Spring - Summer 2012

Fuel For Thought!
Bosselman Companies Newsletter
Spring/Summer 2012
Bosselman Family: Community Builders
What’s
Inside
Bosselman Family:
Community Builders
Bosselman Mission Statement
Success! Our Retail Locations
Supporting Our Mission
Boss Shops AmBest
Tire Sale Contest
Bosselman Boss Shops
Announce Partnership
With TruckersB2B
About TruckersB2B
Bosselman Sells 7
Travel Centers To Pilot;
Will Add 20 Boss Shops
Ogden Boss Shop Manager
Participates In Super
Tech Competition
Remembering Chuck Continued
Honoring “The Boss”
Remembering Chuck
Letters From Our Customers
Danger Football 2012 Update
Pump & Pantry #38 Gretna
Dominates St. Jude’s Fundraiser
BIG MAX Contest Featured
At Danger Games
Sioux Falls Special Olympics
Trucker’s Convoy - Fall 2011
Pump & Pantry Halloween
Display Contest
Team CB Participates In
Race for Grace
Easter Bunny @ Grand Island
Grandma Max’s
Easter Bunny @ Max’s Highway Diner
PRICELESS!
SPOTTED: Casey’s Truck At
St. Paul Pump & Pantry
2012 Bosselman/Gus
Fonner Stakes
2012 Bosselman
Leadership Conference
BOSSELMAN
COMPANIES
By Robert Pore
Reprinted from the Grand Island Independent, Thursday,
December 29, 2011
There’s a spirit of giving that pervades the Bosselman
family and the companies that they own.
It is the spirt of the Bosselman companies to get
involved, said Charlie Bosselman, president of
Bosselman Companies.
“We can’t do everything, but we try where we can, and
we get involved where we can,” Bosselman said. “We
know where we came from. So it is important for us to
give back.”
Over the years, the Bosselmans’ generosity has
added to the quality of life in the communities where
their companies are located, along with the thousands
of individuals whose lives have been touched by this
Grand Island-based business.
The Bosselman family are the recipients of this year’s
Grand Island Independent Community Builders Award,
which honors an individual, family or business whose
generosity has enriched and improved the community
over the years.
The Bosselmans, during a period of more than 60
years, have not only built a business that stretches over
20 states, but have also given back, along with their
employees, to Grand Island and the many communities
where their companies do business.
Organizations that have been helped by the Bosselman
family over the years include Crane Meadows (now the
Nebraska Nature & Visitor Center); the Heartland Events
Center; Fonner Park and the $75,000 Bosselman/Gus
Fonner Stakes; Big Brothers Big Sisters; Boy Scouts;
Girl Scouts; Crisis Center; American Red Cross; United
Way; Stuhr Museum; Children’s Miracle Network;
MADD; Make-A-Wish Foundation; DARE; Goodwill
Industries; academic scholarships; College Park;
4-H; Zion Lutheran Church and School; the Worms
community; Arthritis Foundation Nebraska Chapter;
and the National Cancer Society Foundation.
Heartland United Way President Karen Rathke said
the Bosselmans have always been strong supporters
of the annual United Way campaign and the many
fundraisers the United Way sponsors.
Rathke said the Bosselman Pump & Pantry stations
also collect toys for the Toys for Tots campaign during
the Christmas season. The Nebraska Danger football
team, which is owned by the Bosselman family, also
has helped to raise funds for the United Way.
“Their support has been very instrumental in the
success of our fundraising campaigns,” Rathke said.
When Charlie Bosselman said, “We know where
we came from,” he was referring to the business’s
humble beginnings in 1948, when his grandfather, Fred
Bosselman, a farmer and part-time truck driver, and his
wife, Maxine, opened the Bosselman & Eaton Truck
Stop on Highway 30 in Grand Island with his brother
Charles and brother-in-law and sister, Al and Charlotte
Eaton.
According to the company’s website, the truck stop
developed a reputation for good food and good service.
In 1965, Fred Bosselman built the Bosselman Truck
Plaza at the intersection of the new Interstate 80 and
Highway 281.
Bosselman Companies are privately held with more
than 1,200 employees.
Over the years, the business became a family affair with
the addition of Fred’s sons, daughters and their spouses
and expanded into many new ventures, supervised by
Fred Bosselman’s sons, Fred Bosselman Jr. and Chuck
Bosselman, and his grandson, Charlie Bosselman.
Charlie Bosselman said that, for 63 years, the
companies have continued to be leaders in community
service through financial contributions, support of youth
scholarships, community events and volunteer efforts
of employees.
Bosselman said giving back to the community is an
ethic passed down by his parents and grandparents.
“We always tried to set ourselves apart from the average
company by being part of the community,” Bosselman
said. “That is why we took it upon ourselves to get
involved in different activities and different things going on.”
Continued on page 3
1
Bosselman Mission Statement Success!
Our Retail Locations Supporting Our Mission
The Boss Shops division has made a concerted effort to work towards supporting the Bosselman Mission Statement, demonstrating
their results each month. Here are a few examples that were provided.
Hebron Boss Shop:
This
year we are focusing on
the
Bosselman
Mission
Statement. We have been
asked to focus on a couple
of the pillars on the Mission
Statement. I chose Integrity &
Pride first, not because I don’t
think we don’t have integrity
or pride, I just don’t always
see it. We need to believe in
Who and What we work for
and with or we will never be a
successful shop.
Grand Island Boss Shop: I am really pushing the cleanliness of
our facility, and trying to be the best at customer service.
Bentor Harbor Boss Shop: via the Boss Shop Call Center:
Just got a great compliment for Sylvester Langley (Technician
- Benton Harbor) and wanted to pass this along. Transport
America, Eric, stated he was very impressed with the service
Sylvester is providing them. Said he has gone over and above
to get their truck back on the road again. Great job to Sylvester!
This is a good indication that we will and are taking our Mission
Statement seriously!
Gary Boss Shop: At the Gary
Shop the values of integrity
and pride in our work is
automatic and required of
all employees as a condition
of employment. We ensure
our crew does work they can
be proud of and we always
strive to do the right thing. Our
challenges are keeping the
shop squeaky clean and trying
to have fun. There seems to be
more fun when the boss isn’t
here making everyone clean.
Here are some pictures of us
keeping it clean and acting like
we are having fun.
Laramie Boss Shop: We
have been working on that
first image here in Laramie
which covers the cleanliness
and friendliness areas. It
also gets into the pride area
as well. We always get
compliments on how neat
and tidy the showroom and
bathroom are. Most people
tell us our bathroom is too clean to be in a shop and joke with us
that we need to get some grease and spread it around in there. I
have also been pushing my guys to just work on every aspect of
the mission statement and help our customers the best we can.
As the numbers are starting to show, I think we are finally building
a good base and our reputation is getting better every day.
Ehrenberg
Boss
Shop:
With our new and improved
direction, Team Ehrenberg
strives on improving sales to
become #1 in the company
while maintaining our original
mission, to have pride in our
work, show friendliness to our
customers and one another,
to have integrity amongst us,
while having fun! in our clean
work environments. The new
Team Ehrenberg will always
have pride in the work we
perform every day, while
keeping our work environment
a clean and fun place to have
pride and integrity in.
MTD Ehrenberg has had
47 after hrs calls with no
missed calls!!!!!! One tech
has responded to 20 of these
calls and in one night he had
7 with only one at the shop
not missing a call. Stephen
Carmago is the MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boss Shops AmBest Tire Sales Contest
Three Boss Shop employees emerged victorious in the
Ambest Winter Tire Sales Contest, held October 1st thru
December 31st. The contest was open to sales people at all
Ambest member locations (approximately 65 locations across
the United States). The objective was to earn points by selling
Michelin and BFG tires on retail sales (National Account Tire
sales didn’t count). A minimum of 30 points was required to
enter the contest.
Shawn Osborne - Shop Manager at Ehrenberg, AZ sold 110
tires and won a $750 cash prize for 1st place
Alan Hart - Shop Manager at Mortons Gap, KY sold 103 tires
and won a $500 cash prize for 2nd place
Sara Cisneros - Servicewriter at Ehrenberg, AZ sold 65 tires
and won a $250 cash prize for 3rd place
The next closest contestant sold only 9 tires, so not only did
these 3 win, they put the rubber to the road and raced away
from the competition!! In January, the Boss Shops parted
ways from Ambest, so this was the last Ambest Tire Sales
Contest that Boss Shops will participate in. Way to Go!!!!
Congratulations to Shawn, Alan and Sara!!!!
2
Bosselman Boss Shops Announce
Partnership With TruckersB2B
Bosselman Sells 7 Travel Centers To
Pilot; Will Add 20 Boss Shops
Bosselman Boss Shops are pleased to announce a new
partnership with TruckersB2B. TruckersB2B is a businessto-business membership program that provides savings to
thousands of small and medium-sized trucking companies.
Jon Russell, CEO of TruckersB2B, comments, “TruckersB2B
constantly strives to provide our members savings on the best
providers in the industry and Boss Shops are a great fit. By
leveraging their 36 locations, our members can keep their
trucks on the road, have access to premium tires, and receive
a consistent experience, just like the largest fleets in North
America.”
“Boss Truck Shops recognize TruckersB2B as an industry
leader in providing savings to owner-operators, as well as
small and mid-sized fleets. We’re very pleased about this
new partnership with TruckersB2B,” said Charlie Bosselman,
President of the Bosselman Companies. “The Uni-Maxx
Network, through its members Boss Shops, Wingfoot Truck
Care, and Highway Service Ventures, is excited about the
opportunity to serve member fleets with first class facilities
and consistent products and services nationwide.”
Pilot Flying J and
Bosselman
Travel
Centers Inc. announced
January 5 that the sale of
seven Bosselman travel
centers in the Midwest
to Pilot Flying J has been
completed.
The centers are located in
Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska
and South Dakota and
opened for business Jan.
5 as Pilot Travel Centers.
The purchase of the
Charlie signing Pilot deal.
travel centers, for which
plans were originally announced in November, gives Pilot Flying J a
more complete presence in the Midwest.
“These seven stops significantly enhance our network by shrinking
the distance our customers travel to receive service in the Upper
Midwest,” said Pilot Flying J President and CEO Jimmy Haslam.
“The centers are also very driver-driven facilities. We know the
professional driver will enjoy and want to take advantage of this
expanded network.”
In addition to Pilot Flying J’s acquisition, the companies agreed
to expand Bosselman’s Boss Truck Shops repair facilities to 20
additional Pilot Flying J locations across the country.
Haslam said the expanded Boss Truck Shop locations at Pilot Flying
J would help drivers comply with federal regulations designed to
improve large truck and bus safety by reducing accidents involving
commercial vehicles.
Bosselman will maintain its Grand Island, Nebraska, BosselmanTravel
Center and with the sale will be able to place a stronger emphasis on
its truck repair shop network and full-service restaurants. Bosselman
will maintain the full service Grandma Max’s Restaurants inside the
Travel Centers in Salina, Kansas and Big Springs, Nebraska; Max’s
Highway Diner inside the Des Moines (Altoona), Iowa location; the
Boss Truck Shops located at Des Moines (Altoona), Iowa; Salina,
Kansas; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Big Springs, Nebraska; and
the Hampton Inn in Colby, Kansas. 36 Boss Shops across the United
States will continue to serve the transportation industry through the
Uni-Maxx Truck Care network, with over 80 shops nationwide.
The newly acquired centers are located in Des Moines (Altoona),
Iowa; Colby, Kansas; Salina, Kansas; Rapid City, South Dakota;
Big Springs, Nebraska; Wood River, Nebraska; and Elm Creek,
Nebraska.
At these locations, Pilot Flying J is increasing fast food offerings,
adding DEF at the pump and implementing the company’s loyalty
program, as well as enhancing showers and remodeling rest rooms.
“The transition has been a smooth one, and professional drivers and
traveling motorists will enjoy many of the same amenities that are
available at all Pilot Flying J locations nationwide,” Haslam said.
About TruckersB2B
TruckersB2B is a business-to-business membership program
that provides savings to thousands of small and mediumsized trucking companies. With rebates and discounts from
industry-leading vendors, TruckersB2B brings volume buying
power to smaller trucking companies and private fleets. The
discounts and rebates are provided to TruckersB2B members
by industry-leading vendors who are seeking to increase their
sales volume and market share by utilizing the TruckersB2B
marketing program to complement their traditional marketing
methods. Founded in February, 2000, TruckersB2B has over
23,000 member fleets representing over 520,000 trucks. To
date, TruckersB2B members have earned over $48 million
in rebates, not including the amount of savings members
have received through point-of-sale discounts. For more
information, go to: www.truckersb2b.com.
Ogden Boss Shop Manager Participates In Super Tech Competition
The Super Tech Competition is a skills based competition that
Ogden, Utah Boss Shop Manager Tim Hawes qualified for this
year. Each year, there is one regional competition, with three
to five states in each region. The top three finishers from each
region move on to the national event. There are 12 to 16 repair
stations at the national event, and the national winner gets a very
nice prize package: $10,000 in cash and tools from numerous
vendors.
The first portion was a paper test that was given to around 150
technicians from around the Nebraska-South Dakota-Iowa area.
Only the top 16 scores made it into the hands-on portion. The
tests and the hands on portion covered topics such as electrical,
AC, DOT inspections, engine diagnostics, coolant analysis, tire
analysis, and air brakes. Tim qualified for the hands on portion,
but did not place in the top 3. This is the local portion of the
Super Tech competition, the nationals will be held later this year.
The competition’s focus is to promote correctly diagnosing the
trucks problem in a specific amount of time. We will be entering
into the national competition in the hopes of bringing home
the award for Boss Truck Shops! What’s exciting is that this
level of technology involved in the industry is growing, and that
Bosselman’s is committed to meeting that growth through training
and competitions just like this one.
3
Bosselman Family: Community Builders
Continued from Cover Story.
Because the Bosselman companies are spread out in a lot of
small communities, Bosselman said, “it is important that we make
our presence known in every one of the small communities we are
involved in and help out in any ways that we can.”
Bosselman said the company receives a lot of requests for
donations and help for various community projects.
“We can’t do everything, but we take requests, and we sit down
and review each of them and decide which ones we can do and
which ones we can’t, which ones have the greatest impact on
people,” he said.
For example, Bosselman said, the company owns the Nebraska
Danger football team, which plays in the Heartland Events Center.
“It is by no means a money-making deal,” he said. “We have lost
money in it since we got involved. But the thought behind it was
it was something we could do for the community to give back
and impact a lot of people. A lot of people come to the games
and follow the team. That interest helps out Fonner Park and the
Heartland Events Center. It helps out the community. It brings
people into town. It has a positive impact.”
Bosselman said it’s not about “just writing a check.”
“A lot of stuff we do involves our staff and our customers that come
into the stores,” he said.
For example, Bosselman said they have just completed a
campaign at their Pump & Pantry stores that raised nearly $40,000
for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“That was our staff going out and talking with the customers, trying
to get them to help out with St. Jude,” he said. “That was the type
of deal where it wasn’t just us but getting everyone involved.”
That ethic of giving back involves not only the Bosselman family,
but also the people they employ.
“If they feel there is something in their community that needs
support, we tell them to go ahead and we will help out to get it
started,” he said.
Bosselman said the foundation of their company is “family and
community.”
“It is important to us that these are the ways to show that,” he said.
“It is easy to write it down on paper, but it is quite a bit different to
physically go out and show it to the community.”
Fonner Park is a prime example.
“We have been involved with that for years,” he said. “My
grandfather was a big contributor as far as the Heartland Events
Center and getting that going. He was always involved with Fonner
Park, as my father and I have been. We have been sponsoring
that race (Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes) for a number of years.
It is one of the things that bring people to the community.”
Bosselman said it is important for their company to do things like that.
“Fred was a very shrewd individual, and he knew business well.
We realized it was not a bottomless checkbook for these kind
of things,” Bosselman said. “He understood that he needed to
get involved with certain things that have the biggest impact for
everyone.”
Hugh Miner Jr., chief executive officer and executive vice president
of Fonner Park, said the Bosselmans have not only been a
“tremendous asset to Fonner Park, but the community also.”
Miner said Fonner Park approached the Bosselman family many
years ago about sponsoring a big race, “sort of like our Kentucky
Derby day.”
“We presented a plan to them to do that, and the family agreed to
do it,” Miner said.
Over the years, the Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes has highlighted
the racing season at Fonner Park and drawn big crowds to Grand
Island.
The Bosselman family also played a big role in the building of the
events center.
When community leaders approached Fonner Park to spearhead
a third attempt to build a civic center, Miner said, they approached
the Bosselmans, who agreed to be a big contributor so the project
could get off to a big start.
“In talking with Fred (Bosselman), he said, ‘If you start this
campaign, you can put me down for a million dollars,’” Miner said.
He said Fred Bosselman was also involved in the early 1950s in
the development of Fonner Park.
“Fred Bosselman and the Bosselman family have supported a lot
of things over the years, not just Fonner Park or the Heartland
Events Center,” Miner said. “It was something that Fred was very
good about in giving something back to the community.”
The building of the events center was key for Grand Island to be
the new home of the Nebraska State Fair.
Charlie Bosselman said Bosselman Inc. plans to build 20 service
shops across the country to add to the 36 it already owns.
“That will be 20 new communities that we are involved in,”
Bosselman said. “It is not just the Midwest, but in California,
Pennsylvania, Florida.”
Bosselman said one of their employees was recently killed in
Indiana, and companywide they raised several thousand dollars
to help the family.
The key word is family, he said.
“We try to foster that by saying that if you work for us, you are part
of the family. We are going to help you out where we can and help
the community out where we can and try to get involved where
we can.”
Remembering Chuck
On a Saturday evening in early January, Chuck Bosselman lost
his battle to cancer surrounded by his family. We would like to
dedicate this newsletter to Chuck’s memory and include stories
and memories of this “Leader among Leaders”.
A couple favorite Chuck quotes:
“Buy low, sell high.”
“You better have a damn pen.”
– Don Doty, Corporate
4
Honoring “The Boss”
By Mindy Long
Reprinted from Stop
Watch
Magazine
(Official publication of
NATSO), March 1, 2012
Within
today’s
truckstops, movie
theaters, private
showers and fastfood
franchises
are common, but
at one time they
were cutting edge,
and one man —
Chuck Bosselman
— was a driving
force behind them. Chuck was a true visionary within the industry.
“Sometimes he’d come up with an idea and I’d think it was the
craziest thing in the world, but it would work out,” said his son
Charlie Bosselman.
Jimmy Haslam, chief executive officer of Pilot Flying J, said,
“Chuck Bosselman was a true pioneer in the truckstop hospitality
business. He was one of the creators of the Ambest network and,
of course, the driving force behind Bosselman truckstops. He has
done a tremendous job of putting together a nationwide chain of
stops, which bear the ‘Boss’ name.”
At The NATSO Show 2012, the NATSO Foundation honored
Chuck for his dedication to the truckstop and travel plaza industry,
his fellow operators and his community by inducting him into the
NATSO Hall of Fame. The award recognizes individuals in the
industry whose participation in their communities, the industry
and the association brings honor to and serves as a source of
pride for the travel plaza and truckstop industry.
Roger Phillips, manager of truckstop sales, Bridgestone, called
Chuck the “John Wayne of the truckstop industry,” saying he was
one of the toughest, kindest and smartest people he has known.
“Chuck didn’t look at things like they are and say, ‘That is just the
way they are.’ He looked at things as they could be and made
them that way,” Phillips said. “He thought about the future more
than any man I ever knew.”
When I was pregnant with my
daughter Reese and was nearing
my due date, if Chuck walked by
my office and I wasn’t in there,
he was always concerned and
would check with the other HR
employees and ask if I had had
my baby yet. When I was in my
office he would always make
a point to stop and ask how I
was feeling and if I was ready to
have that baby! I thought that
was pretty nice considering how
many people we have in our
office. He had a true concern
and thoughtfulness about his
employees!
- Erin Blauhorn, Corporate
It’s my nature to ask a lot of
questions about projects, but
Chuck would always tell me to
“stop asking questions and just
get it done!” He also liked to give
me a hard time about my desk
always being neat and tidy – that
surely I could not be doing any
work with such a clean desk. I
told him I couldn’t do my work if
my desk was messy!
– Stephanie King-Witt, Corporate
Todd Carpenter, a Subway development agent who has worked
with the Bosselmans, said, “He ran great operations. He looked
for every opportunity to take good care of his people.”
Building a Legacy
Chuck’s father, Fred, founded the first Bosselman’s location in
1948. In 1967, Chuck became general manager of the Grand
Island Interstate 80 Bosselman Truck Plaza. Through the 1970s,
Chuck expanded the business into 20 states. Chuck passed away
in January, leaving a legacy within the truckstop and travel plaza
industry that spans decades.
Today, the company has more than 1,400 employees and
includes a Bosselman Travel Center, six Grandma Max’s and
Max’s Highway Diner restaurants, 42 Pump & Pantry convenience
stores, 34 Boss Shops, Sam Bass’ Saloon & Steakhouse, one
Hampton Inn, six Motel 6s and three Pump & Pantry Motels.
Bosselman spent countless hours volunteering for the NATSO
board of directors and the NATSO Foundation. As one of the
founding members of Ambest, Chuck “saw the validity to bringing
together independent truckstop owners to market together,”
Charlie said.
Within his community, Bosselman supported many organizations,
including the American Red Cross, Zion Lutheran Church, Boy
Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America. The Bosselman
family has also supported the Heartland United Way Crisis Center,
Children’s Miracle Network, MADD, Make-A-Wish Foundation,
DARE, Goodwill Industries, the Arthritis Foundation Nebraska
Chapter and the National Cancer Society Foundation.
Chuck’s success came down to his genuine concern for the
people who frequented his locations. “He also knew that you
could have all the gimmicks you want, but you have to take care
of the customers,” Charlie said.
Haslam said, “As good a businessman as Chuck was, he was an
even better person. Chuck never met a stranger, was a friend to
all and literally lit up a room whenever he walked in.”
Since 2004, the NATSO Hall of Fame award has been presented
only four times. Members of NATSO’s executive committee and
past inductees to the Hall of Fame select the recipient.
Charlie accepted the award on his father’s behalf.
Anyone who knew Chuck very well, knew he had a sweet tooth.
Chocolate was his favorite, peanut M&M’s & Chips Ahoy cookies. Of
all the many road trips we took to our locations there were pit stops.
I’ll give you one guess what he would have when getting back into our
vehicle…a can of Diet Pepsi & ... that’s right.
– Mary Gordon, Corporate
Continued on page insert.
Remembering Chuck
I remember interviewing with Chuck to be the receptionist at the old
Corporate Office, and he said one of the main things I want you to be
able to do is remember people’s name and faces when they come into
the office. He always had some kind of chocolate on his desk: M & M’s,
Chocolate Stars, Chocolate Covered Peanuts and I am sure it didn’t
take him long to figure out we all helped his candy stash disappear.
Then there was the time that we called into the radio station and won
the prizes twice and they delivered the prizes to the office so we had to
ask if that was okay for them to come and he just looked at us and said
What? He did say okay, though. My best memory though is that he was
one of the first people, besides our parents, to come to the hospital after
I had Mitchell.
– Pam Miller, Corporate
Chuck was a very personable man. If he didn’t know who you were he
would walk up to you and ask your name and shake your hand then
introduce himself. That’s one of the many things I’ll always remember
about him that impressed me because I’d seen him do it for so many
years. He used to always tell me that his employees were his “best
customers”. He really did appreciate everyone who worked for him and
more important with him.
- Lana Newton, Corporate
When I was in my late 20’s and working in the office that was located
behind the Travel Center, a salesman came in several mornings looking
for Chuck. Chuck was working the swing shift so he wasn’t there. The
salesman got frustrated on the 3rd morning and said, “When is the last
time you saw him?!” He had no idea who I was and I answered him,
“I slept with him last night!” The look on his face was so funny and he
didn’t know what to say.
- Jan Bosselman
I guess my best memories of dad have nothing to do with work but
those work stories are probably the most appropriate. I remember how
he came to me in college and asked if I wanted to run restaurants and
when I agreed, he suggested I get ready. So I interned at a restaurant in
Lincoln and when I graduated, he met me in Salina and said here you
go. He then left and had enough confidence in me that I would get the
job done. He didn’t hover over my shoulder and tell me what to do, he
just let me work that out on my own. In many things at work he was very
controlling over and wanted to be involved in everything, in many others
though he let me or others just make whatever decisions they thought
best on their own. I think he had the right mixture of that involvement
and non-involvement that was needed to make us successful.
I also remember multiple occasions where we met with people at a bar
and put together multi-million dollar deals on the back of napkins.
He started me out early in the business and I would come to work with
him and wipe down cans of oil and shelves and would get $.25 or so for
that work. He then promoted me up to washing car windows and picking
up trash and on and on and on. He taught me a strong work ethic that
way but on the flipside, he also showed me how to have a lot of fun.
When I was younger he took me go-cart racing all summer long
throughout the Midwest which was the highlight of my summers. As I
got older, I spent a lot of time with him at work and a lot of time outside
work golfing, hanging out and doing things with my kids.
He was a great guy.
Favorite Memories: Having my first job at age 5, vacuuming and
dusting the truck stop and getting paid in ice cream, working every
summer at the trucker’s fair - selling hot dogs, t-shirts, and cotton candy
while enduring the boiling heat of the blacktop parking lot and again
accepting payment in ice cream, ice, water or anything cold.
I found this saying that I feel epitomizes my dad:
“Risk more than others think is safe, care more than others think is
wise, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than
others think is possible.”
Dad dreamed big and he dreamed in color – life was an exciting
obstacle that he had to overcome and make better – and he always did
it with hard work and a commitment to what he was doing. I miss him.
I miss him being so curious about what I was doing and knowing what
everyone else was doing and how it all fit into the big picture – his big
picture - of better products and service to our customers and making
our employees partners in that quest.
Charlie and I want to reassure everyone that we are going to continue
down the path he paved and meet the obstacles life throws at us and
make it better than it was before. I think he taught us all well, and that
we will all continue down that path, risking, caring, dreaming, and
expecting more than others think is possible, practical, or wise. We
hope our partners will jump on board with us and ride this ride like dad
had envisioned.
Katie has noticed something from Papa, he sends her messages in the
white streaks in the daytime sky – telling her that he is there and that he
is watching. Maybe his last streak was to tell me that it’s time for Katie
to get to work dusting the truck stop…
Dad’s legacy continues.
- Charlie Bosselman
- Brandi Bosselman Lofing
5
Danger Football 2012 Update
With three games remaining in the regular
season (at press time), the Nebraska
Danger (4-7) is fighting for a playoff berth
in the Intense Conference of the Indoor
Football League. Two of the final games,
Allen Wranglers and Omaha Beef, are to
be played at home on the Danger Turf in
front of the IFL’s Best Fans of 2011.
Coach Mike Davis has brought in great
new players to the league, while also
bringing in top-notch league veterans.
Rocky Hinds, a finalist for the IFL’s MVP
award in 2011, is fourth in the league in
touchdown passes while having played
two less games than the players above
him. Adrian Davis was selected as the
week 8 Defensive Player of the week by
the IFL for helping the Danger hold the
Wichita Wild to only 27 points.
Making a run for the league’s Rookie
of the Year award is Danger receiver,
Kayne Farquharson. A former player of
the University of Miami, Farquharson is
currently third in the league for touchdown
receptions with 21.
The Danger fans pushing to be named
the “Best Fans in the IFL” again in 2012,
the average attendance through 5 home
games is 5,207. The next closest average
attendance for a team is Green Bay with
an average of 4,391.
The Danger returns home after a month
long series of road games on June 2nd to
take the Allen Wranglers. Keep updated
with everything Danger by heading to our
website, dangerfootball.com. Go Danger!
Pump & Pantry #38 Gretna Dominates St. Jude’s Fundraiser
During the month of October, Pump & Pantry stores sold “pumpkins” for a dollar to raise
money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The fundraiser was an awesome success,
totaling $35,522.33 in funds raised for St. Jude’s, which is a record for funds raised by
Pump & Pantrys! The stores competed with each other to raise the most money, and
#38 Gretna blew away the competition, raising $6,610! In 2nd place was #40 Kearney,
with $3,405 and in 3rd was #23 Holdrege with $3,123. The top three fundraising stores
were awarded gift cards for each employee. Congratulations on a job well done!
BIG MAX Contest Featured At Danger Games
Sioux Falls Special Olympics Trucker’s Convoy – Fall 2011
6
Pump & Pantry Halloween Display Contest
GRAND PRIZE WINNER:PUMP & PANTRY #33- Genoa
This location had the best OVERALL display, meeting all
requirements, PLUS the highest increase in sales for Crush/
Pepsi 12pks, Frito Lay Munchies/Doritos, Wrigley Skittles/
Starburst etc., vs. last year and Mars 8pk sales. They received
$600 in Visa Gift Cards, a Buffet Party, Crush T-Shirts for entire
staff and a Husker Tent for use as a customer or employee
incentive tied to a Frito Lay promotion:
District #1 Winner Pump & Pantry #35 – Alma
District #2 Winner Pump & Pantry # 1- Grand Island
District #3 Winner Pump & Pantry # 38 - Gretna
District #4 Winner Pump & Pantry #22 – Burwell
Each location receives $400 in Visa Gift Cards, a Pizza Party,
Crush T-Shirts for entire staff and a Husker Tent for a customer
or employee incentive tied to a Frito Lay promotion.
ALSO “Honorable Mention” locations were chosen, who went
above and beyond with their display, but were not one of the
District Winners! These locations will receive an additional $25
Visa Gift Card.
Pump & Pantry #15- - Most “Massive” Creative Display
Pump & Pantry #42- - Most Creative 12pk Crush Display
Pump & Pantry #17- - Most Creative Use of Product (M&M
Bag)
Pump & Pantry #30- - Most “Compact” Display using ALL
elements
Easter Bunny @ Grand Island Grandma Max’s
Team CB Participates In Race For Grace
Racers line up at the starting line including Ross Otto,
son of Ramona Otto from Corporate.
Ramona and Ross Otto
are ready for the 2 Mile.
Sal Mendoza and Rick
Zavala run in the 10k
race for Team CB.
Stephanie King-Witt and Darbie Mazour are ready to
run the 2 Mile for Team CB.
The bunny was played by Jon Moreno.
Easter Bunny @ Max’s Highway Diner
SPOTTED: Casey’s Truck at St. Paul Pump & Pantry
Dustin, Spencer, Cooper, and Parker
Lofing at the finish.
Jan Bosselman is ready to go
It was a foggy spring morning at the 2nd annual Race for
Grace, held in downtown Grand Island to raise money for the
Grand Island Area Cancer Endowment on Saturday, April 14.
Team CB, made up of Bosselman employees, family, and
friends, participated in the race in honor of Chuck Bosselman.
Participants included Brandi Bosselman-Lofing, Dustin, Spencer,
Cooper, and Parker Lofing, Jan Bosselman, Ramona Otto and
son Ross Otto, Stephanie King-Witt and Darbie Mazour, Keely
Mendoza’s husband Sal and father Rick Zavala. Jason Moritz,
from the corporate IT department, won the 10k run.
PRICELESS
Courtesy Ann Sukraw-Lutz’ daughters Elizabeth & Ivy Lutz
Chocolate Milk, $1.29
Salted Nut Rolls, 2 for $2.00
Love’s Signs buying fuel at a Pump & Pantry with a Casey’s
sign in the trailer...PRICELESS.
Letters From Our Customers
Dear Nebraska Danger,
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, Nebr.
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
Jackson, a driver for Gilster Marylee
out of Perryville, MO said that the salesman [Indianapolis Boss Shop] was “super nice,” and he got him in right away,
explained to him what was wrong &
what was needed, and charged him a
fair price on the labor. Customer said
this was the best service he’s ever had.
Customer said that he’s already talked
to his boss at Gilster Marylee about
making the Indianapolis Shop one of
their regular places to stop for repairs
and maintenance.
- via phone call
We had a woman stop by our store
(Pump & Pantry #10, Grand Island)
yesterday (May 7) who comes
here once a year as she is passing
through on vacation. She was not
able to make her trip last year due
to being sick. She came in and told
us how she stops here every year on
vacation. She had her receipt from
two years ago, and her credit card
bill, and showed us that she was
never charged for her gas. She said
that she felt she had to pay it or she
would feel horrible every year she
comes to see us! It was very nice of
her to do this. She showed us that it
would have been around $21 so she
took care of that, and did a separate
sale for the items she bought this
year!! WOW we need more people
in this world to do this. Just thought
I would share this story - I thought it
was amazing!!!
- Renee Janssen,
Pump & Pantry #10
Mike Huesman called to let us know
how much he appreciates Chris Kushman, James Woods and Sam Milburn
at the Pendleton Boss Shop. He was
in their area Friday March 23 for a
sporting event, and the alternator on
his pickup went out. Mike said that
they “went the extra mile for him” and
really took good care of him. When
their local parts store didn’t have the
right part, they called a buddy and
went 30 miles to get a part for him at
another town. Mike said he couldn’t
be more pleased, and he really appreciates all that they did for him.
- via phone call
Dear Pump & Pantry,
During the past few days we have
been learning how to write letters in
Mrs. Hoch’s 5th grade language class
[Ainsworth Community Schools]. We
have also been studying the economics of Ainsworth which includes your
business. I chose Pump & Pantry to
write to.
I love your store. I love how your floor
shines and how you are so decorative
with the seasons and holidays also
with Nebraska Huskers team. Your
bobble heads are so cute and your
bear is so cute too. I love bears! My
brothers and I come there a lot. My
brother Aaron likes the little toy trucks,
your pop, your candy, but most of all
your ice cream! I like all those things
too. Your employees are so nice and
kind and they are funny. They are
also so helpful. Aaron my brother and
I came there one day but we didn’t
know if we had enough money and
your clerk helped us count our money.
I also cannot believe how comfortable
your seats are, they are the bomb!
The reason we come there a lot is
because we live real close to you and
your store is one of a kind!
I thank you for being a part of our community. We love you!
- Grace Elisabeth Campbell,
Ainsworth Community
Schools, 5th Grade, via letter
If there is an award for customer service
it should go to the Pump and Pantry in
south Kearney across the street from
Boogaarts [#40]. I go in there several
times a week and the staff is always
friendly. They seem to like their jobs and
each other. The ladies during the day
seem to be a pretty good team. I told
them this yesterday and thought you
should know too.
- Christie Luther via email
Dennis Arnold, a driver for PGT,
called to let us know that the Hebron
Boss Shop did a major repair for
him, and he’s very pleased with their
work. Craig, Kyle, Matt and everyone at the Hebron Shop really took
care of him. He said that he’s meticulous about the care of his truck, and
he appreciated that they didn’t rush
the job. They tore it down, took care
to get all the right parts, and then put
it back together. It was very important to him that the job be done right,
and he’s extremely satisfied with the
service he received. He said he’ll
recommend the Hebron Shop to others, and if he’s ever back in that area
needing a repair, he’ll be sure to go to
the Boss Shop at Hebron.
- via phone call
Dear Boss Truck Shops,
My husband, Todd Vaughn, and I were
thrilled to learn that we were the recipients
of 125,000 points on our MAXXCARE
Rewards card as part of the “MILLION
POINT GIVEAWAY” promotion! What a
nice surprise! We thank you all very much!
We use the Boss Shop at Big Springs,
Nebraska for the majority of our truck
fleet’s oil changes and tire purchases. The
service people there are friendly, helpful,
and seem to appreciate that we come
in for business! And we always enjoy
Grandma Max’s while we are there!
- Linda Lapp, Wray, CO via letter
I can’t tell you how grateful I am for
Mitch, Dustin, and Gerald out of your
Ogden, UT shop.
I was on my way to a funeral last
Friday, with my four kids in the car. As I
changed lanes, I saw something in the
road just as I hit it. It made the hugest
bang, then a horrible dragging sound.
I pulled over, and kneeling in the snow
at the shoulder of the freeway in my
skirt and pantyhose, saw this huge
piece of metal absolutely entangled in
the suspension of my tire. I tugged at
hit (hah!) and realized it wasn’t going
anywhere. To add to the fun, there
was something leaking from my car. I
happened to be by the 21st street exit,
so I pulled off, and went to the first shop
I saw with big yellow letters that said
“repairs”.
From the minute I arrived, I felt like
everything was going to be OK. Your
guys explained that they don’t work
on Hyundai mini vans, they are a semi
shop, but there was no way they were
going to send me off in that condition;
they would see what they could do.
It took them 45 minutes of cutting and
pounding with sledge hammers to get
that metal out it pieces. They cut out a
piece of my coolant line that had been
pulverized, and spliced in a repair.
They told me I was really lucky that it
hadn’t done more damage. I FELT really
lucky that I arrived at their shop and they
were so calming, friendly, and competent.
My van is running perfectly, and I even
made it in time for the last half of the
funeral.
I kept the biggest piece of metal and
nailed it to my garage as a reminder of
good, kind strangers in the world. They
really were phenomenal!
- Serena Adams,
Kaysville, Utah via email
This customer left their wallet – including credit cards and checkbook
– at the store. We couldn’t find a
phone number so that we could contact her personally, so we contacted
the bank to let them tell her we had it.
She called us and we got it returned
to her. – Jackie Frerichs, Pump &
Pantry #20, O’Neill
Jackie,
Thank you so much for holding my
wallet and calling my bank. I really
appreciate the service at your Pump
& Pantry and I’ll be sure to stop
whenever I’m in O’Neill. Thanks
again and Merry Christmas!
- Hannah Park,
Elkhorn, Nebr. via letter
Hello from Kevin Parrish from NBC
Network News. I’m working with the
Weather Channels “Tornado Hunt
2012” and as is normal tradition
for TEC we’ve made yet another
stop at Bosselman’s Travel Plaza
in Grand Island. If there was ever a
company with “true grit” it’s the one
you manage. Wonderful facilities,
outstanding employees, you just
can’t beat an American Icon like it!!!
Wishing you continued success.
Keep up the good work.
- Best Regards, from all members
of The Weather Channels
“Tornado Hunt 2012” Road
Crew. Kevin Parrish
While in Grand Island for youth state
bowling the weekend of April 28 &
29th, my son Caleb and I decided to
come a day early and attend the Danger game. Here is a picture of my 13 yr
old enjoying the pack of free seeds we
received at the game. It was his first
ever game and he loved it! We also
had along another youth bowler from
Gordon who also had never been to
a game and before we left he was a
Danger Fan all the way! It was great
to spend time with my son and make
memories!
- Brenda Schwaderer, Manager
at Pump & Pantry #34 Gordon
via email
Wow, my family and I travel from Colorado to Iowa and back every year in
August. It must have been 4 years ago
we stopped at this travel center and
we have to say it is the Nicest, Cleanest and Coolest truck/travel center to
stop and relax at. I have traveled by
car all over the US and not once have
I ever seen such a great truck stop to
rest at. I will stop here every time we go
through now that we know where it is!
My hats off to you folks and the
great center you have for us travelers and truckers!
- Gary Cole, Erie, CO via email
A BIG thanks to Dayna at the Boss
shop in Ehrenberg, AZ! I locked the
key in my truck this morning and she
was a big help assisting me in finding
a locksmith to get unlocked!! Give her
a raise!
- Laurie Pimlott via Facebook
Today, [December 18] about 4:30pm,
I was in the Pump & Pantry Express,
store number 45 [Hastings]. A young
man named Kurtis was working. I
wasn’t the first customer in line but
he was diligently working when his
computer screen froze. Unable to
use the screen or the mouse, he began calling and asking for help all the
while apologizing and doing his very
best to satisfy each customer. He
was pleasant and apologetic and a
wonderful young man. You should
be proud to have him representing
your company.
- Becky Schreckengost,
Hastings, Nebr. via email
2012 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes
The annual Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes Race took place on
Saturday, April 28 at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. A
warm and sunny spring day brought out numerous fans, and the
crowd roared as horses traded places throughout the $75,000
Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes 9th race. The 6-year-old son of
Rojo Dinero out of Here Comes Roberta stayed off the rail most
of the way, then dipped inside coming around the final corner. He
shot by leader Shadowbdancing and then held off a late charge
from Wild Jacob to win the 1 1/16th-mile race by 3/4 of a length
in 1:47.40.
The Bosselman Companies has tremendous sponsor support for
this event and as well as for in-store promotions, Danger Football
games, and the annual Bosselman Leadership Conference. The
race would not be possible without the support of our sponsors.
Sponsors, family and friends celebrate with Ransom Roberto and jockey David
Cardoso as they ride into the Winner’s Circle at the Bosselman/Gus Fonner
Stakes April 28.
They included: Sara Lee, Hillshire Farms, Pepsi, Frito Lay, Deli
Express, Tornados/Ruiz Foods, Keebler/Kelloggs, General
Mills, Ice Mountain, Land O Lakes, Nestle, Dr. Pepper/Snapple,
Jack Links, Powerade, Monster, Giants Seeds, Miller Lite,
Swedish Match, Belly Washers, Nesquik, TGIFridays, Schwans,
Simply Orange, Pierre Foods, Oberto, Home Market Foods,
Convenience Valet, Pringles, CoffeeMate, Perfetti/Mentos, Hot
Pockets, Kraft Foods, McLane, Sinclair, Bug Juice, Snyders,
Spitz, BiGS, Duke’s, TSN, Just Born/Hot Tamales/Mike&Ike, Old
Trapper, Foster Farms, Slim Jim, Blue Bunny, Pearson’s, 5 Hour
Energy, and Commonwealth Altadis Inc.
Race Sponsors were treated to a private dinner and a Nebraska
Danger Indoor Professional football game the evening prior to the
races.
2012 Bosselman Leadership Conference
Bosselman Leadership Conference
attendees gather in the auditorium at
College Park.
Keynote Speaker Jim Weeks delivers
a message on leadership.
Beautiful weather and a new location kicked off the 2012
Bosselman Leadership Conference, held March 12-13 at College
Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. The book “The Fred Factor” by
Mark Sanborn was the selected reading this year. This year’s
theme, “Back to Basics” led the way for presentations on safety
and loss prevention, customer service, legal topics, IT topics,
and more. Jim Weeks, a motivational speaker and coach from
Beatrice, Nebraska, was featured as the keynote. Retail awards
were also presented. A tailgate party with cocktails and hors
d’oeuvres was followed by an evening of indoor professional
football with the Nebraska Danger taking on in-state rival Omaha
Beef. The Danger won!
A special addition to this year’s Leadership Conference was a
silent auction on a large variety of awesome gift baskets created
and donated by Bosselman staff from all divisions and areas of
the company. The silent auction raised $5,000 for Boss Shop
Jason Barker, Bosselman Director of
Safety and Loss Prevention, presents
to the Hospitality Division.
ASIINCG
B
TRAIN
B.L.C.
Ransom Roberto, with jockey David Cardoso, has a wide lead to the finish line
in the 2012 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes.
2012
Jeff Irwin, of Exxon/Mobil, presents to
the Boss Shop Division.
staff who were victims of the March 2 tornadoes in Indiana. The
following Thank You was received from Diana Haynes, one of
the victims:
Everyone, THANK YOU are two little words that could never
express how I feel. Your generosity is overwhelming. I will never
forget what you all have done for me and my husband. The
good Lord was watching over me, my husband, and puppy that
day. We lost our home and all our vehicles. He wasn’t ready
to take us home yet. I am blessed to be part of the Bosselman
family. God Bless each and every one of you. – Diana Haynes,
Service Writer, Boss Shop 45, Memphis, Indiana
Day two of the 2012 Bosselman Leadership Conference was
reserved for divisional breakout sessions. We look forward to
seeing everyone back again next Spring for the 2013 Bosselman
Leadership Conference at College Park in Grand Island on April
8-9!
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
Contributing Writer: Brett Miller
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.