The retail industry has experienced significant change over the past decade, and the pace of change continues to increase. As operators prepare for the exponential growth taking place in the […]
Mindy Long
Mindy Long is a journalist and editor specializing in the logistics, transportation and fueling industries. She has been writing professionally for more than 25 years and launched her freelance business in 2008. Prior to going freelance, she served as editor of Stop Watch, a staff reporter at Transport Topics, and a Washington correspondent for WCAX-TV in Burlington, Vermont. Her work appears in a variety of media outlets.
Operators Use Technology to Grow Loyalty, Attract Customers
Sarah Prorok, director of marketing program management at Thorntons, along with Herb Hargraves, vice president at Clark Oil, and Mike Lawshe, president of Paragon Solutions, participated in a panel discussion on the customer experience during NATSO Connect.
Benefits Packages Help Truckstops and Travel Centers Attract And Keep Employees
A comprehensive benefits package can show current and potential employees that the businesses they work for care about them, their health and their future. The right offerings can also help attract and retain talent. However, benefits come at a cost, and employers have to weigh their offerings against the overall expense carefully.
Trail’s Travel Center Pays Special Tribute to Veterans
Trail’s Travel Center created a special gesture on Veteran’s Day to honor those who have served. NATSO connected with Cathy Purdie, director of marketing and strategic development for the location and Ken Fluth, Iron Skillet manager, to learn more about their event.
Frictionless Payments can Speed Service, Cut Costs
For retailers, self-service technology can increase speed-of-service, allow them to reassign labor and improve order accuracy.
Gilbarco Discusses the Future of Electric Vehicles with NATSO
Gilbarco sat down with NATSO to discuss the future of electric vehicles and the key points truckstops and travel plazas need to consider when examining the technology.
Turn Dead Space Into a Revenue Generator at Your Truckstop
Golden Husky Travel Centre in Golden, British, Columbia lined a hallway with funny, innovative and motivational signs that are all for sale.
Kwik Trip Connects With Lawmakers Via Grassroots Efforts
Kwik Trip, which operates 650 convenience stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, encourages its 23,000 employees to take part in its grassroots efforts at both the state and federal level.
Plan Ahead at Your Truckstop for Natural Disasters to Keep Operations Running
Natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes or tornadoes, can interrupt business operations and leave truckstop and travel plaza operators faced with difficult decisions.
Check Out the Exceptional Offerings at The Thumb in Arizona
During a visit to Scottsdale, Arizona, a friend told me we had to have to lunch at The Thumb. She raved about the barbecue, then she added with a smile, “It is a gas station.” Although the sign at The Thumb says it is “just your average gas station,” the location is anything but average.
Lessons Learned at NATSO Connect: Tell Your Story with Branding and Design
During The Good to Great Session at NATSO Connect, Mike Lawshe, president of Paragon Solutions, shared his insights into branding. Branding and design tells a story, and Lawshe challenged operators to think about the stories they are telling at their location.
“To me the wonderful advantage we have as independent truckstop operators is we can tell whatever story we want, so make it a good one,” Lawshe said during the session. “Telling a story and creating a brand is critical. Your brand is everything.”
Design’s Role in Branding
Design is a kay part in what helps operators create their image. “Something as subtle as your aisle widths is making a statement about who you are,” Lawshe said.