Fall - Winter 2011

Fuel For Thought!
BOSSELMAN
COMPANIES
What’s
Inside
Bosselman Companies Newsletter
Fall/Winter 2011
Grand Island Bosselman Travel Center featured
on American Trucker TV Show
Grand Island Bosselman
Travel Center Featured On
American Trucker TV Show
UNI-MAXX Network Formed
Boss Shop News
Laramie Boss Shop Manager
Ques Up Celebrity Match
Driver Appreciation Celebrated
September 15 at all Boss Shops
Rotella Coolant Display Contest
Winners!!!
Letters From Our Customers
Happy 1st Birthday Danger!
Danger 2012 Schedule
Danger Miami Tryouts
Former Huskers Headline
Nebraska Danger Signings
for October
Cozad Customer Wins Truck
From the Holt County
Independent
2nd Annual Car Show Rolls
Out At Pump & Pantry #1
Celebrity Customer Visits
Max’s Highway Diner
Bosselman United Way/Patriot
Tailgate
Congressman Adrian Smith
Addresses Human
Resources Staff
Bosselman Corporate Staff
Participate in Grand Island Games
Robb Mariani helping out at the
Bosselman Travel Center
Charlie Bosselman being interviewed by Robb Mariani
The Grand Island Bosselman Travel Center, including
Grandma Max’s and the Boss Shop, were featured
in an episode of “American Trucker” on the Speed
channel titled “Undercover Truck Stop”. The episode
premiered at 9 pm on Thursday, Aug. 4. Show host
Robb Mariani was at the Grand Island Bosselman
Travel Center for several days in June shooting the
episode with a production crew from Brentwood
Communications International of California. The
episode is available for viewing on Speed’s website,
Host Robb Mariani helping out at the Boss Shop at the
Bosselman Travel Center
at www.speedtv.com/programs/american-trucker/
watch-episodes
American Trucker, produced by Bud Brutsman
(Brentwood Communications International, Inc. (BCII))
of Hot Rod TV, Payback, Overhaulin’ and Rides fame.
Premiering new episodes every Thursday night at 10
p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, and hosted by trucking-enthusiast
Robb Mariani (www.robbmariani.com), the show takes
a look at some of the most iconic machines, routes
and locations that define this admirable occupation.
UNI-MAXX Network Formed
On July 12, Bosselman Inc. and The Goodyear Tire &
Rubber Company announced their new on-highway
truck service network, called UNI-MAXX TRUCK CARE.
Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems, LLC, a subsidiary of
Goodyear, and Boss Truck Shops, Inc., a subsidiary of
Bosselman, Inc., are the first two members, participating
through their on-highway locations (Wingfoot Truck Care
Centers and Boss Shops). The UNI-MAXX TRUCK
CARE network began operations with 71 on-highway
commercial truck maintenance facilities positioned to
provide outstanding service to the trucking industry. Many of the network shops are located at Pilot Travel Centers
and Flying J Travel Plazas. Members of the UNI-MAXX TRUCK CARE network will provide consistent products and
services, a nationwide warranty, and 24/7 roadside assistance.
“Participating in this network broadens the Boss Truck Shop footprint across the country in the truck repair business,”
said Chuck Bosselman, Chairman of Bosselman, Inc. “We’re excited about the benefits the UNI-MAXX TRUCK
CARE network provides to Boss’s existing and new customers. The network will help us, and other network
members, to take care of our customers and gain their trust.”
“Goodyear is dedicated to establishing a seamless, nationwide network of on-highway truck service shops that
provides consistent products and services to all of our customers,” said Clint Schrock, director of on-highway
operations for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. “The network will earn our customers’ trust through quality
work; safe, clean facilities; and professional, friendly staff,” Schrock said.
”At Wingfoot, we are growing our on-highway presence to provide our customers with more convenient access to
the products and services they need when they are on the road,” said Phillip Kane, President and COO of Wingfoot
Commercial Tire Systems, LLC, “and our participation in the UNI-MAXX TRUCK CARE network enables us to
immediately offer customers a more expansive on-highway solution.”
Boss Shop News
A Sizzlin’ 777s Tire Sale was held this summer at all Boss Shops. Each Shop was encouraged to build a display for the sale, and a
contest was held for the biggest and best display from each region. Each winning location received a $777 check. Congratulations
to the Sizzlin’ 777’s Tire Display Winners: Region 1 – Ehrenberg, Arizona; Region 2 – Big Springs, Nebraska; Region 3 – Brookshire,
Texas; Region 4 – Hebron, Indiana; Region 5 – Corbin, Kentucky.
Region 1 Winner: Ehrenberg, Arizona
Region 4 Winner: Hebron, Indiana
Region 3 Winner: Brookshire, Texas
Region 2 Winner: Big Springs, Nebraska
Region 5 Winner: Corbin, Kentucky
In addition to the display contest, a sales contest was held, with the winning location from each region receiving a $777 check. The
Shops competed to have the highest percentage increase in tire unit sales over the past 3 months. Congratulations to the Sizzlin
777’s Tire Sales Contest winners: Region 1 – Laramie, Wyoming; Region 2 – Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Region 3 – Weatherford,
Texas; Region 4 – Smithton, Pennsylvania; Region 5 – Memphis, Indiana.
Effective August 1, 2011, Tony Chapman
joined the Bosselman Sales Department
as the Fleet Solutions Manager at the
Corporate Office. Tony is responsible for
managing existing Boss Shop accounts
while prospecting, marketing, and growing
our UNIMAXX network. Tony can be reached
via email at [email protected]
or at (308) 382-5501 ext. 302.
The Boss Care Center is our companyowned call center for dispatching roadside
service calls to the Boss Shops. When the
Shops close, their phones go to 1-888-595BOSS (2677) and calls are answered by
the Boss Care Center staff Monday through
Friday 9 pm to 9 am, and Saturday and
Sunday 24 hours a day beginning at 9 am
Saturday morning. The Boss Care Center
is managed by Tammy Bottolfson, who
brings many years of Shop experience
from her previous role as the Grand Island
Boss Shop Parts Manager. When the Boss
Care Center isn’t open, the 888 number is
answered by Fleet HQ (through Goodyear),
so 24-7, there’s always someone available
to answer the call from a driver needing
roadside assistance.
An exciting contest sponsored by ExxonMobil was held in the Shops from July 1st
thru August 31st. The objectives were to achieve 60% Mobil market share, and to
have the largest increase in PM’s over the past 2 months’ sales. The winners spent
a fun-filled weekend in late October in Birmingham, Alabama, including the Outdoor
Adventure Experience, at a renowned resort called Pursell Farms. This resort is known
in the southeast for its world-class 5-stand clay shooting, fishing, golfing and other
outdoor activities. On Sunday, the winners attended the BIG EVENT: the coveted
Talledega NASCAR Race — made even better by meeting Tony Stewart at the Mobil
Hospitality tent! The Shop managers who won this trip are: Cory Raab - Rapid City,
South Dakota; Tim Hawes - Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Eddie Alonzo - Jamestown,
New Mexico; Shawn Osborne - Ehrenberg, Arizona; Chuck Richter - Gary, Indiana;
Craig Wilson - Hebron, Indiana; Dave Dillon - Ft. Chiswell, Virginia; Calvin McQueen
- Corbin, KY; Harm Asbury - Brookshire, Texas; Jason Jones - Salina, Kansas; Allan
Burton - Ogden, Utah. The group was accompanied by Randy Haines and Doug Doty
from the Bosselman corporate office. Congratulations!
The 34 Bosselman Boss Shops
were recently reorganized into 6
Regions. The Boss Shop managers
report to Regional Managers:
Region 1: Allan Burton, Region 2:
(currently open & being handled
by Doug Doty); Region 3: Jason
Jones; Region 4: Chuck Hudson;
Region 5: Ajay Hobbs, and Region
6: Ray Johnson. The Regional
Managers report to Doug Doty and
Randy Haines.
Bosselman Family of Companies “Fuel for Thought”
Newsletter is produced and distributed semi-annually
by the Bosselman Corporate Marketing Department.
Editor: Stephanie King-Witt, Director of Marketing
Layout/Design: David Beach, Graphic Designer
For news coverage, please contact Stephanie King-Witt at
308-381-2800 ext. 144 or email [email protected] Deadlines for articles are May 1 and October 1
each year.
Letters From Our Customers
I just want to share with all of you the email and
attached picture my granddaughter received after
purchasing beef jerky for the troops at the Danger
game on May 28. Aryanna will be 9 on July 15 and
will be a 4th grader this fall at LaVista Elementary
in LaVista, NE. Her daddy is full time with the NE
National Guard, so she is very aware of the support
our troops deserve. Hearing from this soldier really
made her proud:
Dear Aryanna,
My name is SGT Eric Leukert. I am a Crew Chief on
UH-60 Blackhawks in the Army. I am part of C Co.
2-135th GSAB (General Support Aviation Battalion)
base out of NE. We just received the package of
jerky and I wanted to take a moment to say thank you
for thinking of us. Our mission in Iraq is to provide Air Ambulance support to the troops on
the ground here in country. If someone gets hurt, we get the call to pick them up and take
them to a hospital. Fortunately, we haven’t been very busy. We started our deployment on
1 Dec 10 and have been in Iraq since February 11. We are scheduled to come back home
some time in November of this year.
Thanks again for your thoughts,
Eric
So from my family, I want to thank the Danger organization for their effort to keep our troops
in everyone’s thoughts and prayers. They do not choose to be at war, they choose to serve
and protect this nation and all of the citizens of it from war.
- Pat Nansel, Bosselman Inc. Accounts Payable Supervisor via email
I wanted to take a moment and thank you for all of the beef jerky that was donated by the Nebraska
Danger Football fans in Grand Island, NE. It was a nice surprise from home. We made it last for
quite a while and in fact we just finished the last few packages the other day.
We appreciate the overwhelming support we have received from your fan base. It helps pass
the time and ease some of the discomforts from being so far from home. Please know that your
generosity will help keep the spirits high and continue to make a difference in the lives of deployed
Soldiers.
Thank you on behalf of the C Co 2-135th General Support Aviation Battalion for supporting
America’s war on terrorism during Operation New Dawn, while deployed to Iraq.
Very Respectfully,
- 1SG Tomas Ortiz via letter
Thank You Bosselman Boss Shop of Ft.
Chiswell, WV for the excellent service.That is
hard to find in this industry and I am greatly
appreciative.
- Alan F. Wilke via Facebook
Everyone has heard horror stories of vehicle
breakdowns. Let me tell you this one. Labor
Day, Des Moines, about 7:30 pm. I needed a
tire repair.
I did not get the young man’s name and I
thought it would be on my ticket, long story
short – yes, I can fix that valve stem for
you was his reply. He was quick, efficient,
and polite, and made me feel like a special
customer. It was so great to see an employee
who was proud of his job and so confident.
Then the big shocker, I couldn’t believe it, I had
a $100 worth of stress and they took care of
it for a paltry $17.00. Thanks, Thanks. All the
employees I had contact with were very nice.
Again, thanks.
- Gerald Curren, Omaha, Nebr. via letter
I thank you for putting up the display about
9/11 [inside the Grand Island Bosselman
Travel Center]. That’s quite a testimony to the
people who died that terrible day, and also to
you and your establishment. Hope you keep
it a long time, and have other good things.
We need faith and values in this time. Thanks
again. It touched my heart and I’m sure it
does many others! God Bless You.
- Marcia, Lincoln, Nebr. via letter
Fabulous night on the road! The [Grand
Island, Nebraska] Motel 6 is entirely
updated. It is clean and lovely. The staff is
friendly and helpful. The menus in the room
led us to partake in a delicious inexpensive
meal at Grandma Max’s at the adjoining
Bosselman’s Travel Center. Located on the
riverside, which is beautiful, but bring insect
repellent in the summer. More like a resort
than a cheap motel.
- Excerpted from Trip Advisor,
from Silver Plumer via internet
I stopped by the Grand Island (by I-80)
facility on 08/11/11 on my way to my home in
Topeka, Kansas to get gas. While I was there
I accidently left my cell phone in the store. I
did not realize this until I was home in Topeka
(about 225 miles away). That night I called
the station and talked to Dave. Dave said that
someone turned in the phone and he would
put it in the safe for safe keeping. The next
day (8/12/11) I called to talk to a manager
to see if they could mail my phone to my
home address in Topeka. I talked to Robert
Williams and he was very helpful. After I set
up a Fed Ex account he took time out of his
day to pack and ship my cell phone to my
home address.
I just wanted to send a note expressing my
thanks to Robert Williams and his team for
going above and beyond to ensure that they
took care of their customer. I know they all
had additional priorities that day but it is
nice to see that they took that additional
time to ensure I got my cell phone. I travel
quite frequently and I will ensure that I make
Bosselman’s one of my regular stops.
Thank you again!
- Chad Riveland,
Technical Business Unit Leader,
Frito-Lay, Inc., Topeka Site via email
I recently took a trip to central Texas. On the
way down my car’s back tire started scraping
the wheel well. Upon ariving in Weatherford,
Texas I noticed a Boss Shop across the street
from my hotel. The next morning I went over
and asked if one of the guys could look at
my car and tell me what was wrong. I went to
the Boss Shop because I used to work at the
Bosselman Travel Center in Salina, KS. The
shop manager, Terry Rentfro, was very helpful
and had me pull my car in the shop and he
looked at it. He told me what I needed and told
me that he could fix it if I got the parts. I came
back in a hour or so and he took time to look
at my car again. I did get a family member to
fix my car so didn’t need him to fix my car after
all. I just wanted to pass on how friendly and
helpful the Boss Shops are to even travelers in
the small four-wheeled vehicles also. Thanks
again from a very grateful traveler.
- Karen Byrum via email
I would like to commend your Rapid City
Bosselman Travel Center manager. We
were in the store yesterday, and saw an
AC/DC refrigerator in your ad. I asked him
where they were, and was informed he
was out of them, but expected a shipment
shortly. After telling him we would not be
in the area in the near future, he spent
time still explaining the advantages of the
refrigerator, and gave us a sheet with all
the locations to see if we could find one to
purchase a fridge at another location. He
was a super gentleman and we felt like
valued customers when we left. Keep up
the good work!
- Jim and Sharon Herrmann via email
Laramie Boss Shop Manager
Cues Up Celebrity Match
Driver Appreciation Celebrated
September 15 at all Boss Shops
TULSA SHOP
Guy Johnson and Tony Stewart Playing Pool
Guy Johnson, manager of the Laramie Boss Shop, had a surprise
competitor during a routine game of pool while attending the
Brickyard 400. Guy, along with seven other Boss Shop Managers,
were rewarded with a trip to Indianapolis for their overall increase
in Mobil sales. Driver Tony Stewart challenged Guy to a game
of pool during the evening’s festivities the night before the race.
Unfortunately, Guy did not come out a winner, as Tony is quite the
pool shark!
Craig Wilson, Hebron,
Indiana Boss Shop
Manager, sends this
photo: My wife Jennifer,
daughter
Chesney
and I, supporting our
Nebraska Danger at
the NASCAR Hall of
Fame in Charlotte, NC!
We wear these shirts
as a family on every
camping trip also!
The Tulsa Boss Shop teamed up with the travel center (AVP) and
restaurant (KICKS 66 DINER) and went BIG! Showing off what
looked like a miniature state fair, antique trucks, show trucks,
vendors including Budweiser, Pepsi, and Michelin, and even a local
band filled the property with fun for Driver Appreciation. Pictured
above at right are Dustan Walker (Tulsa Shop manager) and Jason
Jones (Region 3 Manager).
ALTOONA SHOP
The Altoona Boss Shop served 144 hamburgers and 80 hot dogs,
lots of pop and potato salad, and gave away lots of goodies! It was
a great turn out.
Rotella Coolant Display Contest Winners!!!
These winners in the Rotella Coolant Display Contest had the best display of the Shops in their region, and each winning location received
a $100 Shell gift card.
Ehrenberg, Arizona Boss Shop
Black River Falls, Wisconsin Boss Shop
Morton’s Gap, Kentucky Boss Shop
Weatherford, Texas Boss Shop
Dallas, Texas Boss Shop
Gary, Indiana BossShop
Princeton, Illinois Boss Shop
Happy 1st Birthday
Danger!
B o s s e l m a n
Entertainment LLC
and the Nebraska
Danger
Indoor
Professional Football
Team celebrated the
team’s 1st birthday on
October 4, 2011 with
the announcement
that Mike Davis will continue in his role of Head
Coach of the Nebraska Danger for the 2012
season.
Additionally, after recently returning from the
IFL’s annual League Meetings in Chicago,
General Manager Mike McCoy is pleased to
announce that the Nebraska Danger’s season
ticket sales and sponsorship sales lead the
league. “I’m extremely excited with where we
are at in our off-season progress and sales
and recruiting efforts for the 2012 season,”
comments McCoy. “Our 2012 schedule should
be announced soon. Season tickets and are
still available, so please contact the Heartland
Events Center Box Office to order. Go Danger!”
Cozad Customer Wins Truck
The Nebraska Lottery presented Gonzalo Olvera a new Ford F-150 at Pump and Pantry #32
on Wednesday, September 7. Gonzalo purchased the winning Truck$ and Buck$ ticket from
the Cozad Pump & Pantry on Wednesday, August 31. Jill Marshall, Key Accounts Manager
from the Nebraska Lottery, along with District Manager Joleen Linder and Store Manager
Michelle Cunningham presented the truck to Gonzalo. The store was also recognized for
selling the winning ticket. Channel 2 News from North Platte was present to cover the event.
From the Holt County Independent:
2012 Nebraska Danger Schedule
Thurs. Feb. 23
Sun. March 4
Mon. March 12
Fri. March 23
Sat. March 31
Thurs. April 5
Sat. April 14
Sat. April 21
Fri. April 27
Sat. May 5
Sat. May 12
Sat. May 19
Sat. June 2
Sat. June 9
Sat. June 16
Pre-Season Scrimmage
vs. Tri-Cities Fever *6:05 pm
vs. Omaha Beef
vs. Wyoming Cavalry
@ Allen Wranglers
@ Everett Raptors
vs. Wichita Wild
@ Sioux Falls Storm
vs. Everett Raptors
@ Colorado Ice
@ Omaha Beef
@ Wichita Wild
vs. Allen Wranglers
vs. Omaha Beef
@ Cedar Rapids Titans
A special thank you to the Staff of O’Neill’s
Pump & Pantry store and Bosselman, Inc.
for hosting Dogs for Dogs during the Month
of May. A WHOPPING $638.00 was raised
for this fundraiser for the O’Neill Police
Department K-9 Unit. (left to right; Chief Larry
Wanamaker, Pump & Pantry Asst. Manager
Nancy Stowell, Manager Jackie Frerichs,
Inv. Rachel Kohlman, Sgt. Matt Otte)
Grandma Max’s, Motel 6 and Sam
Bass of Big Springs, Nebr. won the
grand champion trophy for Balloon
Float in the South Platte High School
Homecoming Parade.
2nd Annual Car Show Rolls Out At Pump & Pantry #1
All games start at 7:05 pm unless noted.
Home games are played at the Heartland Events
Center, Grand Island, Nebraska
*Schedule subject to change, check www.
dangerfootball.com
Miami Tryouts
Pump & Pantry #1 hosted their 2nd Annual Classic Car show on June 2, 2011. Dash
plaques sponsored by Affordable Auto were given to the first 50 entries. Over 50 cars,
ranging from old to new, were on display and enjoyed by the crowd. Prizes were also given
away to entry participants and individuals who attended the show. Thanks to everyone for
making it a huge success!
On Saturday, October 15, the Danger held
an open tryout at Miami Northwestern
Senior High School in Miami, Florida.
Celebrity Customer Visits Max’s Highway Diner
Former Huskers Headline
Nebraska Danger Signings
for October
Frantz Hardy and Brandon Johnson, both
former Nebraska Cornhusker football players,
have signed with the Danger for the 2012
season. Hardy, a 5’10” 190 lb wide receiver,
played for the Huskers from 2005-08. Johnson,
a 6’4” 315 lb defensive lineman, provided depth
on the defensive front in 2006-07.
Max’s Highway Diner staff (left to right) Mary Thrasher, Rosemary Gill, and
Melanie Tatum share a hug with actor and customer Donald Sutherland.
A surprise customer stopped by
Max’s Highway Diner in Altoona
for a quick bite on July 9. Actor
Donald Sutherland had breakfast
with his wife at the Altoona
eatery. Manager Amanda White
comments, “Donald was very
genuine and courteous to all of
our staff. He took the time for all
the employees to have a photo
with him. He sat at the counter
like any regular customer.”
Bosselman United Way/Patriot Tailgate
Randy Haines mans the burgers and dogs at the grill.
Bosselman Corporate office staff enjoy the beautiful weather at the tailgate. Mike Daniels awaits a dunking at the dunk tank.
A Heartland United Way Husker Tailgate fundraiser was held
at the Corporate Offices in the south parking lot on Friday,
September 9. Burgers, brats, beans, chips, Subway cookies,
and pop were served for $7 a ticket. Food, drink, and prizes were
donated by these sponsors: DAS, Lynco, KSG, Grand General,
Kinco, Frahm, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Heinz, Advance Foods/
Pierre, Johnsonville, Bosselman Inc., Bosselman Energy/Oil
Warehouse/GI Propane, Sara Lee Bakery, Subway, Starbucks,
Grandma Max’s, Fonner View Golf Course, Boss Shop,
Caribou Coffee, Little Caesars, and Nebraska Danger, with all
proceeds going to the United Way. Mary Gordon presented
Husker Trivia for Husker prizes; raffle tickets were sold for a
variety of other prizes. New this year was a dunking booth,
which proved to be quite popular! The retail Tailgate Planning
Committee included: Craig Garrett, Leslie Smith, Ramona
Otto, Steph Keezer, Mitch Maire, Sheila Hollister, Frank Haack,
Erin Blauhorn, JR Rother, Paul Turek, Mary Gordon, and Helen
Batenhorst. Local police, fire, and emergency medical staff
were invited as well as military. Jim and Dee Price, campaign
co-chairs, and Stephanie Kissler, Director of Campaign &
Community Impact, all attended on behalf of the Heartland
United Way. NTV News’ Annie Andrews came to do a story
on the event, and Mayor Jay Vavricek joined in the fun as well.
Bosselman’s own Ron Robbins brought his son Rueben, who
was home on leave from serving in the Army in South Korea.
The tailgate was very well attended in the beautiful September
weather! Bosselman Companies raised $1,287 from this event
and are pleased to support the Heartland United Way!
Bosselman Corporate Staff
Participate in Grand Island Games
Congressman Adrian Smith
Addresses Human Resources Staff
Team Green Volleyball
Erin Blauhorn playing Minute to Win it!
On July 29-30, Bosselman employees participated in a variety
of activities during the Grand Island Parks & Recreation’s Grand
Island Games. The Grand Island Games is an exciting Olympicstyle team event, with the goal of allowing participants to experience
a wide variety of recreational activities, meet new people, build
company pride, promote community unity, and have fun!
2011 Bosselman Inc. participants included: Mitch Maire, Erin
Blauhorn, Sheila Hollister, Darren Marquez, Paul Turek, David
Beach, Kaylie Perry, James Poynter, Micah Kamla, and Andrea
Jones, with Ramona Otto as Captain. The “Green Team”
participated in games such as Minute to Win It, Free Throw Contest,
Tug of War, Sand Volleyball, Trivia, Obstacle Course, Table Tennis,
Texas Hold ‘Em, Ladder Golf, and more!
Team Bosselman took 4th place overall and was awarded the
prestigious “Corporate Cup” for 2011. Teams that participate with
only company employees and spouses were eligible to win this
special award!
Speaking on topics relative to health care reform and other
employment related issues, U.S. Congressman Adrian Smith
spoke to a group of local Human Resources professionals on
September 28 in Grand Island. The Central Nebraska Human
Resource Management Association’s board, which includes
several Bosselman and Bosselman Energy employees (Craig
Garrett, President Elect; Leslie Smith, Foundation Chair; Sheila
Hollister, Treasurer, and Carol Sample, Secretary), invited the
Congressman with the intention of developing a dialogue that could
potentially prove valuable as a key employment related legislation
moves through the House of Representatives.
The meeting was held at Five Points Bank on Stolley Park and was
limited to current CNHRMA members. Approximately 30 HR leaders
from the Tri-Cities attended and many shared their views and were
provided opportunities to ask questions of the Congressman. In all,
the 90 minute meeting was an important first step in developing a
relationship that could prove rewarding and influential in the future.