The first service group, CEP Strategic Advisor, essentially augments a c-store chain's senior management team with Ehrlich's more than 20 years of industry and management consulting knowledge and expertise. CEP Strategic Advisor provides fresh perspectives on client's current operations [image-nocss] and industry trends in order to enhance both short-term and long-term financial performance. Three distinct offers of this practice include a high-level advisory service; a comprehensive corporate review and continuous improvement program; and leadership retreats and strategy development sessions.
The second service group, CEP Project Catalyst, is structured to meet more targeted needs. It provides a similar level of executive experience on projects in the areas of operations, human resources, marketing, communications, social media and technology.
"Sometimes a company knows it just needs help strengthening its brand, developing a new store prototype, improving an employee incentive program or creating an effective loyalty program," Ehrlich said. "Convenience Evolution Partners has created this new service structure to cater to these more episodic needs."
He added, "The changes taking place in the c-store industry offer a great opportunity for forward-thinking retailers. With the major oil companies exiting retail and the growing importance of foodservice, we can expect to see more innovative, customer-focused chains gain market share by establishing themselves as quality, regional brands."
Ehrlich announced the creation of Convenience Evolution Partners in September 2010 as he transitioned from COO of Certified Oil to a consulting role with the Columbus, Ohio-based company, which is how he started working with the 80-store retailer in 2006.
He began his career in the c-store and petroleum industry in 1986 with Massachusetts-based Best Petroleum and Munchies Place c-stores where he learned the business from the ground up. Best Petroleum operated 16 stores and supplied another 20 dealers. Over an eight-year period, he worked as a full-serve attendant, sales associate, manager, district manager, fuel dispatcher, environmental compliance officer and marketing manager. In 1995, he became the vice president of operations and held that position until he assisted in the transfer of the retail operations to Sunoco in 1999.
Upon completing his MBA in marketing and entrepreneurship in 2000 from Babson College he joined A.T. Kearney, a global business strategy and operations consulting firm. There he worked with Fortune 2500 companies on major initiatives such as logistics optimization, customer segmentation marketing, and strategic cost reductions.
"I am excited to combine all of my c-store, petroleum and consulting experience with the passion and commitment of convenience store professionals to develop more competitive and profitable business models to serve a new generation of consumer needs and preferences," said Ehrlich.
Convenience Evolution Partners is a strategy, marketing and operations consulting firm serving the convenience and petroleum industry and is based in Columbus, Ohio.
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