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"Smoke Break" is a weekly micro-podcast that delivers essential management strategies for convenience store managers in just 5-10 minutes. Join host Mike as he shares actionable insights on inventory control, staff management, profitability, and operational excellence. Each episode tackles real-world challenges faced by c-store managers, providing practical solutions you can implement immediately to improve store performance and advance your career. Perfect for busy managers who want to stay ...
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Smoke Break - Episode 30: Safety Metrics: Making Numbers Work For You Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demystifies safety metrics and transforms raw data into actionable insights that protect your team. Learn practical approaches for tracking incident patterns, identifying time-based trends, calculating true safety costs, …
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Smoke Break - Episode 29: Safety Audits That Get Results Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms safety audits from checkbox exercises into powerful prevention tools that protect your team and keep OSHA satisfied. Learn strategic timing approaches, systematic inspection methods, equipment verification techniques, and m…
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Smoke Break - Episode 28: Safety Incentives That Actually Work Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to design safety incentive programs that encourage genuine safety awareness instead of accident concealment. Learn strategic approaches for rewarding positive behaviors, creating fair multi-role programs, maintaining…
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Smoke Break - Episode 27: Building Your Safety Committee Episode Duration: 4 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through creating an effective safety committee that actively prevents accidents rather than just reacting to them. Learn optimal committee sizing, strategic member selection, clear responsibility assignment, and documentati…
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Smoke Break - Episode 26: Safety Training That Sticks Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms boring safety training into engaging, memorable sessions that actually prevent accidents and save lives. Learn proven techniques for creating hands-on learning experiences, breaking content into digestible chunks, and customiz…
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Smoke Break - Episode 25: OSHA Inspections: Be Ready, Not Worried Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he transforms OSHA inspection anxiety into confidence through proper preparation and daily readiness practices. Learn how to maintain inspection-ready standards every day, organize essential documentation, and train your team to…
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Smoke Break - Episode 24: Incident Reports: Getting the Details Right Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how proper incident reporting protects your store from major complications and liability issues. Learn comprehensive documentation strategies for all types of incidents, from customer injuries to near-misses, and …
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Smoke Break - Episode 23: When Accidents Happen: First Response Matters Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through critical first response procedures when workplace accidents occur. Learn how your actions in the first few minutes can significantly impact outcomes, from scene safety assessment to proper documentati…
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Smoke Break - Episode 22: Emergency Planning: Ready for Anything Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he guides you through comprehensive emergency planning that protects your team and customers when seconds count. Learn how to create actionable emergency procedures, assign specific roles, and conduct effective drills that prepar…
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Smoke Break - Episode 21: OSHA Basics: What Every Store Manager Must Know Episode Duration: 7 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he demystifies OSHA regulations with practical, actionable guidance for convenience store managers. Learn the essential safety requirements that protect your team and keep your store compliant, from hazard communication …
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Smoke Break - Episode 20: When Things Go Wrong: Food Safety Emergency Response Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he provides essential guidance for handling food safety emergencies in your convenience store. Learn how to develop an effective crisis response plan for situations like power outages, product recalls, and foodborne…
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Smoke Break - Episode 19: Documentation: Your Food Safety Shield Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down the essential documentation practices that protect your business from food safety issues and regulatory consequences. Learn how to implement comprehensive record-keeping systems that demonstrate your commitment to …
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Smoke Break - Episode 18: Keeping It Clean: Facility Maintenance & Sanitation Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential sanitation practices that go beyond surface cleaning to ensure true food safety. Learn how to implement comprehensive cleaning systems that will impress health inspectors and protect your cus…
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Smoke Break - Episode 17: Temperature Control: The Hot and Cold of Food Safety Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential temperature control practices that protect your customers and business. Learn how to implement effective monitoring systems that prevent foodborne illness risks while maintaining compliance.…
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Smoke Break - Episode 16: Food Safety Basics: Getting Handling and Storage Right Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential food safety practices that protect your customers and business. Learn how to implement proper handling and storage procedures that form the foundation of your store's food safety system. E…
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Smoke Break - Episode 15: Consumer Protection: Keeping Customers Safe and Satisfied Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential consumer protection strategies that build customer trust while keeping your store compliant with regulations. Learn how to implement practices that protect both your customers and your busin…
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Smoke Break - Episode 14: Labor Laws: Keeping Your Team Protected Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential labor law compliance strategies that protect your team and your business. Learn how to navigate wage requirements, scheduling regulations, and workplace policies while building a fair, legal work environ…
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Smoke Break - Episode 13: Environmental Compliance Made Simple Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential environmental compliance strategies that protect both your business and the planet. Learn practical approaches to waste management, energy efficiency, and regulatory adherence that can save money while avoi…
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Smoke Break - Episode 12: Alcohol & Tobacco: Getting ID Right Every Time Episode Duration: 3 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for maintaining perfect compliance with alcohol and tobacco regulations. Learn how to implement foolproof systems that protect your business, your license, and your community. Episode Overvi…
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Smoke Break - Episode 11: Health & Safety: Getting It Right Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential health and safety compliance strategies that protect your customers, team, and business. Learn practical approaches to maintaining a safe environment while meeting regulatory requirements. Episode Overview Mas…
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Smoke Break - Episode 10: Putting It All Together: Making Smart Decisions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in this series as he shares strategies for integrating all aspects of store management into cohesive, effective decision-making. Learn how to synthesize data, experience, and market knowledge to drive …
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Smoke Break - Episode 9: Making Your POS Work Harder Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for leveraging your Point of Sale system beyond basic transactions. Learn how to transform your POS data into actionable insights that drive better business decisions and boost your bottom line. Episode Overview Master …
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Smoke Break - Episode 8: Promotions That Actually Work Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for creating and implementing effective promotions that drive sales while protecting profits. Learn how to design promotions that resonate with customers and deliver measurable results. Episode Overview Master essenti…
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Smoke Break - Episode 7: Smart Pricing Makes Sense Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals practical strategies for developing effective pricing that balances profitability with customer satisfaction. Learn how to make informed pricing decisions that drive business success. Episode Overview Master essential pricing elemen…
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Smoke Break - Episode 6: Building Resilient Register Systems Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares comprehensive strategies for creating robust register systems and backup procedures that keep your store running smoothly even when technology fails. Learn how to implement policies that protect your business and maintain o…
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Smoke Break - Episode 5: Creating a Complete Security System Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for implementing and managing comprehensive store security. Learn how to lead your team in creating and maintaining a safer store environment through both physical measures and proactive procedures. Epi…
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Smoke Break - Episode 4: Cash Handling That Makes Cents Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for a deep dive into establishing robust cash handling procedures that protect your business and streamline operations. Learn how to implement systems that keep your money secure and your books balanced. Episode Overview Master essential asp…
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Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals proven strategies for optimizing your convenience store's layout to boost sales and enhance customer experience. Learn how small changes in product placement can lead to significant improvements in your bottom line. Episode Overview Master essential elements of store design: Strateg…
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Smoke Break - Episode 2: Building Excellence in Customer Service and Team Leadership Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for an executive-level discussion on developing a customer-centric culture and building a high-performing team in your convenience store. Learn how to implement effective systems that elevate both customer satisf…
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In this premiere episode of "Smoke Break," host Mike tackles the critical topic of inventory management for convenience store managers. Learn essential strategies for maintaining optimal stock levels, implementing FIFO methods, and building strong supplier relationships to maximize sales and minimize waste. Discover practical tips you can implement…
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