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Dive

Dive

By: C-Store Center
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About this listen

This is a podcast covering training topics and experiences related to new convenience store sales associates that others in your store don't have time to cover. So, dive right in and learn about your job and how things work in the industry.© 2026 C-Store Center Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • SHIFT CHANGE WARFARE (THE TOXIC HANDOFF)
    Mar 6 2026

    Show Notes (Dive Version)

    Episode Title: Shift Change Warfare: The Toxic Handoff (Episode 76)

    Episode Description: "Leaving an empty cooler and full trash cans isn't just lazy; it is a direct insult to the person taking over."

    The 3:00 PM shift change is the most dangerous time for store morale. In this episode of Dive, Mike Hernandez breaks down why leaving a mess for the next shift destroys teamwork and customer service.

    What You Will Learn:

    The Toxic Handoff: Why running out the door at exactly 3:00 PM sets the incoming shift up for failure.

    The Golden Rule of Retail: How stocking the cooler and pulling the trash protects your coworkers from angry customers.

    The 15-Minute Buffer: A mental trick to ensure you always leave the store in perfect condition.

    Resources & Links:

    Download the Shift Handoff Checklist: Text the word RELAY to 956-897-9192.

    Recommended Listen: Survive: Episode 77 (Learn how Assistant Managers enforce shift-change accountability).

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    3 mins
  • THE BATHROOM TEST (WHY CLEAN RESTROOMS SELL MORE FOOD)
    Feb 28 2026

    Show Notes (Dive Version)

    Episode Title: The Bathroom Test: Why Clean Restrooms Sell More Food (Episode 75)

    Episode Description: "They are deciding if your hot dogs are safe to eat based on the smell of your restroom."

    In the convenience store business, the bathroom is not a side project; it is the ultimate indicator of your store's culture. In this episode of Dive, Mike Hernandez breaks down the psychology of "The Bathroom Test" and explains why a dirty restroom directly kills your high-margin food sales.

    What You Will Learn:

    The Psychology of Clean: Why a customer connects the cleanliness of the toilet to the safety of the roller grill.

    The 15-Minute Sweep: How to prevent the bathroom from spiraling out of control during a busy shift.

    The Restaurant Analogy: Mike shares why he judges his favorite burger and cheesesteak spots by their restrooms, and why your customers do the exact same thing to your store.

    Resources & Links:

    Download the Restroom Readiness Checklist: Text the word CLEAN to 956-897-9192.

    Recommended Listen: Survive: Episode 76 (Learn how the Assistant Manager delegates bathroom checks during peak hours).

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    3 mins
  • THE STING (AGE RESTRICTED SALES)
    Feb 21 2026

    Show Notes (Dive Version)

    Episode Title: The Sting: Age Restricted Sales (Episode 74)

    Episode Description: "The register is not a slot machine. Don't gamble with your freedom."

    Selling alcohol or tobacco to a minor is the fastest way to lose your job, your money, and your clean record. In this episode of Dive, Mike Hernandez breaks down the "Police Sting" and how to survive it.

    What You Will Learn:

    • The Sting Reality: How police operations actually work (they aren't trying to trick you; they are testing your process).
    • The A-L-E-R-T System: A 5-step checklist to verify every ID perfectly.
    • Refusal Skills: How to say "No" to a tough customer without getting punched.
    • The "Kitchen Ladies" Story: Mike shares a personal story about losing a job opportunity because he refused to ignore the frontline employees—proving that Dive is built to support you, not just your boss.

    Resources & Links:

    • 📲 Download the Refusal Script Card: Text the word CARD to 956-897-9192.
    • 🎧 Recommended Listen: Thrive: Episode 84 (Hear the Store Manager's perspective on compliance and license suspension).
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
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