Episode Title: The Cold War: Mastering the Cooler (Episode 71)

Episode Description: It’s 34 degrees. The fan is blowing in your face. Your fingers are numb. Welcome to "The Cold War."

For a Sales Associate, the cooler is the task everyone tries to avoid. It's the "Forbidden Zone." But the Vault is also where the highest profit items in the store live. If the customer sees a black hole where their energy drink should be, they walk away.

In this episode of Dive, Mike Hernandez teaches you how to conquer the cooler without freezing to death. We discuss "The Wall of Sales," why the "Lazy Front" is killing your shift, and the "2-Deep Rule" that separates the rookies from the Legends.

What You Will Learn:

• The Forbidden Zone: Overcoming the physical dread of the cold vault.
• The Wall of Sales: Why "Fronting" is more important than "Filling."
• Power Rows: Identifying the items that actually matter (Energy, Water, Tea) vs. the ones you can ignore.
• The 2-Deep Rule: The visual trick that keeps the cooler looking full even during a rush.

The Quest: Face the Freeze.

• Solo Quest: Implement the "2-Deep Rule." Next time you face the cooler, reach back. If a row has less than 2 bottles, it counts as "Empty." Pull it forward or fill it immediately.
• Team Quest: Challenge a coworker to "Face the Freeze." Pick the Energy Drink door. Who can front-face the entire door perfectly (labels out, no gaps) in the fastest time?

Resources & Links:

• 📲 Unlock the Level 4 Cooler Checklist: Text the code word COLD to 956-897-9192.

Episode Title: The Cash Register Cage Match: Speed vs. Accuracy (Episode 70)

Episode Description: The door chime rings. You look up and see six people in line. The guy in front is counting pennies, and the lady in back is sighing loudly. You can feel the sweat starting.

For a Sales Associate, the register is a "Cage Match." On one side, the customer wants Speed. On the other side, your manager wants Accuracy. If you rush, you make mistakes. If you take your time, they get angry.

In this episode of Dive, Mike Hernandez teaches you how to control the chaos so the line doesn't control you. We are breaking down the "Smooth Operator" technique—a rhythm that eliminates friction and makes you faster without the panic.

What You Will Learn:

• The Surgeon vs. The Flash: Why trying to move your hands faster actually slows you down.
• The Pre-Scan Stage: The 3-second habit that saves you 25 minutes a shift.
• Eliminating Friction: How to stop hunting for barcodes and start dominating the rush.
• Top 5 PLUs: The specific codes you need to memorize today to stop the "Price Check" delay.

The Quest: Master the rhythm.

• Solo Quest: Memorize the Top 5 PLU codes (Ice, Bananas, Refills, etc.) so you never have to look them up again.
• Team Quest: Ask your manager to time you on the "10-Item Dash." Prove you are the fastest smooth operator in the store.

Resources & Links:

• 📲 Unlock the Level 3 Cheat Sheet: Text the code word SPEED to 956-897-9192.
• 🏴‍☠️ Sponsor: Johnny Mecuerdo Chapter 2 is here. The ships La Muerte and La Sancha are waiting. Join the story at Johnny Mecuerdo on Facebook.
• Full Show Notes & Visuals: Visit C-Store Thrive

Episode Title: The 10-Second Audition: Why Customers Drive By Your Store (Episode 69)

Episode Description: Stop me if you’ve done this: You drive past a restaurant because the sign is flickering or the parking lot looks dark. You didn't taste the food, but you judged the business instantly.

Your customers are doing the same thing to your store every single night.

In this episode of C-Store Legends, Mike Hernandez breaks down the "Front Stage" concept. Most employees think their job starts when they clock in, but the sale is actually won or lost in the parking lot. We are moving beyond the basic "Trash Run" and teaching you the "Perimeter Sweep"—the 2-minute tactic that ensures you pass the customer's 10-second audition.

What You Will Learn:

• The Front Stage vs. Back Stage: Why the parking lot is the most critical sales floor in your building.
• The "Soccer Mom" Test: How to view your store through the eyes of your most safety-conscious customer.
• The Perimeter Sweep: A specific routine to replace lazy trash runs.
• Leadership Tactics: How to use the shift change to enforce exterior standards without being a nag.

The Quest: Pass the audition.

• Solo Quest: Walk to the curb. Find one piece of trash that isn't yours. Pick it up.
• Team Quest: Text a photo of your cleanest pump to the number below.

Resources & Links:

• 📲 Unlock the Level 2 Guide: Text the word CURB to 956-897-9192.
• 🏴‍☠️ Sponsor: Join the crew at Johnny Mecuerdo on Facebook for the upcoming launch of the industry's most legendary gear.
• Full Show Notes & Visuals: Visit C-Store Thrive