#110 Breaking Down the Walls: Fuel Retailers' Guide to Ethanol Blending
Ethanol has been around for a long time, but the incentives and the benefits are still going strong. Ginger Laidlaw, vice president of NATSO’s Alternative Fuels Council, and Andrew Falco, market development & analytic manager for Growth Energy, offer their take on what should be considered if you're thinking about offering ethanol blends for the first time or becoming a new blender. They discussed the essential steps for setting up supply and infrastructure, equipment considerations, state and federal incentives available to help you tap into this profitable market and more. With special guests: Ginger Laidlaw, vice president of NATSO’s Alternative Fuels Council and Andrew Falco, market development & analytic manager for Growth Energy Hosted by: Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation
--------
35:57
#109 UK Travel Plaza and Truck Stop's Unique Travel Center Experience
Sohail Butt, CFO of University Korner, and his partners are building a cutting-edge truck stop on the I-80 corridor of Pennsylvania. The truck stop, expected to open at the end of 2024, will be a very forward-thinking, inclusive travel center heavily focused on professional driver well-being. From unique amenities like a Himalayan pink salt room and a contemplation room to specialized food offerings and employee housing, this episode dives deep into what makes their approach to this new build truly one-of-a-kind. With special guest: Sohail Butt, CFO, University Korner Hosted by: Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation and Darren Schulte, Vice President, Membership, NATSO
--------
26:08
#108 On the Road With NATSO: A 1500-Mile Journey With a Professional Truck Driver
Have you ever wondered what it's like on a road trip with a professional truck driver? This episode of The Truck Stops Here podcast features a candid discussion with Lisa Mullings, President & CEO of NATSO, on her week-long ride-along trip with Jennifer Evans, a Werner truck driver. Mullings reveals insightful details about Jennifer's routine, safety checks, traffic challenges, and how she keeps fit on the road. She also discusses the crucial role of customer service in travel centers and the importance of safe, legal parking for drivers. With special guest: Lisa Mullings, President and CEO, NATSO Hosted by: Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation
--------
11:03
#107 Bowlin Travel Centers Boasts Hospitality and Unique Finds
Valkyrie Musarra, COO of Bowlin Travel Centers, joins the podcast to share the fascinating history of Bowlin, their merchandising strategy, and how they create an immersive "treasure hunt" experience that keeps customers exploring their stores. Founded by Musarra's grandparents in 1912, Bowlin Travel Centers are much more than your typical truck stop. With ten locations spanning I-10 and I-40 in New Mexico and Arizona, Bowlin customers stop for everything from t-shirts and keychains all the way to more expensive handmade native american jewelry and pottery at this Southwest standout. With special guest: Valkyrie Musarra, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Bowlin Travel Centers Inc Hosted by: Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation and Darren Schulte, Vice President, Membership, NATSO
--------
13:11
#106 Dial Into Loyalty for Professional Drivers
Peter Rasmussen, founder and CEO of Convenience and Energy Advisors, joins the podcast to share the key components of successful loyalty programs including how to tailor rewards for professional drivers. Rasmussen and host Amy Toner also explore the role of AI in enhancing the customer experience and driving targeted offers, how small operators should tackle loyalty, and what to consider when choosing a loyalty provider. With special guest: Peter Rasmussen, Founder and CEO, Convenience and Energy Advisors Hosted by: Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation
Pull up, grab the fuel nozzle and get ready to fuel up on trends and strategies to grow your travel center business in The Truck Stops Here, brought to you by NATSO Foundation.
UK