NATSO, the national trade association representing truckstops and travel plazas, today expressed its deepest sympathies and condolences following the passing of Chuck Bosselman, owner of the Bosselman Family of Companies and recent winner of the NATSO Hall of Fame Award.
“NATSO and the truckstop industry have lost a leader and a friend,” said NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings. “Chuck was an innovative thinker whose energy and enthusiasm were a driving force behind his success. Chuck worked tirelessly for the benefit of the entire industry, and we will miss his leadership and his unwavering commitment.”
NATSO Chairman Darrin Flitton said, “It truly is a sad day with the passing of Chuck Bosselman; he was an industry leader as well as a leader in all aspects of his life. He will be missed. May God bless his family at this difficult time.”
Chuck, who was recently selected as the 2012 winner of the NATSO Hall of Fame Award, was the second of four generations involved in the family-run company, started by his father in 1948. In 1967, Chuck Bosselman became general manager of the Grand Island I-80 Bosselman Truck Plaza.
An early leader in the truckstop industry, Chuck shaped many of the practices drivers find standard today, being among the first to offer showers, movie theaters and fast-food restaurants within a truckstop.
Since the 1970s, Chuck had established himself as a true leader by expanding the business into 20 states. Today, the company 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.
Chuck volunteered for the NATSO board of directors and the NATSO Foundation, and was a founding member of AMBEST, a network of independently owned truckstops.
Expressions of sympathy came from across the truckstop and travel plaza industry.
“When you lose someone who has been such a leader in our industry it leaves a vacuum,” said NATSO Immediate Past Chairman Bobby Berkstresser, owner of Lee Hi Travel Plaza and White’s Travel Center. “He will be impossible to replace.”
“It is with great sadness that I note the passing of Chuck Bosselman. His family business in our industry goes back at least to 1948, starting with a downtown Grand Island location that his father, Fred, and mother, Maxine, operated with Fred’s sister. Fred was one of the first to realize he needed to build on the new Interstate Highway with big parking spaces and room to grow. My husband Bill and I attended that grand opening … and were overjoyed to help the family celebrate. Chuck was only 17 or so and grew up surrounded by a business that included almost all of the big Bosselman family,” said Carolyn Moon, owner and Chairman of Iowa 80 Group. “We all owe Chuck and family a great deal of credit for being one of the leaders in elevating our industry to the position and image we enjoy today. Truly pioneers, they were devoted. We are grateful for his life and accomplishments but so sorry it is ended far too early.”
“I worked with Chuck on the AMBEST board when I first graduated from college,” said Delia Moon Meier, Senior Vice President of Iowa 80 Group. “He was one of my mentors, he always had such a positive outlook on the truckstop industry and a strong belief that family businesses have a distinct advantage.”
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