#99 FirstElement Fuel Launches Heavy-Duty Hydrogen Fueling Station: How, Where and More
The Truck Stops Here
FirstElement Fuel has created what it calls the world’s first fast-fueling hydrogen fueling station. The station is capable of filling 200 trucks a day in just 10 minutes each using proprietary pump technology that enables the rapid fueling times. Frequent NATSO Foundation writer Mindy Long, owner at Mindy Long Freelance LLC, recently attended a FirstElement Fuel press conference. She joined host Amy Toner to share about the fast-fueling hydrogen fueling station, highlighting FirstElement Fuel's partnerships with truck manufacturers, details about their hydrogen technology, and professional...
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#98 Naf Naf Grill and Love’s: Why This Partnership Is a Recipe for Success
The Truck Stops Here
Naf Naf Grill is a fast-casual Middle Eastern concept that’s on a mission to bring the best flavors of the Middle East to the masses in a simple, affordable, fast-casual setting. With a flexible layout, minimal SKUs and a category of food that appeals to both professional drivers and four-wheel customers, Naf Naf Grill found a great partner in Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores. "I give full credit to Love's. They recognized our brand and this opportunity based on their research and some feedback they got from their drivers and really approached us about doing business with them in...
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#97 NATSO’s Day on Capitol Hill 2024: Building Relationships and Advocating for the Travel Center Industry
The Truck Stops Here
In this episode, host Amy Toner is joined by LeeAnn Goheen, NATSO's senior director of government affairs, to discuss NATSO's Day on Capitol Hill, which will be held May 20 -22, 2024. They discuss the agenda, key policy issues—the biodiesel blenders tax credit and the funding of infrastructure and highway programs—and how travel center operators can get involved. Goheen emphasizes the importance of building relationships with representatives and advocating for industry needs. They also touch on the fun and networking opportunities during the event, including NATSO's famous pie reception....
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#96 FRANdata Shares Research: How Truck Stops and Travel Centers Can Grow Their Business With Franchise Partners
The Truck Stops Here
Franchisors are in growth mode. With great foot traffic, ideal space, and an openness to partnering, truck stops and travel centers are a great fit. In this episode of "The Truck Stops Here," host Amy Toner invites guests Edith Wiseman, President, FRANdata and Christina Niu, Director of Research from FRANdata to discuss their recent research project for NATSO. FRANdata is a franchise market research company that aims to help companies grow smartly in franchising. The team delves into their comprehensive guidebook designed to help truck stop operators navigate the world of franchising. They...
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#95 What Is In and What Is Out for Travel Center Design
The Truck Stops Here
A 2023 poll from NATSO members found that 63 percent are ‘likely’ to invest in a rebuild or remodel during the next 12 to 18 months. Enter Darren Schulte, vice president, membership, NATSO and Michael Lawshe, president, Paragon Solutions, to the podcast conversation to tell us what is in and out for travel center design. Drive throughs? Beer caves? Automated vending? Salad bars? Self-checkout? Driver’s lounge? Schulte and Lawshe are prepared with all the answers to your travel center design choices. With special guest: Michael Lawshe, President, Paragon Solutions Hosted by: Amy...
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#94 Iowa 80 Celebrates 60 Years of Serving the Professional Driver
The Truck Stops Here
The Iowa 80 Truckstop began as a small location with six diesel pumps and a 50-seat restaurant in Walcott, Iowa. Today, after 32 expansions and remodels, the truck stop is overseen by the second generation of the Moon Family, who have dedicated their lives to providing a home away from home for the thousands of people who visit each day. Delia Moon Meier, senior vice president of Iowa 80 Group, shares about Iowa 80's impressive 60-year journey. With special guest: Delia Moon Meier, Senior Vice President, Iowa 80 Group Hosted by: Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation
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#93 NATSO Has a New Dynamic Logo
The Truck Stops Here
At the start of the year, NATSO announced a significant visual transformation with the introduction of a new logo and brand elements. These changes, a result of the dynamic shifts in the industry landscape, are part of NATSO's ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its members. Under the leadership of NATSO’s Vice President, Branding and Marketing, Andrew Evans, NATSO undertook a comprehensive visual refresh, including a modernized logo and brand colors. Evans joins the podcast to break down this important transformation for listeners. "We're excited to unveil our new logo as...
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#92 Travel Center New Year’s Resolutions With the NATSO Foundation
The Truck Stops Here
New Year’s resolutions often include goals that realign your focus and ideas that allow you to dream big. Darren Schulte, NATSO's vice president, membership, joined the podcast to advise on what should be on every truck stop and travel operator's back-to-basic goals list. He also shared resolutions ideas on food offerings and technology and ended with a bang, sharing his idea on a significant innovative change for this year. With special guest: Darren Schulte, Vice President, Membership, NATSO Hosted by: Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation
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#91 Meet Cyclum Renewables, NATSO Connect 2024's Title Sponsor
The Truck Stops Here
NATSO Connect 2024 Title Sponsor Cyclum Renewables provides sustainable green energy solutions to the transportation industry by fueling commercial trucking through a nationwide network of renewable truck stops and travel plazas. Their truck stops are sustainably designed, focused on enhanced customer experience, and can dispense multiple renewable fuels. Shaun Lee, director of field operations at Cyclum Renewables, walked listeners through their innovative business model and Ben Khatirine, owner of 3B’s Truck & Auto Plaza, shared about their partnership with Cyclum Renewables. Visit to...
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#90 Sprint Mart’s New Travel Center Is Extra Special
The Truck Stops Here
Sprint Mart opened a new 16,000-square-foot travel center in Vance, Alabama this year. Herb Hargraves, Sprint Mart's chief operating officer, joined the podcast to share the great things happening at the new Sprint Mart. It boasts a 150-seat diner, a huge bakery, its proprietary grab-and-go fried chicken and catfish program Chix and 15 cooler doors. Its forecourt includes 12 gasoline pumps and five diesel lanes. "The enormous footprint of the store is what really makes it stand out. We used an arch concept in the front of the stores that makes it look like you're walking into a megalithic...
info_outlineWe snagged Delone Wilson, president at Cubby's Inc. and NATSO Leadership Committee member, at NATSO Connect to hear all about Cubby's Inc. Cubby’s Inc. has been the operator of convenience stores in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota since 1979. Wilson shared about Cubby's work in the community, its world-famous food and their Bear Bucks loyalty program.
With special guest:
Delone Wilson, President, Cubby's Inc.
Hosted by:
Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation