I’ve always had a soft spot for first responders—people who run toward danger. And also for people who can fix things—those guys you call when your sump pump backs up or you discover a bee hive in your attic. In my extended family there are nurses, teachers, firefighters, EMTs, state troopers, sheriff’s deputies, federal law enforcement agents, former soldiers and sailors, and the skilled trades guys who can rebuild engines, raise houses, wire commercial buildings and operate heavy equipment. Most would, as the saying goes, “give the shirt off their backs” to help people in need.

2020 has hurled some scary stuff at us, and who knows what fresh hell awaits us in 2021?

Whenever disaster strikes, it seems, quotes from Fred Rogers of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” fame, circulate on social media. “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping,’” Rogers said to the children viewing his TV show.

Well, 2020 has hurled some scary stuff at us, and who knows what fresh hell awaits us in 2021? Increasingly, as I immerse myself in NACS and get to know our members, I’m amazed at the resilience of this industry—and the optimism—albeit held somewhat in check by the peculiar challenges of operating an essential business amid a pandemic and a recession. This month we share the stories of some of the heroes in our industry: small operators with huge hearts who certainly aren’t passively sitting this year out. They are fighting every day for their employees, businesses and communities. If you read just one article in this issue—and I challenge you to read them all—make it the cover story (and not because I wrote it).

When you log on for the NACS Crack the Code Experience this month, you’ll see interviews with a few of our heroes: Lonnie McQuirter of 36 Lyn Refuel Station (Nov. 4); Rachel Krupa of The Goods Mart (Nov. 18) and Don Rhoads of The Convenience Group (Nov. 25). These interviews and more will be featured in a dozen-plus Spotlight Sessions rolling out over the five weeks of Crack the Code. Of course, you’ll also be able to select among the more than 45 education sessions and have 24/7 access to innovative product showrooms and forge connections with attendees from around the world.

I suspect some of you may have “Zoom fatigue.” I get it. Not another virtual event! Listen, I’ve had a sneak peek at what’s in store for you, and it’s quite exciting. You know that exhausted-but-satisfied-ideas-percolating feeling you get after a day at the NACS Show? I promise that your NACS bucket will be full when you journey through your own Crack the Code Experience. But your feet won’t hurt, and you can get away with wearing those sweatpants you should have trashed two years ago.

I miss you, friends. Be well.