waste-either-with-the-wrong-fuel-dispatch-software/) - A fuel dispatch software can either help optimize your business operations or it can make them more chaotic with complex interfaces, long implementation cycles, and half-baked features. So, how can you tell which of the many software options out there will do the trick for your business? We’ve spoken to A LOT of fuel marketers.
- [Hidden inefficiencies are costing you millions. Here’s how you can fix it.](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/11/04/hidden-inefficiencies/) - Inefficiency in operations is a silent killer. It’s been there for years, hiding in plain sight, costing millions in lost revenue and time. Whether it’s late payments, dispatch errors, or disconnected processes, the consequences of inefficiencies are pretty significant. But they’re solvable. And that’s what we’re going to talk about in this blog. We highlight
- [Case Study: Matrix Advises on the Successful Sale of  WTG Fuels, LLC’s Delivered Fuels Business](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/10/22/matrix-advises-on-sales-of-wtg-fuels/) - WTG Fuels Holdings LLC (“WTG Fuels” or the “Company”), was a large, diversified fuels distributor and convenience retailer with operations across west Texas and southeast New Mexico. The Company is a subsidiary of West Texas Gas, Inc., a large natural gas gathering/processing, transmission, and distribution company, which is majority owned by Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners (“Stonepeak”).
- [Energy Policy in 2025](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2025/01/29/energy-policy-in-2025/) - The November election in which Republicans took control of not only the White House, but of both the House and the Senate, has been met with a surge in stock in prices and in business optimism (see chart). In this update, we explore what the election means for U.S. energy policy. Donald Trump makes no
- [Best Practices for Lottery Accounting](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/08/10/best-practices-for-lottery-accounting/) - Lottery accounting sometimes seems complex because of the constant EFT’s into and out of your account. This guide aims to simplify the process and provide you with best practices to effectively manage and track lottery transactions. Online Lotto - Draw Games Managing online lotto (draw games) accounting correctly is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide to
- [Insurance Markets and Rate Trends](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/04/15/insurance-markets-and-rate-trends/) - Businesses are continuing to see significant premium increases on many of their insurance lines. Data gathered by the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB) shows that the fourth quarter of 2023 was the 25th consecutive quarter of overall rate increases with the average increase being 7%. For the last three quarters medium-sized accounts with
- [The Silver Lining of Higher Gas Prices & Card Fees](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/07/10/the-silver-lining-of-higher-gas-prices-card-fees/) - Operating as a fuel retailer can be one of the most difficult business ventures one can embark on. Unstable commodity prices, transportation difficulties, a lack of a consistent workforce, and ever-changing regulations are just a few of the hurdles retailers need to clear every day. The price at the pump has been steadily rising throughout
- [The Recession that Never Came. Or is it Still Coming?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/08/16/recession-that-never-came/) - As the Federal Reserve Bank raised U.S. short term interest rates in rapid succession from near zero levels at the beginning of 2022 to over 5%, there was widespread belief that a recession would soon follow. Instead, consumer spending remained strong and labor markets tight. Now, more than two years later, a recession has yet
- [Teamwork in a Hybrid World](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/07/31/teamwork-in-a-hybrid-world/) - Hybrid work is usually defined as a flexible arrangement that combines remote work and in-office work. You may be thinking that hybrid work doesn’t apply to your company, but if you have multiple locations or if you consider your extended team of third-party vendors, contractors, partners, and solutions providers, “your team” becomes a network of
- [Top 4 Reasons Employees Don’t Know the Mission Statement](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/10/30/top-4-reasons-employees-dont-know-the-mission-statement/) - Every company should have a mission statement. Mission statements outline why a company was formed, who it seeks to serve, and the quality of service to be provided. Every employee should know the mission statement. Not just casually know it, but be able to say it word-for-word. Employees who know the mission statement understand how
- [How do Study Group Members Compare to Other Firms in the Larger Economy?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/07/16/how-do-study-group-members-compare/) - We are often asked how Study Group member returns compare to firms in the larger economy. Study Group members actively benchmark against their peers. Members share ideas and offer one another constructive input. They help hold each other accountable. A contention is members should be able to generate superior returns through actively engaging in the
- [Celebrating Study Groups Members' 2024 Achievements](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/12/31/celebrating-study-groups-members-2024-achievements/) - We were sitting around the dinner table at a Study Groups meeting recently sharing experiences. One of the members looked around and was hit with a moment of perspective: "Do you realize that between our firms, we have over 10,000 employees? The decisions we are making here impact thousands of individuals and their families. And when
- [Case Study: Un-branding the Tech Stack for a C-store Chain in Under 30 days](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/06/30/case-study-un-branding-the-tech-stack-for-a-c-store-chain-in-under-30-days/) - ROC recently had the opportunity to work with a retailer who had made the decision to move away from offering various major oil brands’ fuel at their stores to an un-branded fuel business model. They had the contractual, financial, and legal pieces of this process well in hand, but needed assistance in the daunting task
- [Case Study: Matrix Advises Land O’Sun Management on its Sale to Anabi/Rebel](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/07/30/case-study-matrix-advises-land-osun-management-on-its-sale-to-anabi-rebel/) - Land O’Sun Management Corporation d/b/a Fast Track (the “Company”) was founded in 1996 when local businessmen Alan Fogg, Richard Rentz and Stephen Fogg purchased a chain of gas stations in Northern Florida. At the time, the stores were underperforming due to operational and financial issues of the previous owner. Over time, the owners successfully turned
- [Using Extraordinary Operations to Develop General Managers](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/08/18/develop-extraordinary-general-managers/) - One question we hear from business leaders is: “How do we develop general managers so that they are fostering growth in their stores and develop their employees?” A great way to do this is through setting an objective for excellence by going from ordinary to extraordinary operations. This initiative aligns every team member with the
- [Use Insurance to Improve Your Bank Financing](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/08/20/use-insurance-to-improve-your-bank-financing/) - In the fuel world, it’s not uncommon to have a line of credit secured by receivables. While lines of credit can help with cash flow and allow you to take advantage of opportunities, they often have restrictions that prevent businesses from maximizing their effectiveness. Most banks will offer 80% advance rates, exclude receivables that are
- [To Bundle or Not-to-Bundle? That is the Question.](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/07/30/to-bundle-or-not-to-bundle-that-is-the-question/) - How Un-bundling Your Health Plan May Lead to Lower Costs & Better Care Any health plan is made up of the same fundamental components: Medical Network – where members go to receive healthcare: doctors, hospitals, providers, etc. Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) – fulfills prescription drug coverage, contracts with pharmacy ecosystem. Administrator – responsible for processing
- [Single Top Strategy to Avoid Customer Late Pay](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/10/05/single-top-strategy-to-avoid-customer-late-pay/) - A petroleum company’s healthy cash flow is typically tied directly to customers paying invoices on time. Late paying customers quickly bleed away already slim margins and profits, in addition to adding significant operating costs by requiring staff time and effort. The absolute best way to avoid these costly late pay issues is to enroll customers
- [Real World Use Cases for Artificial Intelligence in C-Stores](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/12/17/artificial-intelligence-in-c-stores/) - Do you ever feel like every technology provider is claiming that they have Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, but when they try to explain what it does it just sounds confusing? AI has become such a buzzword and trendy lately, that it is easy to be overwhelmed by all the noise. At this year’s NACS conference
- [Managing the Credit Hold](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/09/10/managing-the-credit-hold/) - One of the most useful, important, misunderstood and aggravating tools of the petroleum company credit department is the credit hold. This automated process, which is designed to interrupt the flow of product to your customer, is so critical it is often a priority to credit staff, not only first thing upon arriving at work, but
- [Keys to Effective Tank Management](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/12/02/keys-to-effective-tank-management/) - When managing your tank equipment at a customer, is the first step to go through paperwork in a file cabinet or open a spreadsheet? When servicing the tanks, is the first step to call someone, send an email or fill out a paper form? When figuring out if it's even worth it to have the
- [An Interchange Fee Ban on Taxes?](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/10/23/an-interchange-fee-ban-on-taxes/) - Oil and gas Marketers and Retailers are certain of three things: Death (by regulation), Taxes, and Interchange Rates. While these are certain, the state of Illinois has had enough. “NO MORE INTERCHANGE FEES ON TAXES!” - Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA) On June 7, Illinois signed into law the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA),
- [Your Employees are Using ChatGPT, Whether You Like It or Not](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/10/15/employees-and-chatgpt/) - It is hard to deny that the entrance of ChatGPT and other natural language AI models into society has changed the world. Employees are using it to write emails and documents, students are using it to help with homework, and parents are creating customized bedtime stories in seconds. It is a tool that can vastly
- [Understanding the Value of HR and Training in Business](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/05/15/value-of-hr-and-training/) - A recurring topic and discussion at many Study Group meetings has been to determine the right balance of overhead positions to operational positions – specifically in the realm of Human Resources. Digging into the data, we will give an insight into the benefits of making an investment. In today's dynamic business environment, the value of
- [Systemizing the Most Important Parts of your Business](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/11/10/systemizing-the-most-important-parts-of-your-business/) - Our businesses have established systems and processes for running payroll, completing customer transactions, and supply chain management. Many Study Groups members are recognizing they also need to create a systematic approach to the important parts of their businesses related to organization, leadership, and growth. The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), introduced by Gino Wickman in "Traction:
- [Leveraging AI in Business: Opportunities and Best Practices for Safety and Security](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/09/12/leveraging-ai-in-business/) - Many Study Groups members are cautiously optimistic about the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). From optimizing energy consumption to enhancing construction project management, AI can significantly improve operations. However, with these advancements come critical considerations for safety and security. Business owners and executives must adopt best practices to ensure that the integration of AI technologies
- [Leadership Lessons from a Legendary Football Coach](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/02/15/leadership-lessons/) - Last month, an all-time great football coach moved on from his team. We can learn a lot from him… hold on, no, it is not Bill Belichick, although he did well for himself. This coach won multiple college football championships and… what...again, sorry, no, not Nick Saban, but he was pretty good too. As a
- [Effective PTO Strategy and Its Potential Benefits on Retention](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/2024/06/15/effective-pto-strategy/) - In today's competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial. Employee engagement and retention play pivotal roles in this effort, with paid time off (PTO) being a key yet often overlooked element. In this article, we’ll examine how PTO policies have the potential to profoundly impact both employee engagement and retention. Table 1:

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- [SMS Program Policy](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/sms-program-policy/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_color=”#E7E7E7″ background_enable_image=”off” background_blend=”multiply” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0|0|100px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||100px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” locked=”off” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”130px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”90px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_text_color=”#474747″ text_letter_spacing=”0.5px” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_letter_spacing=”0.5px” background_layout=”dark” max_width=”70%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”35px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″
- [Meet Ben Scellick](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/about-study-groups/who-we-are/meet-ben-scellick/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”Brands who Trust Us” module_class=”grace_content_spending” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”80px||100px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”30px||30px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”30px||30px||true|false” custom_css_main_element=”overflow:hidden;” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Spending Content – Grace – Row – 1st Column BG Image size:800x600px” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”display:flex;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_phone=”display:block;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”display:flex;”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Community-for-business-leaders.jpg” custom_css_main_element=”||margin-right:6.5% !important;||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_phone=”width:100% !important;||margin-right:0% !important;||margin-bottom:30px !important;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”width:44% !important;||margin-right:6% !important;||margin-bottom:0 !important;”][et_pb_image src=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ben02-rotated.jpg”
- [Meet Jed Brewer](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/about-study-groups/who-we-are/meet-jed-brewer/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”Brands who Trust Us” module_class=”grace_content_spending” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”80px||100px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”30px||30px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”30px||30px||true|false” custom_css_main_element=”overflow:hidden;” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Spending Content – Grace – Row – 1st Column BG Image size:800x600px” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”display:flex;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_phone=”display:block;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”display:flex;”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Community-for-business-leaders.jpg” custom_css_main_element=”||margin-right:6.5% !important;||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_phone=”width:100% !important;||margin-right:0% !important;||margin-bottom:30px !important;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”width:44% !important;||margin-right:6% !important;||margin-bottom:0 !important;”][et_pb_image src=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Jed-rotated.jpg”
- [About Study Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/about-study-groups/) - Study Groups are a unique type of executive peer advisory group where individuals with non-competing, like-focused companies meet to share, benchmark and grow.
- [History](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/history/) - From a single peer group in 1985 to a nationwide community of 700+ leaders, see how Study Groups has grown through trust, collaboration, and shared learning.
- [Meet David Nelson](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/about-study-groups/who-we-are/david-nelson/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”Brands who Trust Us” module_class=”grace_content_spending” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”80px||100px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”30px||30px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”30px||30px||true|false” custom_css_main_element=”overflow:hidden;” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Spending Content – Grace – Row – 1st Column BG Image size:800x600px” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”display:flex;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_phone=”display:block;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”display:flex;”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Community-for-business-leaders.jpg” custom_css_main_element=”||margin-right:6.5% !important;||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_phone=”width:100% !important;||margin-right:0% !important;||margin-bottom:30px !important;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”width:44% !important;||margin-right:6% !important;||margin-bottom:0 !important;”][et_pb_image src=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/David-1.jpg”
- [Meet Brad Gaines](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/about-study-groups/who-we-are/meet-brad-gaines/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”Brands who Trust Us” module_class=”grace_content_spending” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”80px||100px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”30px||30px||true|false” custom_padding_phone=”30px||30px||true|false” custom_css_main_element=”overflow:hidden;” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Spending Content – Grace – Row – 1st Column BG Image size:800x600px” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” custom_css_main_element=”display:flex;” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_css_main_element_phone=”display:block;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”display:flex;”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Community-for-business-leaders.jpg” custom_css_main_element=”||margin-right:6.5% !important;||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element_phone=”width:100% !important;||margin-right:0% !important;||margin-bottom:30px !important;” custom_css_main_element_tablet=”width:44% !important;||margin-right:6% !important;||margin-bottom:0 !important;”][et_pb_image src=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Brad-1.jpg”
- [Member Education](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education/) - Keep up with latest trends and best practices in business leadership. Gain insights, tips, case studies, and resources on topics specific to high performing businesses.
- [Our Team](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/about-study-groups/our-team/)
- [What is a Study Group](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/about-study-groups/what-is-a-study-group/) - Study Groups, Industry- specific peer groups. Find friendships and support. Share ideas, benchmark financial & operational performance, and discuss challenges
- [Webinar Archives](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/complete-webinar-library/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” background_image=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Executive-Peer-Groups-Study-Groups-for-Business-Leaders.jpg” background_blend=”multiply” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”100px||||false|false” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|300|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”20px” header_letter_spacing=”1.5px” header_line_height=”2.3em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”50px” header_3_letter_spacing=”2px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” width=”70%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_font_size_phone=”18px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_3_font_size_phone=”42px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]Browse SG’s Complete Webinar Library[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”What are you looking for
- [complete article library](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/complete-article-library/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” background_image=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Executive-Peer-Groups-Study-Groups-for-Business-Leaders.jpg” background_blend=”multiply” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”100px||||false|false” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|300|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”20px” header_letter_spacing=”1.5px” header_line_height=”2.3em” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”50px” header_3_letter_spacing=”2px” header_3_line_height=”1.4em” width=”70%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”20px” header_font_size_phone=”18px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_3_font_size_phone=”42px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]Browse SG’s Complete Article Library[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”What are you looking for
- [Resources](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/resources/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
- [Types of Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/types-of-groups/) - Find a industry-specific, peer advisory group for you. We have over 70 groups specifically designed for non-competing, like-focused executives and key managers.
- [Our Members](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/about-study-groups/our-members/) - Hear from Study Groups' members about their experience with their Study Group. Curious if a Study Group is worth your time? Read what other's have to say.
- [Accessibility Statement](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/accessibility-statement/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_color=”#E7E7E7″ background_enable_image=”off” background_blend=”multiply” custom_padding=”0|0|100px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||100px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”100px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”90px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_text_color=”#474747″ text_letter_spacing=”0.5px” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_font_size=”50px” header_letter_spacing=”0.5px” background_layout=”dark” max_width=”70%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”35px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”42px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_letter_spacing_tablet=”” header_letter_spacing_phone=”” header_letter_spacing_last_edited=”on|desktop”
- [Next Gen Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/types-of-groups/next-generation-groups/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” background_image=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Next-Gen-.jpg” background_position=”top_center” background_blend=”multiply” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”100px||100px||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Next Gen Peer Group” title_text=”Next Gen” background_vertical_offset=”22%” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|300|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”20px” header_letter_spacing=”1.5px” header_line_height=”2.3em” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_letter_spacing=”1px” width=”60%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Next Gen Peer Groups Insert page headline here[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”Find a Group for
- [Manager Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/types-of-groups/manager-peer-groups/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” background_image=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Manager-Peer-Groups.jpg” background_blend=”multiply” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”100px||100px||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Manager-Peer-Groups” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|300|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”20px” header_letter_spacing=”1.5px” header_line_height=”2.3em” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_letter_spacing=”1px” width=”60%” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]Manager Peer Groups Insert page headline here[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”Find a Group for me” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off”
- [Solar Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/types-of-groups/solar-peer-groups/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” background_image=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Solar.jpg” background_position=”bottom_center” background_blend=”multiply” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”100px||100px||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″ title_text=”Solar”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|300|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”20px” header_letter_spacing=”1.5px” header_line_height=”2.3em” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_letter_spacing=”1px” width=”60%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Solar Peer Groups Insert page headline here[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”Find a Group for me” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” custom_margin=”40px||||false|false”
- [Executive Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/types-of-groups/executive-peer-groups/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” background_image=”https://welcome2.studygroups.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Executive-Peer-Groups.jpg” background_position=”top_center” background_blend=”multiply” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”100px||100px||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|300|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”20px” header_letter_spacing=”1.5px” header_line_height=”2.3em” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_letter_spacing=”1px” width=”60%” global_colors_info=”{}”]Executive Peer Groups Insert page headline here[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”Find a Group for me” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” custom_padding=”8px|32px|8px|16px|true|false” global_module=”375994″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″
- [Propane Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/types-of-groups/propane-peer-groups/)
- [Transportation Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/types-of-groups/transportation-peer-groups/)
- [Ready Mix Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/types-of-groups/ready-mix-peer-groups/)
- [Contractor Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/types-of-groups/contractor-peer-groups/)
- [Petroleum Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/types-of-groups/petroleum-peer-groups/)

## Education-Partners

- [W. Capra](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/w-capra/) - Company Offering W. Capra is the premier end-to-end consulting and services business – driving high impact customer-first business transformation – from high level strategy through implementation in every vertical served. Leveraging our breadth of industry expertise and innovative thought leadership, we collaborate with our clients to optimize operations, enhance consumer experiences, minimize risk, and achieve
- [Capital One](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/capital-one/) - Leverage the resources of a Top 10 Commercial Bank that gives you custom solutions you can bank on—and a dedicated team that knows your industry. At Capital One, we know that every business plays an important role in driving and energizing the local economy. To that end, we are passionately focused and committed to providing
- [OPIS, A Dow Jones Company](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/opis-a-dow-jones-company/) - Company Offering OPIS, a Dow Jones company, delivers data-driven retail fuel solutions that provide retailers with real-time pricing intelligence to refine and improve their market strategies. These solutions feature advanced station data analytics that capture trade area dynamics, customer demographics, loyalty rates, cross-shopping habits, and seasonality to offer insights into consumer behavior. For brands focused
- [Petro-Exchange](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/petro-exchange/) - Company Offering: Petro-Exchange is an online marketplace that supports downstream petroleum companies in solving challenges related to surplus, slow-moving, and underutilized inventory. Through a structured and secure platform, businesses can efficiently move excess products and equipment while reducing storage constraints and improving cash flow. By increasing visibility across a network of qualified industry participants, Petro-Exchange
- [PIX Payments](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/pix-payments/) - PIX is on a mission to fuel your business with hassle-free payments — and now, smarter invoicing. Retailers want to focus on running their business, not reconciling deposits, chasing down receivables, or wondering if they’re overpaying on processing fees. Wholesalers know that cash flow is everything, especially when payments are slow to arrive. That’s why
- [Winthrop & Weinstine](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/winthrop-and-weinstine/) - Winthrop & Weinstine offers a comprehensive suite of legal services to owners, distributors, and others in the downstream energy industry. Our extensive industry knowledge and depth of experience in the multi-unit retail and fuel distribution spaces gives us a full appreciation of the issues facing your business and the insight to resolve them quickly. Company
- [Strategies](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/strategies/) - Hundreds of companies have entrusted Strategies with guiding their business growth, navigating succession, preserving and protecting wealth, and safeguarding relationships for the future. We work in close partnership with family-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and partnerships. Company Offering Strategies, Inc. is a boutique consulting firm that works exclusively with founders, entrepreneurs, partnerships, and family businesses. Our solutions
- [Upside](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/upside/) - Company Offering Upside is a technology company that increases the financial power of people and businesses in the real world. Since 2016, we’ve helped millions of people get more purchasing power on the things they need, and tens of thousands of brick and mortar businesses earn measurable profit – all while contributing to important sustainability
- [Powerhouse](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/powerhouse/) - POWERHOUSE works with jobbers, retailers, and end-users to help them protect profit margins and grow their businesses by designing and implementing hedging strategies. Company Offering Developing and executing a price risk management strategy in energy markets can be daunting. With the right approach, disciplined execution, and a trusted partner you can minimize the effect of
- [McClaskey Excellence Institute](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/mcclaskey-excellence-institute/) - Your products are not right because your employees are not consistently following your processes? Your processes need upgrading? Your employee turnover is too high? Solve these problems through our proven path to extraordinary operations. Company Offering Can you imagine how fantastic your company would be if your organization always delivered your products and services 100%
- [The Pitts Group](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/the-pitts-group/) - The Pitts Group works with petroleum companies on step-by-step processes to refine and improve credit processes impacting the accounts receivable asset class. Results come from amending processes and policy, uncovering blind spots, changing antiquated systems, and training credit staff. Company Offering The Pitts Group’s mission is to work with petroleum businesses striving to examine and
- [Matrix Capital Markets Group, a division of Citizens](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/matrix-capital-markets-group/) - Matrix’s Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group is recognized as the national leader in providing advisory services to companies in the convenience retailing, petroleum marketing, motor fuels, propane, heating oil and lubricants distribution, petroleum logistics, terminaling and car wash services industries. Company Offering We are committed to maximizing value and exceeding the expectations
- [Tote.ai](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/tote-ai/) - Company Offerings Tote's AI-native point-of-sale unifies forecourt and in-store operations. Through our "one customer, one cart" architecture, we enable seamless shopping from pump to checkout and deliver a better customer experience, along with basket size increases. AI drives cross-sell, automates employee support, and reduces training costs. Pre-built integrations to fuel dispensers, payment processors, and back-office
- [RowLogic](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/rowlogic/) - At RowLogic, we don't just connect people, process, and data. We engage, mobilize, and empower them so that your organization is fueled with apps for peak performance. Company Offering From data integration and business analytics to web apps and mobile apps, RowLogic is dedicated to serving our clients with easy-to-use apps and actionable analytics. We
- [J & J Gaming](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/j-j-gaming/) - J&J Gaming, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, is the largest distributed gaming operator in the United States. We provide gaming-as-a-service to non-casino locations in various regulated jurisdictions. Company Offering J&J Gaming, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, is the largest distributed gaming operator in the United States providing gaming-as-a-service to non-casino locations such as restaurants, bars,
- [Gravitate](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/gravitate/) - Company Offering Gravitate provides AI-driven software designed to help fuel retailers, wholesalers, and carriers optimize their supply and logistics decisions. Their weightless fuel supply and dispatch platform allows for supply management, optimized order generation, supply optimization, automatic dispatch, in-cab technology, invoice reconciliation, freight billing and real-time analytics. Gravitate aims to provide a 10X ROI. For
- [goHappy](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/gohappy/) - Company Offering goHappy is transforming how employers communicate and engage with their frontline workers by providing the most powerful, simple and inclusive app-free frontline engagement technology. The key to goHappy's success is enabling employers to reach 100% of their frontline employees. The team at goHappy has been operating in the frontline employee space for over
- [PDS Solutions](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/pds-solutions/) - Company Offering PDS Solutions specializes in customer portals for petroleum marketers and distributors. Through the PetroDataSync platform, we help our clients improve business efficiency and enhance customer service. The platform integrates seamlessly with leading petroleum ERP systems and many third-party services to allow for an even greater level of operational efficiency and data management -
- [Pythia Scorecard](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/pythia-scorecard/) - Company Offering Retail chains track dollars to the penny, but what actually happens at the counter, such as tone of voice, customer frustration, or staff stress, never makes it into the numbers that flash across HQ dashboards. Store managers rely on sporadic surveys, mystery-shopper notes, or gut feel, so issues like mounting queue anxiety or
- [Paragon Solutions](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/education-partner/paragon-solutions/) - Since 1986, Paragon Solutions has transformed convenience retail with award-winning designs through consulting, integrating strategic planning, innovative design, and branding to create customer-focused environments that drive success and build loyalty. Company Offering Since 1986, Paragon Solutions has been reimagining convenience retail with award-winning designs through customer-focused environments that drive success and build loyalty. Our comprehensive

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- [General](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/general/)
- [Leadership](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/leadership/) - Business Leadership
- [Strategic Planning](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/strategic-planning/) - Strategic Planning
- [Operations](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/operations/) - Operations
- [Technology](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/tech/) - Technology
- [HR](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/hr/) - Human Resources
- [Insurance](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/insurance/) - Insurance
- [C-Store](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/c-store/) - Convenience Stores
- [Legal](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/legal/) - Legal
- [Finance](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/finance/) - finance
- [Marketing](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/marketing/) - Marketing & Sales
- [Study Groups](https://welcome2.studygroups.com/category/study-groups/)

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