March 25, 2024
The convenience industry’s foodservice future is bright thanks to its commitment to innovate. Hear how a regional distributor is working with a celebrity chef to elevate its offer.
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Andrew Zimmern
Chef
Andrew is an Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning chef, TV personality, writer and social justice advocate. A star of cooking shows on Travel Channel and The Food Network and currently the host of two shows on the Magnolia Network, Zimmern has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food.
Michael Ray
President
Michael is the third-generation president of Team Modern, a family of companies headquartered in Somerset, KY. He has served on the board of the Convenience Distribution Association as well as being an active member of NACS, the Kentucky Petroleum Marketers Association and the Tennessee Fuel & Convenience Association.
Jeff Lenard
Vice President Media & Strategic Communications
(703) 518-4272
Jeff Lenard oversees industry-wide external communications campaigns to advance the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve. He also serves as lead spokesperson and has conducted more than 6,000 media interviews about trends and innovations at convenience stores. In addition, he is the creator and co-host of the association’s award-winning weekly podcast, Convenience Matters.
Prior to joining NACS in 1999, Lenard served in communications and marketing functions for several energy-focused associations. He earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an M.B.A. in marketing from Syracuse University.