McQuirter takes NACS helm as Sudeikis shares lessons on listening

LAS VEGAS – Community, employee development and the value of listening connected the messages of newly named NACS chairman Lonnie McQuirter and actor Jason Sudeikis during Wednesday’s General Session at the NACS Show.

McQuirter, director of operations for 36 Lyn Refuel Station in Minneapolis, opened the session after beginning his 2026-27 term following the association’s October 6 Board of Directors meeting.

He shared a video of a preschooler who said he wanted to work at a gas station when he grew up. Parents and teachers laughed, as they had when another child said he wanted to become a T. rex. McQuirter suggested the first youngster’s ambition reflected the sense of community he felt at the store rather than perceptions of the occupation’s status.

“Our store, 36 Lyn Refuel Station, sits in one of the most diverse communities in the country,” said McQuirter. “We have customers from all walks of life; some well-off, others less so. We’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

He described convenience retailing as work that goes beyond transactions to caring for people, including customers navigating difficult moments in their lives.

“So the next time someone tells you convenience stores don’t matter, remember that people like the four-year-old boy see it. Then hold your head high. This work matters. It always has, and it always will.”

Reflecting on more than 20 years in the industry, McQuirter identified two competitive advantages: investing in people and maintaining curiosity.

“You have to hire right, train them, support them and let them share the vision,” he said.

McQuirter said he regularly takes his employees to fine dining restaurants, where they can enjoy a meal and observe how those establishments deliver service.

“I want my team to experience that. And I want them to exemplify that at the store,” McQuirter said.

He encouraged retailers to remain open to learning and to think of their businesses as selling an experience.

“The moment we think we know everything is the moment we stop growing.”

“We’re not just conducting transactions, we’re cultivating relationships,” McQuirter said. “And most of all, we are important because sometimes without realizing it, we change lives for the better.”

After McQuirter’s presentation, former “Saturday Night Live” producer Lindsay Shookus joined Sudeikis onstage to talk about his roots, his early steps into comedy, and the importance of community.

Sudeikis offered a humorous explanation for his initial interest in improvisational comedy.

“There was no homework. Failing was baked in. Improv was the perfect art form for talented and lazy people.”

Behind the humor, he described improvisation as training in paying attention to others.

“The root of improv is asking questions and listening. The best part of improv is you develop a skill of listening.”

Sudeikis recalled initially feeling like a failure after being hired as an “SNL” writer. Working with Tina Fey helped him recognize how his improvisational experience could translate to writing, though the work remained demanding.

He also shared an early moment when “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels insisted that he warm up the studio audience.

“I did not want to do it. But Lorne was adamant. I was substitute teacher energy.”

When the audience didn’t respond, Michaels approached and asked if he could help. Sudeikis accepted, then introduced Michaels as Dick Ebersol, the NBC executive and “SNL” co-creator. The introduction drew a laugh, and Bill Murray gave a thumbs-up as he walked past.