Back to the Future
I can’t decide if it is the straw boater hats on the wall or the scrumptious cakes on the sales counter that […]
Sell Your Story
“Only one dollar!” This was the sales pitch of the young man working the hot and dusty marketplace in the Cambodian countryside. […]
Getting Back in the Driver’s Seat
It was a dark and stormy night. The small boat was being rocked and pummeled by towering waves. Hard rain slashed across […]
Failure is an option
Embrace the risk of failure—but pull the plug when it arrives For a brief, shining moment, I was the quarterback of a […]
Shining a Light on Facility Maintenance
Lutefisk. It is one of the national dishes of Norway. To make it, catch yourself some cod, clean it, cover it in […]
How Can You Operate a Gas Station Without Any Gas?
Control your paperwork and stay in compliance to avoid finding out. I promise that this is not a trick question about alternative […]
Empty Shelves and Trucks
Eight tips for dealing with out-of-stocks and other supply chain issues. “Oh, dearest father. If my heart’s greatest desire is not fulfilled […]
The Art of the Steal – Part 2
Many customer theft issues can be resolved with good customer service. In my previous column, I talked about employee theft. According to […]
The Art of the Steal – Part 1
Minimize employee theft by letting your staff know that you’re paying attention to the details. We have a lot to learn from […]
Looking at Innovation Through the Lens of StrasGlobal
Convenience retailing today requires being nimble and providing a unique offering to customers, according to President Eva Strasburger. TEMPLE, Texas — The […]
Convenience Store News Honors Roy Strasburger With Special Service Award
The StrasGlobal CEO helped shepherd the c-store industry through the pandemic. TEMPLE, Texas — Convenience store industry veteran Roy Strasburger, CEO of […]
A Different Kind of Clean Fueling
Don’t neglect the most visible part of your business—the forecourt. “How did it get to this point?” Have you ever experienced the […]
Are Your Relevant?
Presented By: Roy Strasburger, CEO, StrasGlobal With retail foot traffic down, how do we stay relevant? See your store the way your […]
Finding Their Niche Is Crucial for Small Operators
Single-store owners and small chains can find unique ways to stay competitive in their markets. NATIONAL REPORT — Whether operating a single […]
Don’t Have Just Your Head in the Cloud
Clouds. Throughout the centuries, clouds have indicated power and mystery. The Greek gods lived on Mount Olympus above the clouds. The heavenly […]
Mind Your Gas Business
One of the most important aspects of the convenience store business is often overlooked when discussing store operations—gasoline. This is interesting because […]
Perseverance in a Pandemic
TEMPLE, Texas — The challenges of the pandemic struck fast and they hit deep. For StrasGlobal—a convenience-store operator that manages sites under […]
How to Stay in Compliance
If you are running a retail business, there is a scenario that you have either come across or have thought about. It’s […]
StrasGlobal Finely Hones Its Innovation Lens
TEMPLE, Texas — At StrasGlobal, the word “innovation” means meeting the changing demands of the customer. “One can innovate, but if you’re […]
Special Feature: How Independent Operator Raymond Huff Used Federal Funds to Stay Open
Funding programs are helping many independent businesses that have struggled through the pandemic. If you’ve lost sales of 20% or more, federal […]
All Retailers Need a COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
Now that the COVID-19 Vaccine is here, retailers must have a vaccination policy and plan for their workforce. Communicating how to get […]
Compliance Safe – Document Management Simplified
COMPLIANCE SAFE™, a software service that monitors, tracks and protects your business-critical documents, prominently served as the cover feature in November’s CIO Review magazine […]
OnDemand – What To Do With Small Format Retail
On December 2nd 2020, StrasGlobal participated in a special TMA (Turnaround Management Association) Town Hall on “What to Do with Small Format […]
Drive Traffic with Food Trucks
Food trucks bring opportunity when people are social distancing and seeking to stay outside. The key is to communicate and maintain health […]
OnDemand – SIGMA Smart Path to Compliance
In November 2020, StrasGlobal CEO Roy Strasburger delivered a webinar entitled “Smart Path to Compliance” at SIGMA’s virtual Annual Conference. SIGMA is […]
The Small Operator’s Secret Weapon
I have a secret. It’s something that will help you, but it’s not new information. In fact, it might be right under […]
Targeted Innovation
The following was published as part of the cover story in the September 2020 Issue of Convenience Store News Magazine. At StrasGlobal, […]
StrasGlobal Offers Site Operations for Distressed Assets
Temple, Texas, September 8, 2020 –StrasGlobal President Roy Strasburger announces national services dedicated to distressed asset protection and asset performance. Helping global […]
Helping Employees Get Past Mask Abuse
Imagine we’ve all seen it by now: That one customer who just refuses to wear a protective mask in the store. That’s […]
Strange Times – The Fires That Burn
Issue: Strange Times -The Fires That Burn, Sept 14, 2020 Team, 2020 continues to be a year of surprises – most of […]
Strange Times – Rolling With the Changes
Issue: Strange Times -Rolling With the Changes, August 12, 2020 Team, As we continue through the COVID crisis there are two big […]
Strange Times – More Voices: A Message from Perry Kilgo, our Chief Operating Officer
Issue: Strange Times – More Voices: Perry Kilgo, July 27, 2020 Team, Today’s Strange Times is by our Chief Operations Officer, Perry […]
Strange Times – More Voices: Caleb Hill
Issue: Strange Times – More Voices: Caleb Hill, Jul7 21, 2020 Team, Last week I told you that Caleb Hill had been […]
Strange Times – Caleb Hill
Issue: Strange Times – Caleb Hill, Jul7 17, 2020 Team, I am very pleased to announce that Caleb Hill has been named […]
We Are Preparing for 2030. Are you?
There is a quote, usually attributed to Rahm Emanuel, that “no good crisis should go to waste”. That is our feeling at […]
Strange Times – Our New Mask Policy
Issue: Strange Times -Our New Mask Policy, July 8, 2020 Team, I know that I keep bringing up the issue of wearing […]
Strange Times – More Voices: Tohid Chowdhury
Issue: Strange Times -More Voices: Tohid Chowdhury, June 25, 2020 Team. We have another submission for our “more voices” series in Strange […]
Strange Times – More Voices: BJ Manning
Issue: Strange Times -More Voices: BJ Manning, June 19, 2020 I was delighted to receive two submissions following my request on Wednesday […]
Strange Times – More Voices
Issue: Strange Times -More Voices, June 17, 2020 Team, I originally created Strange Times as a means for me to be able […]
Strange Times – Our New Mask Policy for Customers
Issue: Strange Times -Our New Mask Policy for Customers, June 15, 2020 Team, We have been monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it […]
Strange Times – Essential Employee Bonus and Stra$bucks
Issue: Strange Times -Essential Employee Bonus and Stra$bucks, June 3, 2020 Dear Team, Thank you for the great work that you are […]
Strange Times – We Are One
Issue: Strange Times -We Are One, June 1, 2020 Team, I am sure that all of you are aware of the events […]
Strange Times – StrasGlobal Team Fund
Issue: Strange Times -StrasGlobal Team Fund, May 22, 2020 Even though many places are starting to relax their stay-at-home mandates, times are […]
Strange Times – We’re Famous!
Issue: Strange Times -We’re Famous!, May 21, 2020 It is always a good feeling when your peers recognize the work that you […]
Strange Times – Welcome to StrasGlobal Video
Issue: Strange Times – Welcome to StrasGlobal Video, May 13, 2020 Team, I want to let you know that we have put […]
Strange Times – Online Ordering and Curbside Delivery
Issue: Strange Times -Online Ordering and Curbside Delivery, May 12, 2020 Dear Team, I’ve got some really exciting news to share with […]
StrasGlobal COVID-19 Response Plan
Update: The StrasGlobal COVID-19 Implementation Review is a follow up to our COVID-19 Response Plan and looks at how that plan was […]
Strange Times – KN95 Masks
Issue: Strange Times -KN95 Masks, May 8, 2020 Dear Team, We are not finished with the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus is still […]
Strange Times – StrasGlobal Podcast
Issue: Strange Times -StrasGlobal Podcast, May 6, 2020 Dear Team, NACS – the National Association of Convenience Stores – gave us the […]
Strange Times – Online Ordering Test
Issue: Strange Times -Online Ordering Test, May 6, 2020 Team, As we are entering Phase 2 of the COVID-19 period, StrasGlobal is […]
Strange Times – The StrasGlobal Vision Group
Issue: Strange Times -The StrasGlobal Vision Group, May 5, 2020 Team, Thank you for all of the hard work that you have […]
Strange Times – The Fight Is Not Over
Issue: Strange Times -The Fight Is Not Over, April 30, 2020 Dear Team, Everyone is getting tired of the COVID-19 situation. I […]
Strange Times – On to Phase Two
Issue: Strange Times -On to Phase Two, April 28, 2020 Dear Team, I’m sure that you are hearing the news that some […]
Strange Times – Helping the Neighborhood
Issue: Strange Times -Helping the Neighborhood, April 25, 2020 Dear Team, Over the last few weeks, we have been working hard to […]
Strange Times – Is This the End of the Beginning?
Issue: Strange Times -Is This the End of the Beginning, April 24, 2020 Dear Team, I know that you have heard, as […]
Strange Times – The GROCER Act
Issue: Strange Times -The GROCER Act, April 23, 2020 Dear Team, The last few weeks have been a difficult financial time for […]
Strange Times – Our Supportive Clients
Issue: Strange Times -Our Supportive Clients, April 22, 2020 Dear Team, As we have been meeting, and overcoming, the challenges posed by […]
Strange Times – Take Care of Your Mask
Issue: Strange Times -Take Care of Your Mask, April 15, 2020 By the end of today, and no later than tomorrow, you […]
Where Were You During the Great Quarantine of 2020?
Roy Strasburger is a frequent contributor to FMN (Fuels Marketer News), online publishers of news for the fuels and convenience store industry. […]
Strange Times – Essential Employee Bonus
Issue: Strange Times -Essential Employee Bonus, April 14, 2020 Dear Team, The dedication and effort that you have put into our business […]
Strange Times – The mask saves lives – Part 2
Issue: Strange Times -The mask saves lives, April 10, 2020 Dear Team, On Wednesday I wrote about how important it is that […]
Strange Times – Thank you to our Support Team
Issue: Strange Times -Thank you to our support team, April 9, 2020 Dear Team, We spend a lot of time focusing on […]
Strange Times – The mask saves lives
Issue: Strange Times -The mask saves lives, April 8, 2020 Dear Team, Last Friday, the CDC stated that it recommends everyone use […]
State Resources
The following provides links to resources at the state level, alphabetically, for COVID-19. Links include COVID-19 News, State Resources, and State Departments […]
SBA Resources
The following resources are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the SBA website: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance […]
Strange Times – StrasGlobal April Monthly Newsletter
Issue: Strange Times -StrasGlobal April Monthy Newsletter, April 7, 2020 Dear Team, The April StrasGlobal monthly newsletter has hit the internet and […]
Louisiana Marathon Stations Help Local Shops
GONZALES, La.—Two Marathon gas stations in Louisiana want to sell more local products in response to COVID-19. The c-stores are seeking out […]
Coronavirus – Lifespan on Surfaces
The coronavirus can survive on common materials for hours or even days. Please see the PDF for what you need ot know […]
Strange Times – Thank you to our teams
Issue: Strange Times -Thank you to our teams, April 6, 2020 Dear Team, I don’t think we can tell you “thank you” […]
Strange Times – Store 1421 is a Star!
Issue: Strange Times – Store 1421 is a Star!, April 3, 2020 Dear Team, Thank you for the work that you are […]
Strange Times – Community Outreach
Issue: Strange Times – Community Outreach, April 2, 2020 Team, As you know, we have been working hard to put additional protections into […]
Strange Times – Our Operations Team
Issue: Strange Times – Our Operations Team, April 1, 2020 Dear Team, Today, I want to shine a spotlight on the people […]
Strange Times – Healthcare Information
Issue: Strange Times – Health Insurance Information, March 31, 2020 Dear Team, The COVID-19 pandemic has created anxiety and concern at many […]
CDC Resources
The following resources have been provided by the CDC: Up to the minute COVID-19 information including symptoms, how to prepare, along with […]
Teladoc Healthcare information
The following healthcare information has been distributed by Teladoc, our health insurance provider: An update from Fringe Benefit Group (FBG), provider of […]
Strange Times – Our COVID-19 Response
Issue: Strange Times – Our COVID-19 Response, March 30, 2020 Dear Team, I know that you have seen the changes that we […]
Strange Times – A Video Message from Roy Strasburger
Issue: Strange Times -Video Message from Roy, March 27, 2020 Today I am presenting my message by video. Please click below to […]
Strange Times – Knowledge is Power
Issue: Strange Times – Knowledge is Power, March 26, 2020 The more you know, the better you can prepare for the future. […]
Strange Times – Keep Clean
Issue: Strange Times – Keep Clean, March 25, 2020 Our number one concern is about your health and the health of your […]
Strange Times – What We’re Doing To Keep You Safe
Issue: Strange Times – What We’re Doing To Keep You Safe, March 24, 2020 I want you to know that your safety […]
Strange Times – Thank You
Issue: Strange Times – Thank You, March 23, 2020 Dear Team, Thank you. That’s really all that I can say at the […]
Strange Times – We Are In This Together
Issue: Strange Times – We’re In This Together, March 20, 2020 Dear Team, Welcome to strange times. I know that the world […]
How We Are Addressing COVID-19
Image: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS As you are aware, there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and deaths in […]
Staff training: It’s not just about customer service – it’s about enforcing the law
Our cashiers and customer service representatives are our first line of defense in regard to the sale of restricted products. I am […]
Energy North Group Adopts Compliance Safe Software
Temple, TX February 21, 2020 — COMPLIANCE SAFE™, a software service that manages your permit, license and certification renewals process, announces an […]
How AI Can Make Retailers Better
AI takes care of repetitive tasks so humans can focus on more creative and substantial issues. In the movie “2001: A Space […]
SIGMA Tech Trends Workshop 2019
By Roy Strasburger SIGMA Tech Trends Workshop 2019 Best Practice Trends—How to Manage and Leverage Your Data to Make Better Business Decisions […]
Why is it so hard to get a good cup of coffee in a c-store?
By Roy Strasburger Originally Published in Fuels Market News How hard can it be to have hot fresh coffee available all of […]
Managing Use of Marijuana at Work
By Roy Strasburger Originally Published in CSP Magazine One of an employer’s main expectations is that staff be mentally alert and aware of […]
Store Inspections Should Not Be a Surprise
Become your own mystery shopper to raise your standards and improve customer service By Roy Strasburger Originally Published in Convenience Store News […]
What to Do with a Family Business When No One Wants to Run It
By Roy Strasburger Originally Published in Fuels Market News About once a week we receive a phone call that goes something like […]
Your Competitor is Your Best Teacher
The tactics of using a competitor as a benchmark fall into three categories By Roy Strasburger Originally Published in Convenience Store News […]
5 Ways to Optimize Vacant Retail Space
If you own or operate one or more retail locations, understanding the best ways to merchandise the available retail footprint you have […]
9 Ways to Incentivize Today’s Top Talent
Today it takes more than a competitive base salary, a benefits package and a positive office environment to hire top talent. Job […]
Put the Store Design to Work
By Roy Strasburger Originally Published in CSP Magazine Store design is the equivalent of a good store employee: It should help communicate […]
As Customers’ Needs Change, So Should Retailers
C-Store owners continue to face various pressures. From new competitors and formats, to assortment changes and keeping up with the latest marketing […]
8 Reasons Shopper Intent Doesn’t Convert into a Sale
You’ve done your homework. You’ve optimized your product assortment and were sure to strike the right balance of new products and established […]
4 Benefits of Being a Mentor, and 4 More to Find One
Whether you’re completing your first summer internship or you are the Founder and CEO of a company, there are countless reasons to […]
Advancements in the Retail Industry are Upon Us
Take a look around the consumer goods industry and you’ll see a great deal of change. Everything from the reduction of plastic […]
Dealer panel kicks off SIGMA Annual Conference education program
Photo caption left to right: Roy Strasburger, CEO StrasGlobal Paul Melgaard, VP Supply Sunoco LP Dan Dunstan, Dir Sales and Operations Parkland […]
How Small Retailers Can Survive Disruption
The forces arrayed against the small retailer, including Amazon, Instacart and Uber meals ,are enormous and growing. Services and products are just […]
Employee Training Must-Dos
Everything you want to accomplish in retail revolves around proper training By Roy Strasburger Originally Published in Convenience Store News TRAINING IS […]
VENDOR VIEW: STRASGLOBAL—LEAVE THE MANAGEMENT (AND HEADACHES) TO US
By Keith Reid Originally Published in Fuels Market News There are more business models for the integration and management of the fuel […]
If There is One Constant in Business, It’s Change
Newspaper and Internet headlines are filled with corporate earnings and reviews, policy updates and changes, and general unrest for the employees and investors at any given company. Most companies […]
3 Reasons C-Stores Should Engage in Employee Mentorship
Employee development doesn’t stop after an orientation, a few training sessions and distribution of an employee manual. Engaging with your staff – particularly the motivated, eager and energized employees […]
3 Basics to Exceed Customer Expectations
Exceeding customers’ expectations may be the one thing all retailers strive to do. But what if providing a clean facility, friendly service and well stocked shelves isn’t […]
StrasGlobal draws on 60 Year Heritage in Convenience and Small Format Site Management to Solve Problems for Distressed Assets Managers
Temple, TX, July 20, 2018 – StrasGlobal CEO Roy Strasburger announces services dedicated to distressed asset protection and asset performance. The leading […]
4 Ways to Differentiate Your C-Store From the Competition
Let’s face it, competition is everywhere and comes in all shapes and sizes. Gone are the days of competing against similar retail types. […]
3 Areas of Opportunity in Most C-Stores
The digital revolution may be upon us; however, customers are still shopping brick and mortar locations. While grocery and mass merchants may see a shift (albeit small) […]
Four Reasons C-Stores Should Invest in Employee Training
Consider your last trip to a retail location, can you remember how you were treated by one of the employees? Odds are customers will […]
Five Reasons Retail Consultants Can Improve Your Business
Let’s start with the basics, not all retail consultants are created equally. The mere fact you’ve hired one for your company doesn’t […]
Rapid Retail can Turn Vacant Retail Space into a Vibrant Customer Experience
Temple, TX, June 13, 2018—“Pop-up” stores are all the rage for landowners and property managers with vacant space. Now, with Rapid Retail […]
Top 10 Considerations When Selecting a Retail Site Management Service
You’ve looked around; you’ve done your research. You know that there are a few different options when it comes to outsourcing retail […]
4 Benefits of Outsourcing Retail Site Management
The concept of outsourcing isn’t a new one. In fact, outsourcing can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution (1700’s) when companies […]
Five Ways C-Store Operators Can Build Sales
We’re all in business to succeed and while success means something different to everyone, it may be safe to assume that if […]
3 Ways to Address C-Store Labor Challenges
Finding the right people to operate your C-stores can be a challenge but it’s not the end of the job for the […]
3 Accounting Services That Can Improve Your Bottom Line
Business accounting might not seem exciting, and to some it may even be intimidating, but it’s the foundation of any successful business […]
How to Make Vacant Retail Space Profitable
As defined by Businessdictonary.com, opportunity cost is: a benefit, profit, or value of something that must be given up to acquire or […]
Convenience Management Services, Inc. (CMSI) announces rebrand as StrasGlobal
StrasGlobal draws on 60 year family heritage as innovators in convenience and small format site management. Temple, TX – Convenience Management Services, […]
Cleaning Up Your Operation: Step 1 in Any Turnaround
There are many components that a store operator needs to do right to have a successful business. Good customer service is a must. […]
Looking at Your Store With Fresh Eyes
It’s happened to all of us. A visitor who you haven’t seen for years comes by to stay at your house for […]
The Importance of Pulling Together
As we all know, the last month has brought devastation to various parts of our country. Hurricanes in Texas and Florida. Wildfires […]
What to Do If Your C-store Business Is Struggling
Low in-store sales, high employee turnover and declining gross profit margins are just a few of the problems Roy Strasburger, president of […]
Training Day – Every Day
As we’ve expanded our operations over the last few months (we are currently operating sites in 9 states), I’ve been reminded how […]
How Not to Catch a Thief
Everyone knows that theft is a major issue in the convenience store industry. The general public hears about robberies in the media […]