In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Mikey and Bea arejoined by Alessandra Magnasco, CFCA’s Government Affairs and Regulatory Director, to break down the complex reality behind California’s skyrocketinggas prices.

Alessandra explains the intricacies of ABX2-1, GovernorNewsom’s latest fuel regulation, and how it’s likely to impact consumers and businesses alike.

From the state’s anti-fossil fuel policies to the hiddenconsequences of this new law, this episode dives deep into the government’s role in controlling gas prices and what it means for Californians.

Tune in as they discuss the future of fuel, how independent gas stations are affected, and why it’s critical for voters to speak up. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion on California’s fuel market and the fight for affordable energy.

If you want to better understand what’s happening withCalifornia’s fuel prices and how you can make a difference, visit the CFCA Consumer Education Page.

Share this episode with friends and family to help raiseawareness about these crucial issues. Make sure to subscribe to Beyond the Pump on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, so you never miss an episode.

Your voice matters – contact your local representatives and let them know how rising fuel costs are impacting you!

Episode Highlights:

•Introduction to ABX2-1 – Alessandra explains the new law signed by Governor Newsom and why it’s stirring concern in the fuel industry and among consumers.

•Breaking Down the “Three Buckets” – A deep dive into the three factors that contribute to California’s high gas prices: taxes, tight fuel supply, and operating expenses.

•Political Theater vs. Real Solutions – The podcast explores whether ABX2-1 is truly addressing the state’s fuel problem or merely a political distraction from upcoming environmental regulations.

•Impact on Small Businesses – Discussion on how high gas prices affect independent gas stations and small business owners, particularly in rural areas.

•Call to Action – Alessandra emphasizes the importance of Californians reaching out to their elected officials to demand change in the state’s fuel policies.

Join CFCA in their fight to lower fuel prices for all ofCalifornia HERE

🎙 Produced by Muscatello Media LLC – Ready to launch your own podcast? Whether you need production, editing, or strategy, we’ve got you covered. Get started today at MuscatelloMedia.com! 🚀

#BeyondThePump #GasPrices #ABX21 #CaliforniaFuel#EnergyCrisis #CFCA #FuelRegulation #Podcast #ElectricVehicleMandates #FossilFuels #EnergyPolicy #SmallBusiness #GasStations #ClimateChange#ConsumerRights #CaliforniaPolitics #GavinNewsom #CARB #LCFS #VoteSmart #GasTax #EnergyFuture #California #CaliforniaGasPrices

In this episode of Beyond The Pump, Mikey and Beatrice sit down with Ashley Boston, Risk & Compliance Manager at Strauch Companies—owner of 12 gas stations and convenience stores across Northern California. Ashley breaks down what went down at the Brentwood City Council meeting, where a harsh tobacco retail license ordinance blindsided local business owners.

From the flawed logic behind license caps and youth-oriented zoning to the serious financial impact on immigrant-owned businesses, Ashley brings a real-world perspective on how these local policies ripple across communities. We also discuss the Santa Cruz filtered tobacco ban (posing as a litter solution), and how statewide trends like this are threatening California’s convenience industry.

Ashley shares how Strauch Co. revamped its ID compliance program, built community coalitions, and is leaning on groups like CFCA to stay ahead of regulatory chaos.

If you're in the fuels or c-store space, this is a must-listen episode.

Subscribe to Beyond The Pump on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your shows—and stay informed on the issues that impact California’s fuels and convenience store industry.

Want to protect your business? Learn more about the advocacy, updates, and tools offered by the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance at CFCA.Energy.

#BeyondThePump #CFCA #CaliforniaConvenienceStores #TobaccoRegulations #SmallBusinessDefense

In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Mikey and Beatrice sit down with Elijah Harrison from Cintas to explore the company's growth, innovation, and culture. From Cintas' humble beginnings in 1929 to becoming an industry leader, Elijah shares insights on leadership, safety, and how Cintas partners with Cal/OSHA to stay ahead of compliance standards. If you're curious about corporate culture, safety certifications, and how Cintas impacts multiple industries, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights:

• Elijah Harrison's 18-Year Journey with Cintas: From the management training program to general manager roles across multiple locations, Elijah’s career evolution offers key insights into Cintas' culture and growth.
• The History and Evolution of Cintas: Learn how a company that started with shop towels in 1929 became a leader in uniforms, safety, and compliance solutions.
• Cintas and Safety Compliance: Discover how Cintas became VPP-certified and built strong partnerships with Cal/OSHA, helping reduce injury and collision rates.
• Lessons from the Pandemic: How Cintas adapted quickly to support essential services like hospitals and food production facilities during the crisis.
• Looking Ahead: Elijah discusses the exciting future of automation, AI, and talent acquisition at Cintas, ensuring growth and innovation while maintaining strong workplace culture.

Like what you heard? Be sure to follow Beyond the Pump on all major podcast platforms. For more information about the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, visit CFCA.Energy

🎙 Produced by Muscatello Media LLC – Ready to launch your own podcast? Whether you need production, editing, or strategy, we’ve got you covered. Get started today at MuscatelloMedia.com! 🚀

#BeyondThePump #CorporateCulture #Cintas #WorkplaceInnovation #SafetyAndCompliance #LeadershipJourney #CFCA

Discover how AI is transforming theft prevention, store operations, and profitability in gas stations and convenience stores. In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Beatrice speaks with JinnLabs co-founder Harjeev Anand about JinnOS, an AI-powered store management platform designed to reduce shrinkage, detect theft in real time, improve inventory accuracy, and unlock data-driven insights for retailers.

Learn how multi-camera AI agents monitor transactions, recognize suspicious behavior, support store staff, and give owners the visibility they’ve never had before. Harjeev also shares how JinnLabs is helping c-stores adapt to California's evolving compliance requirements, improve customer experience, and prepare for the next wave of digital transformation in retail.

Listen to Beyond the Pump on all major podcast platforms.
For more industry resources, visit CFCA.Energy.
Learn more about AI theft prevention and store-management tools at JinnLabs.ai.

Takeaways

• AI-driven shrink reduction is becoming essential for c-store and gas station operators.
• Multi-agent AI can track customer behavior, identify concealment, and detect employee theft.
• Data from cameras, POS, and inventory can now feed a unified AI store manager.
• Inventory automation tools will drastically reduce costs and waste.
• AI improves employee productivity, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
• California privacy laws require anonymized facial mapping, not facial recognition.

In this episode, hosts Mikey Muscatelo and Beatrice Lamb welcome Marla Carlson, General Chair of the Pacific Fuels and Convenience Summit. Marla shares her incredible journey from a small Nebraska town to becoming a trailblazing chemical engineer and a leading figure in the petroleum distribution industry. Listen in as she discusses overcoming the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, her groundbreaking contributions to safer oil processing, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Whether you're an industry veteran or just curious about the fuel we use every day, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the world behind the pump.

Don't miss out on future episodes of Beyond the Pump! Subscribe now and join us as we explore the stories and people shaping the California fuel industry.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your network and help us spread the word.

NASCAR driver and Freedom Racing Enterprises co-owner Spencer Boyd joins Beyond The Pump to share what fuels his career—literally and figuratively. From navigating complex racing logistics and fuel consumption to dealing with regulatory red tape, Spencer offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the business side of motorsports. As the 2025 CFCA Summit keynote speaker, Spencer brings a unique, high-octane perspective to California’s fuel industry leaders. Hear how racing's challenges mirror the pressures of fuel logistics, regulation, supply chain disruptions, and the looming rise of EVs.

• 🔥 More on CFCA and membership: https://www.cfca.energy

• 📍 Details on the 2025 CFCA Summit in San Diego, Sept 2–4: https://www.cfca.energy/summit

🎧 Subscribe to Beyond The Pump on your favorite podcast platform.

Episode Highlights:

• Spencer’s early start in racing and what drives his passion

• The brutal logistics behind a NASCAR season

• How race teams budget fuel, time, and resources like a business

• Why NASCAR vehicles don’t even have fuel gauges

• The surprising parallels between racing compliance and government regulation

• Spencer’s take on EVs and NASCAR’s future

• What he plans to bring to the 2025 CFCA Summit as keynote speaker

• Lessons in resilience and leadership from the driver’s seat

  #BeyondThePump #CFCA #FuelIndustry #NASCAR #SpencerBoyd #RacingBusiness #EVfuture #CFCA #FuelLogistics #Motorsports

  
  

In this episode of "Beyond The Pump," Mikey & Bea talk with Chris Ballas, the CEO of Backgrounds Online, discussing the evolution and importance of background checks. Chris shares his extensive experience,detailing how Backgrounds Online began during the dot-com boom, initially aggregating public record data for private investigators and eventually shifting focus to HR departments for comprehensive background checks.

Chris explains the intricacies of background screening, emphasizing the importance of compliance with state laws, especially in California, and how the industry has evolved to provide more accurate and relevant information for employers.

They also touch on how the company integrates with applicant tracking systems to streamline the hiring process, ensuring a seamless experience for both employers and applicants.

The three of them talk about the specific needs of the fuel and convenience industry, highlighting the importance of customized background checks to ensure safety and brand reputation.

Chris also addresses common misconceptions aboutbackground checks and the importance of data security and privacy.

The conversation wraps up with insights into the future of background screening, including advancements in biometric and identity verification technologies, and the importance of continuous monitoring to maintain a safework environment.

For more information, listeners can visit CFCA's website and learn how Backgrounds Online can support their business needs

00:00 - Introduction

02:19 - Company Evolution

04:01 - Data Regulatory Changes

05:39 - Catering to Industry Needs

12:05 - Staying Updated on Compliance

17:29 - Ensuring Brand Reputation

18:45 - Onboarding Background Checks

19:21 - Motor Vehicle Monitoring

19:53 - Customizable Background Checks

20:32 - Custom Background Check Process

21:38 - Applicant's Misconceptions

22:02 - Self-Run Background Checks

23:19 - Reporting Restrictions

24:03 - Reporting Conditions

25:19 - Handling Serious Offenses

26:29 - Integrating with Applicant Tracking Systems

29:16 - Success Stories

31:37 - Data Security & Privacy

33:44 - Impact of Remote Work

35:26 - Future of Background Checks

35:46 - Biometric Identity Verification

36:25 - Complexity of Reporting Laws

36:57 - Seamless Background Check Process

37:21 - Company Monitoring Recommendations

37:49 - Importance of Communication

38:36 - Conclusion and Thanks

#BackgroundChecks #ComplianceTechnology #EmploymentLaws #DataSecurity #BrandReputation #BeyondThePump #CFCA #Podcast

Learn more about the California Fules + Convenience Alliance HERE ______________________________________________________

In our inaugural episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Taha Saleh, a prominent figure in the fuels industry. From spending his early years in the back of the family store to now owning and managing his own gas station, Taha shares his profound connection with the business. We explore the challenges he faced, the close-knit community he's built around his store, and the significant moments that shaped his path in the industry.

You’ll hear about the evolution of Taha's business, from a traditional neighborhood market to a modern convenience store focusing on food services and community engagement. Learn about the impact of fluctuating gas prices, the rise of electric vehicles, and the ongoing battle against retail theft. Taha opens up about the industry's response to legislative changes, environmental policies, and the role of organizations like CFCA in supporting small businesses.

Join us for insightful conversations about the future of gas stations, the growing emphasis on fresh and homemade food offerings, and the vital role these establishments play as cultural hubs in neighborhoods and towns. Beyond the Pump is more than just a podcast—it's a journey through the heart of the fuel industry.

Podcast Notes:

- Taha Saleh's early life in the family business shaped his passion for the fuel industry.

- The store's evolution from a traditional market to a convenience store with a focus on fresh food.

- Insights into the impact of fluctuating gas prices and the challenges gas station owners face.

- Taha's commitment to community engagement and building relationships with customers.

- The changing landscape of retail theft and its effects on small businesses.

- Exploring the future of gas stations amidst the rise of electric vehicles and environmental policies.

- The role of organizations like CFCA in supporting small businesses and fostering a sense of community.

- Diversifying services to include fresh, homemade food offerings for customers.

- A glimpse into Taha's vision for the future, with potential expansions and industry adaptations.

- Beyond the Pump serves as a platform for insightful discussions about the past, present, and future of the fuel industry.