Pilot’s quick-serve restaurants are now open 24/7, and the Pilot app is ready to take your order anywhere you are on your journey. Explore the new ways we’re here to keep you moving.

Quick-Serve Restaurants, Open 24/7

Pilot’s more than 350 quick-serve restaurants—like Wendy’s, Dunkin and Taco Bell—are now open around the clock, seven days a week. Whether you’re craving a quick meal, a midnight snack or an early morning coffee, we’re ready to serve. You can even get food delivered 24/7 where third-party delivery drivers are available.

Whether it’s 2:00 pm or 2:00 am, count on our travel centers to be your trusty wingman and keep you going strong. Search on Pilot's website or in the mobile app for your favorite quick-serve restaurant locations.

Mobile Ordering to Make Your Life Easier

We know your time is valuable. With mobile ordering on the Pilot app and website, you can place your order from anywhere and pick it up when you’re ready.

Customize your meal, grab your favorite road trip snacks and stock up on supplies without juggling multiple orders. It’s your one-stop shop, all at your fingertips.

At Pilot, we’re committed to making every mile easier for you. Our expanded hours and convenient ordering options are two more ways we’re by your side for the whole ride.

Mountain Challenge

The summer started with an intern favorite – the Mountain Challenge! This activity is centered around team building and problem-solving with peers, as the group had to overcome obstacles that required great communication skills.

Team Member Appreciation Week

At Pilot, people are at the center of everything we do. Team Member Appreciation Week provides a moment to stop and recognize all the wonderful Pilot team members – from our drivers to store team members and corporate support teams. Here is what some interns shared about this week:

“Team member appreciation week was a great experience. My team and I had so much fun dressing up for the spirit days, especially Decades Day! The food trucks offered excellent choices and the pulled pork sandwich was my personal favorite.” – Carly Wrobleski, social media intern

“I appreciate my team and all the support they have shown me throughout my time at Pilot. This week was incredibly special as an intern. The appreciation I felt and received was overwhelming. Some of my favorite memories include Top Golf and Food Truck Thursday!” – Olivia McKain, communications intern

“Team member appreciation week was one for the books! I loved wearing fun outfits throughout the week and attending the big food truck event on campus. Spirits were high, and everyone was having a great week. We all felt very appreciated.” – Anna Rippy, marketing operations intern

Leader Chats

Every Friday, our summer interns heard from company leaders to learn more about the business, receive career advice and have Q&A sessions in a casual setting. This was a great way to help connect our interns with various leaders to show all the different types of development opportunities at Pilot.

Volunteer Sites

Pilot is dedicated to giving back and helping continue to build strong relationships with the communities we serve. So, it was important for our interns to have volunteer opportunities as part of the program! A few highlights below:

– At Helping Mamas, interns assisted in packaging diapers, sorting children’s clothes and organizing feminine products.

– Interns who volunteered at Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries (KARM) were tasked with arranging clothes by size and color for those in need.

– Knoxville Area Urban League utilized our interns to help them organize the books in their children’s library and write thank-you cards to people and businesses who donated items.

– At the Boys & Girls Club, interns interacted with children by coloring and playing games together.

– Interns helping at FISH Pantries sorted food donations for guests so they could easily pick the items they needed.

A huge thank you to all our summer interns for their hard work and dedication this summer! From learning the business and participating in company events to collaborating on group projects, these interns made a lasting positive impact at Pilot and set a strong precedent for the rest of their careers.

If you’re interested in joining the Pilot family, explore open positions on our career site.

At Pilot, people are at the center of everything we do, which is why we are committed to our team members’ personal and professional growth. But don’t just take our word for it – read below to hear from former Pilot interns about their experiences in the internship program and how they were set up to excel as full-time team members!

Evan Hurley, senior manager, operations financial planning and analysis

Evan interned with the loyalty team in 2016 and joined Pilot full-time the following summer. Since then, he has held various roles on teams across the company.

How did your internship experience align with your career goals and aspirations?
“I’ve cherished having the chance to become more well-rounded as part of my overall experience. From learning “hard” skills (resume writing, interviewing, networking, communication) to “soft” skills (interactions with others, navigating tough conversations, etc.), my time at Pilot has provided many opportunities to grow. Through my internship, I had the chance to interact with many leaders, which helped me establish relationships I still hold close today.”

Reflecting on your internship experience, what were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
“I think there’s a natural learning curve that comes along with being a new intern and general navigation of the overall corporate workplace. There’s an assumption that others’ time is more valuable or that one may not feel “worthy” of higher-level leaders’ time. The awesome thing about Pilot’s company culture is that this could not be further from the truth – we all matter and are truly better together. I am grateful that I had tremendous supervisors and mentors early on who helped me understand this, and their dedication to my success really accelerated my growth potential.”

What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience?
“Mistakes are learning opportunities; you learn much more from your mistakes caused by trying something new than not trying in the first place. Also, realize that everyone is here to help, so embrace mentorship opportunities and take coaching for what it is – a chance to get better!”

Joanna Martin, senior manager, well-being and benefits

Joanna interned with the talent development team in 2017. Following her internship, she held various positions within Pilot which led her to where she is today.

What initially attracted you to Pilot’s internship program, and what made you stay?
“An internship was a requirement of my HR master’s program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I spoke to a Pilot recruiter at a job fair about available internships, but I wasn’t sure what area of HR I was interested in. I ended up interviewing with the leaders in talent development and felt like that group aligned with my passions and interests the most. Pilot’s internship program is structured in a way where I received a lot of personal and professional development, and it was great having a group of interns to learn from and share experiences with. I was also lucky to have a great manager and be surrounded by people who made sure I had an impactful experience and always felt part of the team.”

How have you grown both professionally and personally since joining Pilot?
“I really feel like I have grown up here (literally and figuratively). As a student-athlete, my time was limited; my internship at Pilot was my first “real world” experience. I have learned so much over my time here and have had the opportunity to take on several different roles that have challenged me and developed my career. One area that I feel I have really grown in is the ability to build great relationships, which helps me feel more connected to my work and the organization and provides me with great opportunities.”

What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience?
“Ask questions, take initiative and meet as many people as you can!”

Kacie Skeen, senior manager, IT service management

Kacie started as an intern with the sales team in 2015. She returned to the internship program the following year for a role with the operations excellence team before joining Pilot full-time.

What initially attracted you to Pilot’s internship program, and what made you stay?
“Pilot is a company with many opportunities for growth and learning. The amazing people and relationships I have built while here are what make me stay.”

How have you grown both professionally and personally since joining Pilot?
“Professionally, I have had the opportunity to play many roles within the company, which has given me a wide range of valuable experiences.”

Reflecting on your internship experience, what were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
“Adjusting from life as a student-athlete to a corporate environment was a big challenge for me. I overcame this by finding my new routine over the summer with my internship. Another challenge was learning to interact with people in a professional environment rather than an academic setting. Over time, you figure out your personal brand and what role you play within the teams you work with.”

Matthew Walker, supply optimizer, supply and distribution

Matthew interned with the supply optimization department in 2023 before accepting a full-time position with them.

How did your internship experience align with your career goals and aspirations? 
“I wanted to work in a field that dealt with large complex industries, and that is exactly what Pilot offers. The scale of the business and diverse strategies keeps the work interesting and rewarding.”

Reflecting on your internship experience, what were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? 
“One challenge I faced was fully understanding the energy and refined products industry, as it is so complex and well-developed. Thankfully, my leaders were able to facilitate the learning process in a simplified way.”

What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience? 
“My advice would be to ask plenty of questions, engage with your team and the company as a whole and focus on developing a few technical/professional skills that will be useful throughout your career.”

Sydnie Cziep, data strategist, IT service management

Sydnie interned with the IT service management department in 2022 before accepting a full-time role with the same department.

How have you grown both professionally and personally since joining Pilot?
“Most of my professional growth has been due to my confidence in my work and abilities. I am constantly being encouraged to try and do new things. And personally, I am more outgoing than before.”

How did your internship experience align with your career goals and aspirations?
“During my internship, I met with different teams within IT which gave me a good foundation of knowledge before starting my full-time employment.”

What advice would you give to current interns to make the most out of their experience?
“Get to know your co-workers! It gives you much more perspective when you know peoples’ background and how they got to where they are now.”

Thank you, Evan, Joanna, Kacie, Matthew and Sydnie for being role models for our current interns and sharing your experiences. Stay tuned for a recap of the 2024 internship program at the end of summer!

If you’re interested in joining the Pilot family, explore open positions on our career site.

For many of our interns, this summer at Pilot has been their first taste of the 9-to-5 life. After getting out of bed and stumbling to the kitchen, they’re ready for a cup of ambition! A little caffeine can make all the difference. Here’s the breakdown of what our interns typically choose to fuel up with before heading out for the day:

Everyone has their own morning ritual when they first get into the office. Most of our interns use those first few minutes organizing themselves for the day, while a third of the group spend it connecting with their fellow team members. And then there’s some who need another kick of caffeine!

Now it’s time to get to work. With over 40 departments represented in this year’s program, each intern’s list of responsibilities changes day to day as they explore different areas of the company. When asked what takes up most of their days, this is how it broke down:

For most respondents, the part of the day that they enjoy the most is the people:

“Collaborating with my team and learning new things every day!”

“I look forward to meetings that let me learn a greater context of the business/category teams.”

“I love my coworkers. They’re fantastic people and they’re so passionate about what they do.”

“Networking with new people from other departments and learning about my field of study.”

Before they know it, it’s time to take a break for lunch. While many bring food from home, a very popular option at the Knoxville office is the on-site cafeteria, PJ Fresh Café! It’s a great place for team members to grab a quick bite for breakfast and lunch. One intern has their café order down to a science:

“Two slices of pizza, a water bottle, and a cup of lemonade. The chicken bacon ranch pizza on Mondays is my favorite.”

Our team members make sure to carve out time to connect with each other and have some fun during the day. Here are some team activities that our interns have enjoyed this summer:

“My department hosts cook outs at least once a month. They also do lunches throughout the month with open invites to all teams.”

“When it’s somebody’s birthday, we gather in the break room and have cake. We celebrate and play ice breaker games.’”

“Golf outings!”

At the Knoxville campus, we’re lucky to have a beautiful campus with lots of greenery and a walking trail that loops around the parking lots. Many team members walk the loop to take a brain break and get a little exercise. Some teams even coordinate their own department walks!

We want our interns to know that their work contributes to something purposeful at Pilot – whether it’s creating a new system to file paperwork or helping wrap up a big summer campaign. Here are a few examples of what makes our interns feel accomplished at the end of the day:

“Knowing I learned something new.”

“Looking at the progress I’ve made on different projects.”

“Being able to come up with a solution to a problem.”

“Checking things off my daily to-do list.”

Once five o’clock hits, it’s time to wrap up work and head home. After a full day of learning, collaborating, and creating, here’s how a few of our interns choose to relax and recharge:

“I like to catch a movie after work!”

“I find cooking very relaxing, so I enjoy making dinner every night.”

“I hang out with my friends and take my dog on a walk.”

“I unwind by spending time with my family.”

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for next week’s final intern blog, where we’ll recap our National Intern Day celebration.

In Knoxville, the group spent the day at MUSE Knoxville, a local children’s museum that offers interactive, educational experiences in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). The interns acted as guides for “MUSE Pop”, a weekly summer program featuring themed exhibits. This week’s topic was Smoky Mountain Exploration. Stationed at various booths, the interns helped museum visitors examine animal artifacts, build model habitats, and learn about the wildlife native to East Tennessee. They also helped in the gift shop by restocking and counting inventory.

“While volunteering at MUSE Knoxville, I was inspired by their purpose of increasing children’s educational literacy in various subjects through educational recreation. It inspired me to help be a ‘Way Maker’ on new educational technology for others in our community’s future.” –Alice Grace Beavers, Program Intern, Food and Beverage Innovation

Down in Houston, the cohort helped at Houston Food Bank, which serves 18 counties in the area. The interns sorted donations from community partners and helped repack them for local distribution.

After a day of serving, the interns took time to reflect on their experiences and how they could be better muses in their communities and workplaces. Here’s what a couple of them had to share:

“Volunteering at Houston Food Bank made me realize how much work it takes to feed people that desperately need it. This experience gave me the opportunity to reflect and appreciate what I have in life. I plan to continue to drive others in my community and workplace to also contribute to helping others. This will not only bring us closer together but show us the importance of being a part of something bigger than ourselves.”–Diego Longoria, Program Intern, Settlements

Make sure to vote for the Pilot Company Internship Program to be named as one of the Top 100 Internship Programs.

Help our Intern Program be recognized as one of the top in the country by voting through this link daily. It takes less than 10 seconds to do!

Ranging from rising sophomores to recent graduates, this year’s cohorts represent 17 colleges and universities across the country and have joined more than 40 departments throughout the company.

So far, the professional development workshops have included seminars on professional etiquette, time management, and communication workplace styles. The interns have conquered a local mountain challenge, broke out of an escape room, and had an afternoon of fun and bowling at the arcade. Out of the 46 interns, five are returning to the program. Hear from them below in their own words why they came back for another summer of fun and learning with Pilot!

Name: Jackson Kizer

Education: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Area of study: Double major in Finance & Supply Chain Management; MBA with a concentration in Finance
Department: Financial Planning & Analysis

Q1: Why did you choose to come back for another year in the Pilot Internship Program?
A: “I chose to return to Pilot this year because I found last year’s program to be a wonderfully put together and enriching experience. I also made lots of new friends in my department and internship class that I wanted to see again. Everyone was nice and the work that I did help me develop my business skills.”

Q2: What was something you enjoyed from your last experience that you hope to see again this time around?
A: “One thing that I enjoyed last summer that I hope to see again is the breakout room day. It was a very fun experience doing one for the first-time last year with a group of my fellow interns and know that the breakout this year will be just as fun.”

Q3: What’s something new that you have gotten to experience this far that you didn’t get to experience last time?
A: “Something new that I am getting to experience this year is calculating ROIs for different store locations. I shadowed someone in my department last year on this but never got around to actually calculating them. This year I am getting hands-on experience working on them.”

Q4: What advice would you give to all the other interns who are new to the program?
A: “My advice that I would give to the new interns is to treat your coworkers like respected colleagues rather than professors or bosses. They are not out to get you nor judge you harshly based on your understanding of certain topics; you just got here, and nobody expects you to know everything right away. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions and network.”

Name: Diego Longoria

Education: University of Texas at Dallas
Area of study: Finance
Department: Houston-Settlements

Q1: Why did you choose to come back for another year in the Pilot Internship Program?
A: “I chose to continue my career at Pilot because I felt like part of the team from Day 1. This internship blends the lives of corporate America with the feeling of a family business. Everyone in the organization was open to intellectual curiosity and challenged me to think about the ‘why?’ I am excited about another Summer with Pilot and highly recommend joining to anyone who wants to be a part of something special.”

Q2: What was something you enjoyed from your last experience that you hope to see again this time around?
A: “There were many things that I enjoyed throughout my internship. However, the laughs, smiles, and conversations are something that I look forward to experiencing again. I always feel like I am valued, and my ideas are important. The people here are truly amazing, and they are people who I enjoy being around.”

Q3: What’s something new that you have gotten to experience this far that you didn’t get to experience last time?
A: “I am doing a rotational program at the Houston office which means I am in a different department than I was last time. This has given me the valuable opportunity to learn more about the intricacies of the PFJ Energy business. Furthermore, I am working on projects that will continue to improve our processes so I believe my internship projects will have a lasting impact to the business.”

Q4: What advice would you give to all the other interns who are new to the program?
A: “The largest piece of advice for new and future interns is ASK QUESTIONS! I know that is what everyone says, but it is extremely important. Someone in PFJ Energy recently told me, ‘The worst-case scenario is you learn something.’ It is also equally important to ask people outside of your department questions. This is how you grow and learn as a person and a team member.”

Name: Veda Seay

Education: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Area of study: Business Analytics, Mathematics, and Statistics
Department: Connect

Q1: Why did you choose to come back for another year in the Pilot Internship Program?
A: “I chose to come back because I felt I had the perfect balance of guidance and independence with my last internship with Pilot. I was able to work independently and take ownership of my projects while also having ample support systems to lean on anytime I needed it. It was such an incredible feeling to end the summer with finished projects and personal growth that I could be proud of thanks to Pilot challenging me and pushing me out of my comfort zone.”

Q2: What was something you enjoyed from your last experience that you hope to see again this time around?
A: “I really enjoyed all the people here at Pilot last summer, and I am so excited to be back and see so many familiar faces. I love being able to look around in my department, the intern group, and other areas of Pilot and see so many friends and colleagues. Everyone here is so supportive and friendly, and I feel welcome everywhere I go.”

Q3: What’s something new that you have gotten to experience this far that you didn’t get to experience last time?
A: “As a returning intern, the pace definitely picked up compared to last summer. When I first joined the team last year, there was a huge learning curve for me to understand the company itself and the everyday lingo my team uses in meetings. Because I had experience with my team going into this summer, I was able to jump in and understand things faster than I did last year, allowing me to start my project earlier and move at a much faster pace. There’s still a learning curve, it’s just a little less steep this time around.”

Q4: What advice would you give to all the other interns who are new to the program?
A: “My advice to other new interns is focus on learning, networking, and being true to yourself this summer. Your team doesn’t expect you to know everything, so be open to learning as much as possible about everything you touch this summer, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! The more connections you can make, the better. Try to say hi to as many people as possible, you never know when your paths may cross again. Lastly, you want to be memorable as an intern, so be yourself!”

Name: Logan Bowers

Education: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Area of study: Computer Science
Department: Network Operations

Q1: Why did you choose to come back for another year in the Pilot Internship Program?
A: “To stay closer to home for the summer, and to build on the relationships I formed last summer.”

Q2: What was something you enjoyed from your last experience that you hope to see again this time around?
A: “Making new friends and connections within the intern group.”

Q3: What’s something new that you have gotten to experience this far that you didn’t get to experience last time?
A: “New projects and more trust.”

Q4: What advice would you give to all the other interns who are new to the program?
A: “Work hard and make as many new relationships as you can.”

Name: Ethan Naugle

Education: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Area of study: Computer Engineering
Department: Enterprise Applications

Q1: Why did you choose to come back for another year in the Pilot Internship Program?
A: “I felt very welcomed by the Pilot family. The “people first” culture made me want to return for another year. “

Q2: What was something you enjoyed from your last experience that you hope to see again this time around?
A: “The Breakout escape room was really fun last year, and I am excited to go back.”

Q3: What’s something new that you have gotten to experience this far that you didn’t get to experience last time?
A: “I really enjoyed the travel center tour. It helped me better understand what we are working towards in terms of guess and team member experience.”

Q4: What advice would you give to all the other interns who are new to the program?
A: “Make as many connections as you can. Whether it is with other interns, people in your department, or people in totally different departments, the relationships you make can help shape your career down the road.”

We can’t wait to see what this group and the entire amazing cohort will do this summer – stay tuned for more blog updates. Don’t forget to vote for our program every day until July 20, 2023.

Interested in joining the team here at Pilot? Explore open opportunities here!

Summer travel is right down the road, and here at Pilot Company, we’re gearing up for a fantastic season. Our travel centers are the place to stop during a road trip – whether it’s for a quick sip of an ice-cold soda or somewhere to stretch your legs. No matter what your travel plans are, you can be part of the summer fun – we’re hoping to welcome over 10,000 new team members, including drivers, into the family!

Pilot and Flying J travel centers, One9 Fuel Network locations, and on-site restaurants across the country are hiring all positions, with many openings in key travel states including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia.

Locations of the top 10 hiring markets for the 2023 summer season.

Discover full-time and part-time opportunities in:
• Travel center leadership
• Hourly retail
• Restaurant leadership
• Hourly food service 
• Class A CDL drivers

We’re also hiring for corporate positions, including roles in IT, Guest Services, Risk Management, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, and Supply and Distribution. Our offices include our Sales and Support Center headquarters in Knoxville, locations in Dallas and Houston, and our IT Center of Excellence in Atlanta that opened last year.

“This is a rewarding time to start a career at Pilot,” said Jamie Landis, Vice President of Team Member Experience at Pilot Company. “In addition to great perks and benefits, we’ve launched a new rewards and recognition platform called Fueling Recognition, which touches every team member. This new platform is a way to empower our leaders to celebrate and reward individuals in those moments that matter, big and small.”

The platform allows peer-to-peer recognition and leaders to award team members points for their hard work. These points can be redeemed on thousands of items, including restaurant gift cards, electronics, company swag, concert tickets, and more!

At Pilot Company, we’re committed to enabling, empowering, and engaging team members across every department. This includes competitive benefits for every part- and full-time team member:
• 15-cent per gallon fuel discount
• Weekly pay
• Daily free meal and drinks
• Rewards & recognition programs
• Low-cost health plans
• 24/7 Access to on-demand healthcare 
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition assistance
• Paid time off
• And more perks and programs

Join the team today and help Pilot Company continue in fueling life’s journeys. Apply today by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com/nationalhiring to discover opportunities near you.

After Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B) became majority owners of Pilot Company on January 31, 2023, they identified Wright and Lillo, longtime Berkshire Hathaway executives, for these key leadership roles to deliver on the company’s long-term growth and vision plans. Shameek Konar and Kevin Wills will be leaving their respective positions after supporting the transition.

Wright has over two decades of experience as a leader in the energy sector and brings expertise in strategic planning and operational excellence. He joined Berkshire Hathaway in 1996 and has served in various executive management roles in the energy sector including most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer for one of the nation’s largest combined natural gas and electric providers. 

Lillo has been an integral part of the Berkshire Hathaway Energy family of businesses for more than 25 years. He has significant expertise in enhancing financial controls, managing risk, and driving responsible value creation.  

"Pilot Company has become one of the most future-forward companies in our industry. Adam’s energy expertise, leadership, and focus on customer satisfaction will help ensure Pilot Company remains a pillar of North America’s transportation ecosystem for decades to come,” said Greg Abel, Vice Chair, Non-Insurance Operations for Berkshire Hathaway. “From the beginning of our journey together, Berkshire Hathaway recognized Pilot Company as a strong business that was well-positioned for the long term and was backed by an innovative and hardworking team. I am confident Adam and Joe have a solid platform from which to propel the company forward.”

As the nation’s largest travel center network, Pilot Company has continued to expand its footprint and prepare for the future of travel, including an investment of $1B in its New Horizons store modernization initiative and installing a coast-to-coast network of EV fast-chargers at many of its locations across the country. Pilot Company’s energy division is operating at record highs to fuel its growing travel center network and support its customers through the industry’s energy transformation. 

“It's an honor to join the Pilot family and to lead such an influential company that has fueled millions of journeys over the past 65 years,” said Wright. “Pilot remains focused on meeting the unique needs of our pro drivers, fleets, guests, and Team Members while advancing a strong company strategy that positions us for the future.”

The Haslam family continues to be an integral part of the company with 20 percent ownership and James A. Haslam II, founder of Pilot Company, and James A. "Jimmy" Haslam III as members of the Board. 

“I want to thank Shameek and Kevin for all that they have done for Pilot Company. They have been instrumental in leading our over 30,000 Team Members through several years of growth and innovation,” said Jimmy Haslam. “While we express our utmost gratitude to them, I also want to welcome Adam, Joe and their families to Pilot Company and to the Knoxville community.”

This next generation of leadership will build upon the company’s long-standing commitment to its team members, the community, and the industry. Pilot Company will remain headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee and has a compelling growth strategy in place with a bright future ahead as it aims to be the preferred choice for all interstate drivers. 

Check out the following stories from Pilot team members on why Heart Month is especially meaningful for them:

Hannah Lewis

“My son Bennett was born with a rare and critical heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Basically, he only has half of his heart. At 6 days old, he had his first open-heart surgery. He spent nearly his first year of his life in the hospital where he suffered a stroke, brain bleeds, seizures, two more open-heart surgeries, multiple other surgeries and he went into cardiac arrest. After he turned two, he had two more open heart surgeries, totaling in at five. That hospital stay became a long one as well, where he suffered a serious staph infection called MRSA, and went into severe heart failure.

By God’s grace, he grew stronger every day.

In November of 2021, Bennett had routine lab work done, which revealed some concerning high numbers that reflected his heart function. Shortly after his 10th birthday, we learned that Bennett’s heart was running out of time. The doctor said we had a good year left, and to do as much as we could with him, but that he was going to request an evaluation for a heart transplant. I remember asking if he thought they would approve him, and while he could not speak for what the transplant team would decide, he told me he thought Bennett had a pretty good chance to be approved. In April 2022, we had our first big day of evaluation. It was a long process that took two trips to Vanderbilt. The next month, we were given the news that he was approved! By the end of June, he was officially listed. We got the call a lot sooner than we had ever imagined: three weeks and one day after being listed, we got the call that they had a match for Bennett. On July 9th, Bennett received his gift, with his surgery ending in the early hours of the morning on July 10th.

We have reached the 6-month mark and his new heart has been doing wonderfully. We have so much to be thankful for. We are thankful for God first, the donor family, his surgeons, and the transplant team/community. We are thankful for our friends, families, and coworkers who have supported us along the way and have been there for us through some of our most difficult days.

What makes me #PilotProud during Heart Month is the support I have received every step of the way since I joined the company. Even at the beginning, I knew I had love and support. I needed to be out of work quite a bit during the first few months for his transplant and I never once felt worried about my job. I knew it would be waiting for me when I returned.”

Darin Klotzsche

“When I pulled into my apartment complex after lunch with my family on July 17, 2016, I suddenly felt like someone turned a fire hose on in me. I began to sweat profusely and grew very nauseous as I parked outside my apartment. I felt dizzy and started to cough. With every cough, I felt relief, which reminded me of an instance years ago when someone had told me to fake cough if I ever had a heart attack – that it would help relieve symptoms. At that moment, I knew I was having a heart attack.

My wife drove me to the hospital, where I found out I was having a massive widow-maker heart attack. I received one stent and a new lease on life. I have immersed myself into woodworking, nature, and recently became a distance trail-runner. I try to watch my diet, get my steps in, and log some major miles on the trails. I am grateful for a new lease on life and for those people that helped save my life. I have learned CPR, and have taken on a whole new approach to how I react to life’s situations. My new motto is, “Begin each day with a grateful heart!”

Patrick Brock

“I have been running as a volunteer fire and rescue member in my hometown since I was 16 years old, and served in law enforcement for close to 20 years before coming to work at Pilot. I first became CPR certified in 1984 and have maintained that certification to this very day. No fewer than ten times in the past 36 years have I had to use CPR, and 7 of those times were successful! I am proud I took the time to get CPR-certified and then recertify when it expired and urge you to take the time to learn how, too.  Everyone deserves the best chance at living to see another day, and that chance may very well come in the form of YOU!!!!”

Andrea Stratton

Crystal Aytes

Stay tuned for more heart-health advice from experts at American Heart Association this month, and don’t forget support the life-saving work of AHA and HSF by stopping at one of our participating stores to grab a paper heart or round-up your purchase to the nearest whole dollar!

INNOVATE.22 was our second hackathon competition (the first being in 2019) and had a whole new meaning since the pandemic to bring people together in person from across the company – designers, engineers, coders, project managers, data analysts, marketing, guest services, digital products, and more – to help ideate new business opportunities while giving back to the local community.

Twelve teams had 30 hours to come up with real business solutions across a wide range of topics, from employee onboarding to EV installation. Each team competed on behalf of a nonprofit of their choice, with Pilot Company donating $10,000 to the four winners’ organizations.

“INNOVATE is all about collaboration, team building, and really just getting to know one another,” said John Mardini, senior manager of enterprise architecture and compute strategy at Pilot Company. “It’s incredible that Pilot allows us to spend two or three days to play with technology, meet new people, and ultimately invests in us while also giving back to the community.”

 

Here are the winners from this year’s competition:

Team 1: The Badgers

Charity: STEM for her

Project: Pay by Badge at PFJ Stores and PJ Fresh Café

“My first INNOVATE was a great experience,” said Nick Yeo, a data strategist for Pilot. “I really enjoyed getting to meet new people and hear about all the different work that’s going on at Pilot and different areas the business is interested in developing.”

 

Team 3: Tell me how you really feel

Charity: Navy Marine Corps Relief Society

Project: Guest Feedback on MyRewards+ app

“It was actually a pretty grueling two days. We had a team that was PACKED with incredible skill, talent, and passion! Every single individual wanted to be there and wanted to bring their best to help build a valuable solution. So, as you can imagine, there was a ton of excitement, energy, nervousness, tension, frustration, exasperation, confusion…but somehow, when you put a team together with a shared purpose and goal, you’re able to turn all of those emotions into determination, collaboration, and, ultimately, celebration! The greatest value we got from this experience was committing together to create something valuable for our Team and Guests, and successfully delivering on that commitment.” – Evan Lindauer, manager of compliance and risk for Pilot Company

 

Team 6: Feedback Fuel

Charity: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Project: Real-time store feedback

Our team was a great mix of developers, project managers, Team Member services, data analysts, and marketers; everyone was really passionate about working on Real-time store feedback. We had some fun debates, some great ideating, and overall came away with a winning idea. – Sheeva Hoders, Director of brand marketing

 

Team 12: It’s not a camera…

Charity: Truckers Against Trafficking

Project: Call for Service Using Cameras

“My favorite part of INNOVATE was meeting and working with people I’d typically never cross paths with here at Pilot. It’s been fun to see my new friends from INNOVATE walking the halls of my building!” – Jade Morton, assistant brand marketing manager for Pilot Company.

WHAT’S NEXT AFTER INNOVATE?

This event isn’t just a fun moment – it’s something we look to incorporate in our business moving forward. In fact, our team will soon take some of these projects to key stakeholders and vote on which ones to implement in our business.

INNOVATE.19, for example, kickstarted our internal PILOTCo app, which tremendously helped us communicate to our team members during the pandemic as we went remote. We’re excited to see what new innovations become realities for our stores and team members thanks to this year’s successful competition.

If you want to be a part of the action happening here at Pilot, check out our latest IT opportunities at our corporate offices.

“We throw challenges at her and she always rises to the occasion,” Rianna Woolley, Pilot’s food service manager, said.

She won three bronze medals after competing against 10 other countries in this year’s Special Olympics – one for singles, one doubles, and one for unified team.

“To see us all come together and bond over something we have in common, which is our love for sports, was awesome,” Tanya said.

Tanya moved to California in 2010 and began searching for a new after-work activity. She checked bowling out and, sure enough, she loved it. Twelve years later, she’s still playing, with dreams of someday going to the Special Olympics World games.

“I love being able to meet other people who also have a disability,” Tanya said. “I love learning how to socialize at the same time with each other since not all of us really know how to.”

Her Pilot team cheered Tanya on from the store, downloading an app that kept them updated with each game she played. They sent her little notes of congratulations and encouraging messages, supporting her just like she does to guests and team members at Store 1096 each and every day. Ever since joining Pilot last June, Tanya “enhances the day” for the store, and is even the team’s trainer. She makes sure all of the store’s new team members are comfortable on the front register, have a great onboarding experience, and know how to take great care of each guest that walks in to the store.

“She’s very thorough and patient, always making sure our guests come first,” Rianna said. “All of our regulars love to come to her because she remembers their order and makes sure they’re taken care of.” There have been a few times where a hearing-impaired guest walks into the store, their face brightening when Tanya makes eye contact with them and begins signing.

“To be able talk to someone and make them be heard in that way just makes their day,” Rianna said.

It’s easier for Tanya to help brighten someone’s day since the work environment is “more happy, more upbeat” than before. Even simple things like being able to hear the music from the lobby has made her experience at Pilot much more friendly.

“Shoutout to my managers for giving me an ample opportunity to prove how good I am instead of looking at my disability and saying, ‘this isn’t gonna work out.’ They’ve given me my shot and I’m running with the opportunity I’ve been given.”

Since 2014, DataIQ has been tracking the rise of chief data officers, chief analytics officers, data scientists, data governance experts, and the leaders of key vendors and service providers. Inclusion on the DataIQ 100 2022 list reflects outstanding leadership in the field.

More than 1,000 individuals applied to be on the 2022 list, and the 100 honorees were selected based on three factors: leadership, engagement with broader data and analytics industry, and those who support DataIQ and want to advance the profession. Ameet’s strategic vision and thought leadership in the data and analytics field were what secured him a spot.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Ameet,” Pilot Company CEO Shameek Konar said. “We are very proud of him and the way he leads this company with purpose. His forward thinking and guidance are what helps us understand the needs of our customers, and how we can grow as a company.”

CUSTOMER-FOCUSED CULTURE

Ameet has been with the company for two years and leads the enterprise and data analytics office, which includes data management, governance and operations, and business-aligned data teams. He understands that for our company to succeed in a competitive landscape, it must fully be able to interpret all available information.

He uses data to drive insights into such things as consumer behavior, pricing, supply chain, and expense management. These analytics not only will improve guest experience, but also present other growth opportunities for services and products.

RANGE OF EXPERIENCE

Before joining Pilot, Ameet served as chief data and analytics officer at McDonald’s Corporation and SunTrust Banks, Inc. He also served on the SunTrust Operating Council, an executive committee charged with improving client experience. Additionally, he has held leadership roles in finance and global outsourcing. This combined experience has given him a thorough understanding of both customer-facing and non-customer facing needs.

LEADING WITH INTENTION

Ameet notes that being an effective leader in the data field means endless curiosity. In order to be a good leader, he knows he has to be flexible and evolve in a changing business environment. It’s important for Ameet not only to develop talent, but also to continue learning best practices from other partners in the field.

“We are on a journey to develop talent across the organization and educate our team members on data literacy regardless of their role,” Ameet said. “We have a great mentorship program within our data team to ensure continuous learning and have partnerships with several universities to ensure access to the latest thinking. We also partner with multiple companies such as AWS, Databricks, Snowflake for analytics insight and various consulting companies that help ensure we are at the forefront of knowledge.”

We congratulate Ameet and the other DataIQ 100 recipients for being excellent role models and forward-thinking leaders within their companies and within our industry. To join his team here at Pilot, click here to view the latest opportunities.

Every intern did a wonderful job in their departments this summer and we look forward to seeing where everyone ends up in the future! Thanks again to Emily Bell for scheduling and organizing a well-rounded program filled with leader chats, engaging workshops, and fun events. It’s been a busy summer for everyone so we’re grateful to all our interns for working hard and taking the initiative to help keep Pilot moving.

To wrap-up the program and summarize some of the many things we learned, the interns shared some of their thoughts about this summer:

We also asked some of our interns to share their best piece of advice for future Pilot interns:

This summer has been an incredible experience for everyone involved and we wish all our interns the very best as they continue school, pursue their career paths, or choose to stay at Pilot!

Two weeks ago, we had the opportunity to volunteer at Muse Knoxville, a children’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) museum located downtown. Interns helped clean up trash, painted benches and fences, facilitated activities with visitors, and disinfected playground equipment. Everyone came together to help kids have an enjoyable and educational experience at Muse Knoxville while also implementing Pilot’s values on education and giving back.

Pilot Company is dedicated to giving back to the communities around them and holds philanthropy at a high level of value. They encourage all their team members to be active in the community and by volunteering for Muse Knoxville, the interns were able to represent Pilot and the company values. One of our key Giving Back pillars is education and Pilot’s helping strengthen the next generation with the innovative skills needed to succeed.

Alongside a fun Friday morning at The Muse, we also asked a few of our interns to describe their futures and what they’ve learned about their personal career goals during their internships. Take a look at how their dream jobs have changed over the years!

Name: Ethan Naugle

School/Major: UTK / Computer Engineering

Department: Enterprise Applications

“This internship has made me see the importance of leadership in any field.”

When Ethan was five years old, he wanted to be an astronaut. Now, he wants to be a computer engineer and help companies “become more productive using better computer hardware and software.” Being in the Enterprise Applications department, he’s been able to learn how important software and leadership are to a company’s productivity. This internship has helped Ethan understand the differences between the business and technical sides of engineering, leading him to discover an interest in leadership and investment of the business side. Ethan wants to lead a team of computer engineers one day!

Name: Tristan Damron

School/Major: UTK / Finance

Department: Business Integration

“I have found that I really enjoy working with other people and collaborating to solve problems.”

When Tristan was little, he wanted to be a professional lacrosse player. Now, he sees himself pursuing a career in the finance industry (like financial planning or wealth management).

• This internship has provided a lot of teambuilding and collaboration that have helped him further appreciate working with a team in a corporate setting.
• Through his experience in sports and this internship opportunity, he has strengthened his ability to be a good teammate in a professional setting—something that is really important to him!

Name: Elaina Boyette

School/Major: UTK / Supply Chain Management

Department: Merchandising

“I like the ability to get out from behind the desk and work with my hands every once in a while.”

When Elaina was younger, she loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian. Now that she’s in school, she’s realized that her brain functions better with business and data rather than animal anatomy and illnesses.

• While she doesn’t know exactly what she wants to do, this internship has given her a good look at the merchandising side of the corporate world. It’s something she’d like to stick with after graduation!
• There have been many aspects of this internship that have helped show Elaina what she wants in a future career. She enjoys meeting with vendors, discussing promos, and going to the fieldhouse to put together planograms for the stores. Getting to leave her desk and work hands-on every now and then is something that she really values!

Name: Peyton Solimine

School/Major: UTK / Business Analytics

Department: Logistics

 “I really like the upbeat and high energy spirit around the office at Pilot.”

When Peyton was five, he wanted to play in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts. Now that he’s at UTK and has some life experience, he sees himself working in the supply and distribution industry.

• He wants to work in an interactive environment where he enjoys his coworkers—similar to the experience of his role on the Logistics team this summer.
• Being an intern at Pilot has helped Peyton learn more about what he wants in a career which includes a dynamic office environment and a strong team to collaborate with.

Name: Luke Roberts

School/Major: UTK / Industrial & Systems Engineering

Department: Store Modernization

“I have really enjoyed looking at problems and coming up with unique solutions.”

When Luke was little, he frequently played with Legos, K’Nex, puzzles, and other inventive toys and games. His parents told him that he was going to grow up to be an engineer, but now that Luke is almost done with school, he sees himself in both becoming a business owner and possibly being a part of Pilot’s Rotational Development Program.

• He has spent most of his summer with Pilot coming up with possible solutions to solve difficult problems. With the possibility of his ideas being implemented to some degree in the future, he looks forward to seeing how the team uses the solutions he’s created.
• Luke’s experience working with the Store Modernization team has been a great opportunity for him and he appreciates having the ability to work on interesting projects with the space to work independently.

Prioritizing creativity and innovation, both in the office and at Muse Knoxville, are some of the values Pilot instills in their interns each and every day. We’re proud of everyone for their hard work on volunteer day, and in general! Although we’re sad the program is ending soon, we’re grateful for the time we’ve had together and look forward to seeing everyone succeed in their careers!

The category recognizes those who have had an “exceptional impact on the success or direction of their company, as well as a positive impact on the convenience store industry as a whole.” Each winner was nominated through an in-depth questionnaire covering achievements, leadership, influence, and qualifications – and Allison’s success in each of these areas helped secure the top honor.

“Anyone who knows Allison would agree she deserves this great honor,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “She is a hard worker who always accepts challenges that come her way.”

Five women across the industry receive the top honor amongst hundreds of nominees and Allison’s exceptional achievements over the last 12 months earned her a spot among these amazing women. The five Women of the Year will join an extended class of honorees in categories of Senior-Level Leaders, Rising Stars, and Mentors from across our industry in the retail, wholesale, and supplier sectors. All of this year’s honorees will come together at an awards gala in Las Vegas this fall for an official ceremony and celebration.

New Horizons

Allison has been with the company for nearly 23 years and her current role includes oversight of store modernization initiatives. She oversees the design and execution of store improvement initiatives alongside Pilot Company’s construction and development team.

One of her largest endeavors is a three-year project, called New Horizons, which is a $1 billion initiative focused on upgrading the guest experience and equipping our stores for the future of travel. This project is the company’s largest investment in store modernization to date and will fully remodel more than 400 Pilot and Flying J travel centers, as well as make upgrades at several more locations across the country.

Allison is at the helm of the planning, design and execution of New Horizons, and is incredible passionate about incorporating feedback from team members and guests to help inform what locations and types of improvements need to be made. She also looks at trends and ideas from the retail space, as well as considers how infrastructure, the energy transformation and future products will impact our stores. She and the team strive to make meaningful upgrades at each travel center that will make it a better, faster and more enjoyable experience for team members and guests today, while preparing for what’s next. 

Allison cares about her team, sets a great example, leads with humility and integrity, and has a passion for this company and all our Team Members. We are proud of her and the work she does, especially how she is leading New Horizons, one of our company’s biggest initiatives. – Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company

Prepared Through Experience

In her prior roles with Pilot, Allison was a Vice President of Operations and spent several years of her career prior to that running stores in various parts of the country. She also served as Chief of Staff during her tenure and gained experience working cross-functionally across many departments to support leaders in strategy and execution of many key initiatives. Through this experience, Allison has developed a keen intuition which helps her make decisions for things that aren’t formulaic. With the many roles and hats Allison has worn over the years, she has a deep understanding of the company, our team members, our guests and our customers, which is immensely helpful as she sets out to help the company modernize its stores for the future.

A Lesson on Personal Growth

Allison routinely mentors and meets with young and up-and-coming leaders including those in similar roles that she’s had throughout her career. When asked about the impact she has made through these relationships, Allison quickly insisted on how much she’s learned through these mentoring relationships as well.

“It’s important for women to support other women. I’ve learned the value in helping other women see the value in themselves. It’s also important for women to push people to get outside their comfort zone. If you want to grow, you have to pursue and take jobs that make you uncomfortable, those that have aspects that you don’t know much about. That’s when you grow!”

We congratulate Allison and the entire class of Top Women in Convenience for being role models and great leaders within their companies and within our industry.

Name: Samantha Germain

School/Major: UT / Retail & Consumer Sciences & Finance

Department: Merchandising

Favorite thing from the café: I’m a sucker for the salad bar!

Most exciting moment so far: Getting to speak to all of the vendors, interact with products, getting to experience the decision process of merchandising, and visiting the fieldhouse.

Q: Can you describe the differences you’ve noticed so far between learning about your field in the classroom versus actually working in your department?

A: There are quite a lot of differences between my classwork and the actual work within the department, but at the end of the day, both my work and class work are consumer-focused and figuring out what is the best option. So, I am taking my studying of the consumer and implementing it when I analyze consumer trends and products that the customer would enjoy.

Name: Blake Curtsinger

School/Major: UT / Business Analytics

Department: Business Intelligence

Favorite thing from the café: Unorthodox salads from the build-your-own salad bar (especially with asparagus)

Most exciting moment so far: Moments that were shared with the entire group of interns, like the mountain challenge that reinforced innovation and teamwork

Q: Can you describe the differences you’ve noticed so far between learning about your field in the classroom versus actually working in your department?

A: Being a business analytics major, I’d have to say the most obvious difference between the classroom and the real world is the data that I am using. Everything is prepped for you in school, but in reality, data is very messy and can be difficult to interpret. We also have a LOT of data here at Pilot, so I’ve had to spend a lot of time just getting to know how data flows through our organization and what it is representing. It’s been a challenge, but a fun one!

Name: Greer Giffen

School/Major: UT / Accounting

Department: Corporate Accounting

Favorite thing from the café: I’ve enjoyed the fountain drinks.

Most exciting moment so far: Doing the mountain challenge!

Q: Can you describe the differences you’ve noticed so far between learning about your field in the classroom versus actually working in your department?

A: It’s different working with real money rather than imaginary amounts in an accounting textbook. Accounting at Pilot has been a more detailed and complex application of a lot of the content of my classes.

Name: Jacob Bisping

School/Major: UT / Marketing

Department: Business Integration

Favorite thing from the café: Definitely the giant Rice Krispies Treats. They make for a great pre-workout snack.

Most exciting moment so far: When my director told me that she used my visualizations in her presentation to the higher-ups of the company. It felt good to know my hard work was being implemented.

Q: Can you describe the differences you’ve noticed so far between learning about your field in the classroom versus actually working in your department?

A: The biggest difference between the classroom and the work environment are my views toward meetings. In school, they teach that meetings will be very professional and nerve-racking. I hosted my first meeting the other day and it just felt like a conversation with friends. I love that I feel at home with Pilot and get treated as a friend first.

Stay tuned for more intern spotlights over the summer, and best of luck to all our interns in their departments for the rest of the program! If you’d like to read the first post about our 2022 interns, click here.

It’s a flashback to school spirit week with unique themes each day to dress up, have fun and show all the ways we are #PilotProud. If you happen to visit one of our stores or offices this week, you may catch our team members repping their favorite sports team, dressing like their favorite superhero, or shining bright on neon day.

The week’s events also include team building activities, special treats and swag, and personal ‘Thank You’ messages from senior leaders.

From the team members at our travel centers, to those in our support center offices, and to the drivers of our tanker fleet – it is because of you that we are able to keep North America moving by fueling millions of journeys every day.

On behalf of Pilot Company, thank you to all our team members for everything you do for our company, our guests, and for each other every day. We are truly Pilot Proud.

Want to join a team that has fun, recognizes hard work and supports career growth? We are looking for new teammates to join the Pilot family. If you’re ready for better benefits, better perks and better opportunities, check out our open positions at jobs.pilotflyingj.com and apply now. Click here to find out why our Team Members love working at Pilot.

From New York City’s Tartan Week to the five-day Tartan Film Festival in Los Angeles, people of Scottish descent across the United States grab their kilts, sporrans, belt buckles, and kilt pins and gather to commemorate.

To celebrate, we are spotlighting some of our Team Members with ties to Scotland and their love of the tartan!

Joanna Martin, Benefits and Well-Being Supervisor

Joanna was born in Edinburgh but grew up in Aberdeen, Scotland. She represented Scotland and Britain as a junior tennis player, a sport that would eventually bring her to Knoxville, Tennessee.

Her maiden name is Henderson, and like most Scottish families, they have an ancient and modern tartan design.

She prefers the modern Henderson tartan because of its lovely mix of green with a little white and yellow running through the pattern.

Her husband, Eric Martin, who is also a Pilot Team Member, wore a modern tartan tie to add a nice Scottish touch to their wedding. However, at their wedding party in Scotland later, Eric sported the full kilt and sporran, going all-in on the traditional Scottish attire (Photo Below).

Joanna loves connecting with people and sharing more about Scottish culture and her never-ending craving for Scottish Chocolate!

Mark Phillippo, Floater – Region 41

Mark Phillippo has been a truck driver with Pilot for almost 17 years. Currently, he lives in Cullman, Alabama but is originally from Indiana, which is where he was able to attend some Scottish festivals as a child. This was his initial exposure to the traditional kilt and bagpipes, which he became intrigued by. Eventually, after digging into his family history, he and his wife Jill took an ancestry test, finding out that he was 50% Scottish and his fascination with the kilt continued to grow.

Now he rocks the “Got Kilt?” sticker on the cab of his tanker truck and has a collection of universal kilts.

Keeping with his style, he tends to stick to the muted tartan patterns that are primarily black with hints of green or blue.

This year Mark and one of his good friends are traveling to Scotland to hike the West Highland Way, a 96-mile trek from Milngavie to Fort William. “Hiking and haggis,” Mark says, “not a bad way to see the Scottish countryside.”

This year for National Tartan Day, attend a festival near you, play some Scottish games with your family, or cook a traditional Scottish meal! Learn more by clicking here.

Thank you, Joanna, and Mark, for sharing your love of the Tartan!

Like most companies, we faced a major challenge when the pandemic hit. We had to find a way to keep training our team members remotely. It turned out to be a fantastic opportunity to refresh and enhance our offerings. Take our General Manager Leadership Development (GMLD) Program for example. What used to be a 5-day program at our SSC in Knoxville, TN where general managers would learn various processes, company initiatives, best practices, and leadership coaching quickly had to be redesigned.

“The pandemic was not discriminant,” Gene Baquet, Pilot Company Manager of Learning and Development, said. “Organizations that did well and performed well were the ones that could pivot to train and develop team members in new ways while being just as effective, if not more effective in some cases. That’s one reason why we jumped 30 spots in the ranking.”

There’s another reason for winning this training award. Our senior leaders are invested in our Team Members training and success. For instance, Jason Nordin, Pilot Company chief operator, attends every GMLD orientation session and graduation, and he signs each certificate of completion. “For Jason to talk to our team members and ask what’s working well and what’s not shows that he’s willing to listen and take the time to hear,” said Kina Chapman, Manager of Field Learning and Development. “It shows that our leaders  care and are invested in our team members.”

We have similar support for our other programs which is a key ingredient to success. “Any training program will fail if it’s not aligned with your business imperatives and where your company’s going,” Gene said. “We couldn’t do what we do without the sponsorship from our senior leaders.”

Along with the overall ranking, Pilot Company was also recognized for a Best Practice Award for Service Leader Development, which is based on project scope, link to business goals, innovation, reinforcement, senor leadership involvement, and business impact.

The Service Leader (SL) Development Program provides SLs with a defined career path and development plan:

After 20 days of in-store training, our SLs attend off-site classes – facilitated by Region Managers and HR Business Partners. They learn HR, leadership, and job specific skills they can put into immediate action back in their stores. While the course also has a virtual option, the in-person classes have proven to increase confidence, build skill, and reduce turnover for our highly valued Service Leaders.

“I am very proud of what our team and Company has and continues to accomplish. This year we’re particularly excited about the Team Member Experience (TMx) initiative and ways we will evolve and expand our programs, tools, and classes. We look forward to continued alignment with business needs, delivering outcomes-based development opportunities, and strengthening business partnerships to positively impact the Team Member experience and overall growth and success of our company.” – Craig BeVier, Pilot Company’s Director of Talent Development.

“This is the largest investment in store modernization in Pilot’s history,” Shameek Konar, Pilot Company CEO, said. “We’re listening [to our guests and team members] by making this $1 billion investment – its our commitment to our guests, our team members, and the communities we serve.”

This initiative is now underway with more than 50 of our stoles being renovated in 2022. Key enhancements will include:

Store exteriors and interiors – Top-to-bottom overhauls from the curb to the counter, including energy-efficient lighting for well-lit parking lots, updated branding, modernized store features and accents, and durable materials that’ll leave a lasting impression on guests.

Restrooms, showers, and laundry – Modernized facilities with new tile, fresh paint, more space, and brighter lighting.

Seating and lounges – Expanded spaces for guests to enjoy along with additional dining areas.

Retail, food, and beverage – Revamped store layouts that’ll help bring more variety and Pilot’s signature fresh deli items, such as pizza, homestyle meals, grab-and-go foods, and premium coffee to more of our locations.

New technology – Retail and fueling technology upgrades that’ll increase efficiency and help our team members further personalize the guest experience.

Improved team member areas – Reconfigured and expanded breakrooms and workspaces – new kitchen equipment, back-office solutions, and more – to make our team members’ jobs easier so that they can focus on providing the best possible service.

Future innovations – Equipping our stores with fueling alternatives such as EV charging stations and strategies to help support low emission and zero emission vehicles.

In addition to the remodels, we’ll also be giving back to our local communities where are stores are located. This year alone, we’ll be donating half a million dollars to support local school districts, helping to provide students with equal access to educational technology. You can learn more about our giving back program at www.pilotcompany.com/about.

Stay tuned for what’s on the horizon as we revamp our stores, making any and every stop with us the ultimate experience.

Over the past 12 years, there’s been an 88 percent increase in female drivers – a huge accomplishment! However, there’s still only a small number of women drivers overall, totaling in at 7.8 percent of the industry. Here are some women #BreakingTheBias and adding exceptional female leadership to a historically male-dominated industry.

Women are the real architects of society. – Cher

1. Pilot Company’s HR Business Partner, Division 11, Melinda Samuel

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? This is a day to celebrate strong, talented, and intelligent women who have made a significant impact in our lives and communities across the globe. It’s also a day to reflect on equality and equity – how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.

What do you do to celebrate women and women’s achievements (inside and outside of Pilot)? I’m a member of a local women’s organization that focuses on the potential of women, voluntarism, and community service where we have celebratory activities during the month. I also enjoy watching movies that celebrate women empowerment like Hidden Figures, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Color Purple, Erin Brockovich, etc.

What woman has inspired you and why? Personally – My mom. My dad passed when I was 10 years old and my mom single-handedly raised a big family, instilled strong morals/values, and taught us the importance of having a strong work ethic and the rewards of helping others.

Professionally – Marilyn Tipton, who gave me my first job in HR almost 20 years ago. She taught me the importance of listening, gaining trust, and establishing fairness and consistency when working with people.

What advice do you have to encourage other women to continue their drive to succeed? Continue to work hard, ask questions, forge relationships, and help other women when you can. If you don’t have a female mentor, find one – it’ll have a significant impact on your life.

2. Pilot Company’s VP of Store Modernization, Allison Cornish

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? International Women’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge all the incredible women out there who are contributing to society.

What do you do to celebrate women and women’s achievements (inside and outside of Pilot)? When female leaders have been promoted or celebrated within the company, we’ll often send notes of congratulations celebrating them. It’s been great to see more women at our company promoted into key roles and recognized for their efforts and achievements.

What woman has inspired you and why? I’m extremely fortunate to have grown up under the influence of many strong and intelligent women in my family. It’s very hard to narrow it down to just one. These women include my mother, aunts, stepmother, and grandmothers. Each one has their own incredible story of accomplishment and have provided me countless words of wisdom, motivation, and inspiration.

What advice do you have to encourage other women to continue their drive to succeed? Don’t be afraid to try new things and to place yourself in uncomfortable situations. You can’t learn or grow without a little discomfort.

3. Decker Truck Line Driver Lisa Ohrmundt

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? International Women’s Day is important as the generations change and equality is slowly, very slowly, beginning to turn the tide.

What do you do to celebrate women and women’s achievements? I celebrate women in an everyday life sort of celebration. As a female in the trucking industry, I encourage and mentor women that are just starting in the industry. There are a lot of truck driving Facebook Pages and other female pages I’m on that are incredibly uplifting to each other!

What woman has inspired you and why? It all starts with my mom. She was a single parent and taught me what it means to have a good work ethic and to take care of the people around you! In trucking, my teacher, Judy, has been incredible as a mentor and friend. I have one Facebook friend that’s an amazing inspiration and she probably doesn’t even know – Gwen Black. She hauls heavy equipment is a straight-up bad ass!!! There are so many women helping women out her on the road, it’s really something special!

What advice do you have to encourage other women to continue their drive to succeed? One of my favorite things about this job is the women new in the industry that reach out to me who I get to help….there’s so much to learn in the first year, and I’m always willing to share the things I’ve learned and experienced over the years….I spend a fair amount of time trying to get other women to come to work at Decker Truck Line because I love it so much and the culture is driver-focused!!!

4. Pilot Company’s Region Manager Donna Brough

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? It means a since of accomplishment. It’s a feeling that others recognize of how it hasn’t always been easy for women to have opportunities to lead.

What do you do to celebrate women and women’s achievements (inside and outside of Pilot)? I’m excited to say I have a region of 12 locations, 10 being led by women. I personally try to attend local events and invite others to join me. (Note: COVID has had an impact on my ability to do this over the past few years)

What woman has inspired you and why? I got my first job when I was 15 working at a local diner. It was owned by a woman named Wanda Rayburn. She taught me how to “work” if you will. I learned from her the skill of connecting with people and the importance of creating a great work atmosphere. She allowed me to grow and learn continuously.

What advice do you have to encourage other women to continue their drive to succeed? Leverage what makes you unique. Be true to who you are and take time to celebrate all of the small accomplishments. They’ll add up over time. Never let anyone tell you tears are a sign of weakness.

5. Over The Road Driver Clarissa Rankin

We wanted to end this blog with a quick video from Over The Road Driver Clarissa Rankin. She’s an incredible example of breaking the mold in this industry and encouraging women to live out their passions and become their best selves. Click here to watch.

We also want to give a special shoutout to our Founder’s Award winners for 2022 – these team members went above and beyond in their service to others.

The Founder’s Awards are announced every year at our annual leadership conference – an event we’ve hosted for 35 years to bring our operations leaders together to learn, develop, collaborate and align on the year’s priorities. The award was created in honor of our founder, Mr. Jim Haslam II, who recognized the importance of taking care of one another and putting people first.

Considered the most prestigious award at Pilot, it recognizes the “best of the best” leaders in our stores. This year’s 79 winners include regional managers, multi-unit managers, travel center general managers, restaurant general managers and deli managers who have some of the most engaged teams highest guest compliments, consistent financials and strong leadership qualities. They exemplify what it means to be Pilot Proud – hungry, humble, accountable and commercial.

Here are just a few of our amazing Founder Award winners for this year:

BRIAN MCCRORY

Meet regional manager Brian McCrory. He’s spent the past 15 years in leadership roles at Pilot, helping to build consistency within his teams that not only drive results, but that also push his team to be the very best they can be.

My R36 team worked very hard this year and their hard work paid off with awesome results, we all did it together. So proud of all of the leaders in R36 for focusing in on the right things and growing as leaders.

Top highlight since joining the company: The dedication of leaders to invest in me personally and grow me as a leader along the way.

What his team does best: My team has a lot of humility. They’re always looking to get better, they work very hard every day, and everyone has a great attitude and truly wants to take care of their team and guests.

PEGGY WOLFORD

Meet Peggy Wolford, one of our general managers whose been with us for more than 26 years. Peggy started off as a cashier, working her way up to a leadership position for almost two decades. This award is especially significant to her because of a major remodel her store underwent this past year. Despite the hectic renovation process, her team had a fantastic sales year.

This award means so very much to me. I’ve worked extremely hard to build a quality team that takes care of our guests and helps me to make sure our store is always clean and stocked. [Receiving this] makes me feel like all the hard work I’ve put in to make sure that we continue to do our best in sales has really paid off.

Top highlight since joining the company: Meeting Mr. Haslam for the first time. We discussed many things – at the time, we didn’t have very good dental insurance and I voiced my concern with that. He listened and made a company-wide change. Wow! That told me how important each person on the Pilot team really was to him. We weren’t just employees, we were family.

What her team does best: My team works hard as a family to take care of our store and guests.

VICTORIA CLINE

Meet Victoria Cline, a restaurant worker/sandwich artist turned restaurant general manager for our store in Oregon. After the previous restaurant general manager experienced medical issues, Victoria quickly stepped in as acting restaurant general manager has been in that role ever since.

The last five years of our hard work have paid off. My team and I have worked hard to get to where we are today. I’m looking forward to keeping up the same passion the team and I had this past year.

Top highlight since joining the company: I feel like the company really cares about the team. I like how construction tries to change and adapt [our store] for the better.

What her team does best: My team pulls together like a family and we take care of our guests and each other.

MICHAEL BATORY

Meet Michael Batory, a travel center general manager for one of our locations in Wyoming. His goal is to help every one of his team members become subject matter experts in their respective roles, training and developing them while continuing to expand his own skill set.

I was completely surprised even being nominated for such a high award for TCGM.  When my name was called, I was speechless. It meant validation for the team’s and my hard work – day in and day out. We try as leaders to run the best stores possible by placing the right person in the right place, utilizing all the tools Pilot provides for us. It all started to come together once we started seeing the desired results.

Top highlights since joining the company: The way Pilot takes care of all their team members.  The way senior leadership comes out to the stores and really takes the time to engage the team and answer all our questions. The training and the onboarding process are industry leading.

What his team does best: I think first and foremost they display Pilot Proud behaviors. They work as a team and over-communicate with each other, including leaders. They’re huge on following the process and using the tools the company provides for them.

TAMMY ROBETS

Meet Tammy Robets, a food service leader for our travel center’s Subway in Monroe, Michigan. She joined the team 17 years ago as a co-manager, quickly moving over to Subway and being trained by several folks that taught her how to become an even better leader. This is her second Founder’s Award; she’s also won our Spirit Award.

I feel honored that [my team’s] hard work was recognized. I feel appreciated and valued by the leaders I look up to for guidance. These folks inspire me to be a better person each day; I’m grateful to say that I am a part of the Pilot Family.

Top highlights since joining the company: Being a member of the Coaches Club and a concept leader as it affords me the opportunity to impact someone else’s journey at Pilot. It’s so rewarding to see someone succeed and know that I may have helped along the way – that I had a positive impact.

What her team does best: My team is amazing. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today. What we do best are process and routines. We create high standards and expectations, and we stick to them. These are the things that help us take care of each other so we can take care of our guests.  

#PilotCompanyAppreciationDay

We echo Tammy – our team members are amazing. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their hard work, dedication and passion for serving guests. That’s why we’ll be celebrating our team members today with all sorts of treats, including ice cream trucks, balloons, store parties, rewards and more! If you’re a fellow team member, make sure to share the love and festivities using our hashtag #PilotCompanyAppreciationDay. And if you want to be a part of our family, check out https://jobs.pilotflyingj.com/ to view our latest career opportunities.

“Since day one with Pilot in 2017, Shameek has shown his dedication to advancing our company and the industry,” said Jimmy Haslam, current CEO of Pilot Company. “Shameek has successfully launched and grown our energy business at Pilot and become a key member of our leadership team. His knowledge of the energy sector, including expertise in the acquisition, development and operations of infrastructure assets and resources, and his deep appreciation of Pilot’s culture and values are a few of the reasons why we chose him to be our next CEO. We have full confidence that Shameek will continue to grow the legacy of our family’s business.” 

Konar has had a strong track record throughout his career with more than 20 years of experience in the energy and commodity market focusing on acquiring, integrating and optimizing assets. He has a degree in Economics and Mathematics from St. Stephens College in India and a PhD in Economics and Finance from Vanderbilt University.

 “Thanks to Jimmy and Ken Parent’s leadership, we are well positioned for what’s ahead and have an incredible team to get us there,” said Konar, chief strategy officer at Pilot. “When joining the Pilot family, I was immediately drawn to the strong culture that Jimmy and the entire Haslam family created. As CEO, I will be deeply committed to keeping those values in place and investing in our team, while also working to better serve our guests, advance our goals and continue to strategically grow the business.”

Effective immediately, Konar will take on additional responsibilities, including the management of technology, HR, finance and legal. The real estate team will continue to report to Jimmy Haslam and the store operations and development teams will continue to report to Ken Parent, president. As CEO, store operations and development will be added to Konar’s role in 2021.

In January, Parent will become senior advisor to the CEO and the chairman, providing guidance on strategy and key priorities for the company. Parent has helped the company achieve significant growth through the development of successful systems and processes, as well as building an outstanding leadership team. The rest of Pilot’s management team will stay in place.

In 2021 and beyond, the Haslam family will continue to be involved. In addition to Jim and Jimmy, Whitney Haslam Johnson will continue to serve as chief experience officer and member of the board, and Bill Haslam will serve on the board.

This next phase of leadership ensures the company will remain committed to the industry and to expanding the business while upholding the values instilled by the Haslam family. Jim Haslam founded Pilot Corporation in 1958 with one gas station and the family has led the business to become the industry leader it is today. The company has grown to become the nation’s largest operator of travel centers with more than 950 locations and is the largest seller of over-the-road diesel fuel. Pilot has a compelling growth strategy in place and a bright future ahead.

Pilot Company will create synergy across the company’s growing family of brands and services. This update also helps team members who work across the company’s expanding number of travel center brands and energy division to operate as one team working together to achieve success.

“The work our team has put into our 60-plus year legacy has prepared us for what’s ahead as we set out to advance our next phase of growth,” said Jimmy Haslam, CEO of Pilot Company. “We are an innovative company that is the leader in the supply and distribution of fuel in North America. As the industry evolves, it’s important that we do as well. We must continue to expand our business and develop more capabilities that enable us to successfully serve our team members and guests. Pilot Company is another step in our company’s bright future.”

The company will introduce a new logo with a nod to the company’s legacy. It will symbolize the first Pilot gas station, recognizing the significance of its strong history as the company evolves moving forward.

Haslam, along with his entire leadership team, will work together to pursue the vision for Pilot Company. To achieve this, Pilot Company is focused on investing in its people and technology, while growing its retail network and the energy business.

Pilot Company’s family of brands work together across all areas of the business to supply the fuel, resources and services its customers and guests need to keep commerce moving.