In honor of National Intern Day, we’re spotlighting Pilot’s 2026 summer interns. This year's class of 43 interns represents a wide range of departments, including finance, business analytics, communications, marketing, legal, cybersecurity, transportation, product design and more.

The Pilot Internship Program

Pilot’s 10-week internship program combines professional development with hands-on experience. Interns begin and end the program by building professional skills and learning about Pilot’s business and culture as a leading energy and experience provider. During the eight core weeks, they work alongside their teams, gain real-world experience in their chosen fields and complete projects that add value to the business.

Most interns work in Pilot’s Knoxville headquarters while others are based at other Pilot offices and store locations in Texas, California and Pennsylvania. Interns are carefully selected through a competitive, multi-stage application and interview process.

At Pilot, our purpose of showing people they matter at every turn is foundational, and this includes interns, who are welcomed into the company as valued team members. Interns don’t merely observe, they contribute, gaining meaningful experience while paving their own way forward with the support, development and opportunities to make the most of every mile.

“One of the most rewarding things for me has been the ability to make a meaningful impact on the business even as an intern,” said Ethan Hoskins, intern, business process engineering.

A Rich and Rewarding Experience

Pilot interns do far more than perform administrative tasks. Throughout the summer, interns work on projects aligned with key business initiatives, giving them the opportunity to contribute meaningful work. In addition to their projects, interns take on daily responsibilities that move the business forward while helping them build skills and confidence in the workplace.

Bailey Patterson, intern, e-commerce, collected ratings and organized mobile order feedback reports for division leaders, ensuring customers’ perspectives shape decisions that improve the guest experience and drive growth.

“This internship has exceeded my expectations because I did not think I would have this much responsibility with colleagues relying on me daily,” said Patterson. “This opportunity has also allowed me to ask questions and to make connections with people that can help me to grow further.”

Projects With Real Impact

From improving safety and modernizing store technology to enhancing food offerings, Pilot interns lead projects that support important business initiatives and create meaningful impact for team members, guests and the company.

Dylan Sacksteder, intern, logistics, partnered with Pilot's logistics team to identify and address a wide range of safety concerns like sight visibility, pedestrian and vehicle traffic patterns, walking surface conditions and other operational hazards, supporting Pilot’s deep commitment to safety. Sacksteder said that through this project, he aimed to “help with the connected effort of safety-centered operations and protect the most valuable assets Pilot has, its people.”

Alex Long, intern, product design, helped modernize the checkout systems used in Pilot stores. By working to improve the technology that store team members use every day, Alex helped create a smoother checkout experience for guests and made store systems easier for employees to learn and navigate.

Kailyn Harbin, intern, food and beverage, developed long-term plans for popular food offerings, including grab-and-go items and roller grill favorites. Through her work, Kailyn helped Pilot identify new opportunities to better serve guests and continue growing the Pilot eats brand.

Leadership and Career Growth

The Pilot intern program offers professional development opportunities designed to help interns better understand the business while building workplace and leadership skills. During the summer, interns learn directly from Pilot leaders, receive career guidance and gain insight into how different parts of the company work together. These experiences help interns build valuable skills and professional connections.

CEO Adam Wright spoke with interns about his journey from being a college football player and to CEO leading Pilot. He shared lessons on leadership, career growth and personal development, and his authentic conversation left a lasting impression.

“Adam's talk had the biggest impact on me. Having the CEO care so much about interns, having each name memorized and knowing a fun fact about them, is special,” said Levi Bohne, intern, logistics.

Interns also had the opportunity to hear from members of the leadership team during a panel discussion featuring Adam Wright, Sean Marrero, Jordan Spradling, Jeremy Osterstock, Andy Lupo, Jamie Landis, Wendy Hamilton and Meghan Morgan. Leaders shared insights from their career journeys, discussed leadership and growth and offered perspectives on the future of the business. The session provided interns with valuable advice and the opportunity to learn directly from those helping shape Pilot's success.

Beyond these sessions, interns toured Pilot’s travel centers in Knoxville, Tennessee, to gain a firsthand understanding of store operations and the guest experience. Interns also participated in continuous improvement training, where they applied what they saw at the stores by making mock Pilot pizzas and explored the processes that support efficient store operations.

A Culture of Connection

In addition to professional development, the internship program also encourages personal growth and connection. Throughout the summer, interns participated in team-building activities, networking events and community engagement opportunities that helped them build relationships and make the most of their experience.

One highlight was a visit to Navitat Canopy Adventures, where interns hiked, completed a ropes course and strengthened connections with one another.

Interns also had the opportunity to participate in a volunteer day. Working alongside local nonprofit organizations, interns supported a variety of initiatives that helped address community needs and reinforced Pilot's commitment to serving the communities where team members live and work.

Experiences like these, combined with Pilot's welcoming culture, helped interns feel a strong sense of belonging.

“The most rewarding aspect of my internship experience so far is the everyday interactions with team members, the ‘good morning’ every time you walk through the door and the conversations during lunch with other interns” shared Ian Smith, intern, internal audit. “Most of all, I appreciated working together toward the same goal as a team. It made me motivated and excited to come to work every morning."

Through meaningful work, professional development, community involvement and team-building experiences, the Pilot intern program helps interns build valuable skills, lasting connections and a deeper appreciation for Pilot's culture.

“If I were to choose from any internship again, I would choose Pilot every time,” said Smith.

If you or someone you know is interested in a dynamic, educational Pilot internship, check out Pilot’s careers webpage to learn more and apply.

We’re proud to recognize four team members who show what it means to be Driven, Reliable, Authentic and Welcoming. They serve as a reminder of what’s possible when we show people they matter at every turn.

Amanda Garza
Guest Services Team Leader
Pilot #467, San Antonio, Texas

Amanda shows what it means to be Driven through her commitment to growth, teamwork and excellence. As a leader and trainer, she works shoulder-to-shoulder with her team to develop others, lead with consistency and position her team for success. Her positivity and focus inspire improvement in herself and others. She takes true ownership of her work and strives to be better every day.

A fellow team member says, “Thank you for bringing a positive vibe to work every day! It’s such a pleasure to work with you. You put so much effort and love into everything you do.”

Derek Wayman
Transportation Field Supervisor
Region 10, Cheyanne, Wyoming

Derek demonstrates being Reliable by consistently supporting others when it matters most. He recently went above and beyond to help a team member experiencing a difficult medical situation. Derek’s reassurance, presence and helpfulness ensured the team member remained safe and was not alone. His actions prove that he is someone people can count on by being genuinely committed to others.

“Derek came to help me in a time of need, gave me reassurance and stayed in town until the matter was resolved,” says the team member Derek assisted. “He checked in on me several times and overall showed care and concern. Thanks, Derek, for being there.”

Mayra Alvarez
HR Service Delivery Representative I
Sales and Support Center, Miami, Florida

Mayra shows she is Authentic by communicating openly, honestly and with purpose. During a recent meeting, Mayra spoke up to share some concerns of Spanish-speaking team members, ensuring their voices were heard. Her courage sparked meaningful change, including translating over 200 process cards into Spanish, creating a more inclusive team member experience.

Mayra says, “For me, being authentic means showing people they matter when they feel seen and valued. I’m grateful I could help our Spanish-speaking team members be their authentic selves and feel connected, so we can become stronger together.”

Melissa Schmidt
Guest Services Leader
Pilot #43, Walcott, Iowa

Melissa proves she is Welcoming by creating a safe, caring environment where team members feel supported and valued. Melissa stays aware, leads by example and ensures each shift runs smoothly. She’s always ready to help and brings a spirit of positivity, accountability and genuine commitment to both her team and guests. Melissa makes sure everyone feels as though they belong.

One of Melissa’s fellow team members says, “She always makes sure her crew is having a great shift.” Another team member says Melissa is “always willing to learn and teach others” and that her “smile will make anyone in a bad mood forget their troubles.”

We’re grateful to team members like Amanda, Derek, Mayra and Melissa who embody our virtues each day as we work shoulder-to-shoulder to serve guests across more than 900 travel centers in 43 states and Canada. It’s all part of making sure Pilot is by your side for the whole ride.

Thanking Our Journey Makers

This week, Pilot honored what truly makes our company special—our people. From team building opportunities to words of appreciation, gratitude for Pilot team members showed up in big and small ways across our locations.

Team member appreciation cards encouraged us to recognize a teammate and keep the momentum going by passing it forward. It’s a simple reminder that appreciation is contagious!

Showing Our Spirit

Spirit days showcased creativity, personality and plenty of fun. On Monday, company pride was on display for Pilot Day as team members sported their favorite Pilot gear.

Wednesday’s Team Theme Day saw groups get creative dressing up as iconic duos, trios and teams. 

And on Fan Day Thursday, individuality took center stage as team members repped their favorite sports stars and music artists.

Our fleet drivers also joined in the fun, swapping their uniform hats for their favorite sports caps!

Carrying Appreciation Forward

While Team Member Appreciation Week gives us a chance to be intentional about appreciation, we are committed every day to raising each other up, showing up in every moment, and making sure everyone feels seen, appreciated and knows that they truly belong. Pilot’s purpose is showing people they matter at every turn, and that includes our team members.

Thank you to our journey makers for living our virtues, lifting each other up and helping make the most of every mile!

Across Pilot, many team members have personal ties to the military community. They recently shared powerful stories that reflect the many ways military service touches our lives. Here are just a few of them.

Answering the Call at Home and Abroad 

Cory Spradlin, a Pilot truck driver based in Toledo, Ohio, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1998 and attended basic training. He deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo in 2000, then served during one of the most traumatic periods in U.S history. On September 12, 2001, he deployed to provide security at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and to Ground Zero in New York City, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In 2007-08, Cory volunteered as a team leader for combat service in Afghanistan. Cory’s service during times of both conflict and peace exemplifies the selflessness of our military community.

Commitment Across Generations

For some Pilot team members, military service is a family tradition.

Colleen Oliver, cashier at Pilot #593, Tucson, Arizona, grew up as a “military brat.” That allowed her to experience an extraordinary childhood, living in Turkey and Japan and visiting many other countries. In 1972, when less than two percent of all armed forces personnel were women, she followed in her father’s footsteps by joining the U.S. Air Force. Colleen’s son also served in the military, underscoring how military service often becomes a lasting family legacy.

Lessons Learned Through Service 

For most, serving in the military teaches lifelong lessons.

Jason Brantley, a senior security engineer at our sales and support center in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard veteran with over 20 years of service, including combat service during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Jason says his military experience shaped how he shows up today, from teamwork and accountability to servant leadership. He’s proud that Pilot reflects the same values he lived by while in uniform: showing up for others, continuous improvement and taking pride in meaningful work.

Serving Together as a Family 

For Shana Klein, shift supervisor at Pilot #44, Boonville, Missouri, serving in the U.S. Army is an honor she shares with her late husband, Fred Speak. Shana, who served for ten years, and her husband, who served for twenty, both later became Army recruiters. Because their service overlapped while they raised their four children, military life became a true family effort. There were times when both parents were in the field or working long hours, and they relied on their community for support along the way. At the same time, military life brought unique opportunities to create lasting memories from the family’s extensive travel and adventures together.

Together, these stories show that while military service takes many forms, the values it instills, like leadership, resilience, and commitment, closely reflect those that shape our team and our culture. We’re proud to work alongside individuals who bring these values to life every day.

At Pilot, the respect and appreciation we have for the military community extends to every day of the year. Once authenticated through ID.me in the Pilot app, verified service members can save year-round with a 10% discount on food and beverages* when using the Pilot app.

Pilot is grateful to our team members and to all Americans who commit to military service. Read this news release to learn more about how Pilot honors service members during Military Appreciation Month and beyond.

*Visit https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions for terms and conditions.

In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, Miles of Good Foundation is donating $125,000 to Hire Heroes USA to help advance its mission of providing personalized employment assistance for service members and their spouses to help them transition to the civilian workforce.

"Pilot’s long-standing support as an employer partner since 2018 has played a meaningful role in helping veterans and military spouses build successful civilian careers,” said Ross Dickman, CEO of Hire Heroes USA. “With the additional contribution from Miles of Good Foundation, we will be able to connect thousands of service members with personalized career support that leads to meaningful employment opportunities.  Partnerships like this are critical to our mission and help create lasting pathways to economic stability for those who have served.” 

Since Miles of Good Foundation was launched in 2026, the foundation has contributed a total of nearly $400,000, adding to the more than $4.4 million Pilot has given since 2020, to assist military members, veterans and their families through education, career development and community programs.

“Those who serve our country bring an extraordinary sense of purpose, leadership and commitment to every stage of life,” said Meg Counts, president of Miles of Good Foundation and director of corporate giving and events at Pilot. “By supporting Hire Heroes USA and other trusted nonprofit partners, Miles of Good Foundation is proud to help military members, veterans and their families build strong futures beyond service while showing them how much their sacrifices truly matter.”

Pilot is also celebrating Military Appreciation Month with exclusive weekly offers in May for free food and drinks for eligible service members and their families at participating travel centers* when using the Pilot app. Once authenticated through ID.me in the Pilot app, verified service members will get access to the Military Appreciation Month weekly deals* and can continue to save year-round with a 10% discount on food and beverages** when using the Pilot app.

As a proud employer of veterans, Pilot also encourages former and transitioning service members and military spouses to explore career opportunities by visiting Careers.PilotCompany.com.

For more information about Military Appreciation Month offers at Pilot, visit PilotCompany.com.  

*See offers in the Pilot app for terms and conditions. 

**Visit https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions for terms and conditions.

Pilot is proud to support the American Heart Association’s mission because stroke is more than a statistic. People all over the country, including some of our team members, have been affected by stroke. With the team members we spoke to, there was one common thread: the importance of recognizing signs early, seeking care quickly and prioritizing recovery. Read three Pilot team members’ stories as a reminder of why Stroke Month matters and learn to spot the signs of a stroke.

Acting Quickly Changed Everything

Joanna Lujan, travel center general manager of Pilot #1143, Odessa, Texas, has seen her sister Rosemary Tarango experience two strokes, each reinforcing the importance of quick action.

The first occurred while the sisters were shopping and Rosemary suddenly didn’t feel well. Joanna listened as Rosemary described tunnel vision and lightheadedness, and then she began to slur her words. Recognizing the warning signs, Joanna immediately called 911. Doctors confirmed that swift medical intervention helped Rosemary prevent paralysis.

A few months later, Rosemary experienced another stroke, this time at church. She became shaky and once again began to slur her words. Emergency services were called, and she was rushed to the hospital. With Joanna and other family supporting her, Rosemary continues her healing journey from the second stroke, working each day toward recovery.

Hope in the Face of a New Normal

For Magaly Carranza, driver supervisor, San Diego lubricants department, November 29, 2024, was a life-changing day. Her mother, Maribel Carranza, suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot in her brain that doctors determined couldn’t be surgically removed, leading to a three-week hospital stay and the start of a long recovery journey.

After returning home, Maribel has had challenges with speech and the ability to eat. Her recovery is a daily commitment requiring many hours of dedicated care and assessment each week.

For Magaly, balancing her career with caregiving responsibilities—for her mom as well as her young daughter—has been a lesson in resilience and the importance of a strong support system. She says that her mother’s strength is an inspiration to her as the family navigates this new chapter together.

A Wake-Up Call Saved His Life

In 2023, Gary Proulx, assistant deli general manager at Pilot #1490, Mason, Tennessee, was cooking dinner for his wife of 38 years, Barbara, when he passed out. Barbara called 911, and emergency responders soon arrived, ultimately enlisting help from the fire department to get him safely to the hospital.

There, doctors discovered a 90% blockage in Gary’s right carotid artery. Even more alarming, Gary had already experienced a series of strokes leading up to this episode, without realizing it.

Gary underwent surgery to remove and repair the blockage. After three months off work to heal, he has made a complete recovery and experienced no lasting effects. Gary’s takeaway is simple and powerful: prioritize health so you can keep living a full life. Get regular check-ups and commit to healthy lifestyle choices before a crisis arises.

Know the Signs: Act FAST to Spot Stroke

Quick action can save a life. One of the easiest ways to recognize the warning signs of a stroke is by remembering the acronym BE FAST.

B: Balance Loss. Does the person appear unsteady?

E: Eye (vision) Changes. Ask the person if their vision is blurred or temporarily lost.

F: Face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?

A: Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?

S: Speech. Listen for slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding words. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

T: Time to call 911. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately, even if the symptoms go away. Every minute matters.

Recognizing the FAST signs and acting quickly can make a life-changing difference, just as it did in the stories shared here.

Pilot is proud to support the American Heart Association’s Stroke Month. By sharing stories and education, we can all play a role in reducing the impact of stroke. Together, we can make a difference.

Sharing Smiles with Kids

In Texas, team members volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, whose mission is to provide a home away from home for families traveling so their child can receive medical treatment. The team hosted a “Lego Challenge” activity for the children staying there, creating time for play, creativity and joy during a challenging time.

Lending a Helping Hand

In Orange, California, team members spent time at The Hub OC, a resource center that each day supports more than 200 individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Team members pitched in by packing meals, painting, cleaning and organizing supplies, helping advance The Hub’s mission to serve people with dignity and love.

Supporting Educators

In Tennessee, team members pitched in at Knox County Schools’ Teacher Supply Depot, where teachers and other school personnel can shop free of charge for new classroom materials donated by local businesses and organizations. Pilot team members sorted and packaged school supplies and wrote notes of thanks and encouragement for local education professionals.

Caring for Natural Resources

Another group of our Tennessee team members spent the day at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, whose mission is to provide immersive programs that connect people to nature and to one another. Pilot volunteers helped remove harmful invasive plant species, supporting efforts to restore and protect the ecosystem at the Tremont facility.

Pilot is privileged to invest our time and resources to strengthen the communities around us. We’re looking forward to holding another Volunteer Day in October 2026. Visit the Miles of Good™ webpage to learn more about how Pilot is making a positive impact in the places in which we live and work.

From April 30-May 21, 2026, guests can help make positive change and join the fight against stroke by rounding up their purchases during checkout at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Travel Center locations nationwide.*

Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly are vital. Throughout the month, Pilot and the Heart Association are promoting the B.E. F.A.S.T. warning signs:

• B – Balance Loss: Does the person appear unsteady?
• E – Eye (vision) Changes: Is vision blurred or temporarily lost?
• F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?
• A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
• S – Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred?
• T – Time to call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.**

In addition to the round-up campaign, Pilot is prioritizing the health of its team members by providing access to the Heart Association’s stroke prevention education, resources and screenings to be more aware of the signs of stroke. These trainings and resources are also available to the public by contacting the local American Heart Association office.

As a longstanding supporter of the Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, Pilot is dedicated to advancing heart and stroke health in the communities it serves through its Miles of Good program. This marks the second year Pilot has extended that commitment to include fundraising specifically for American Stroke Month.

For more information about Pilot’s American Stroke Month initiatives and to find a participating travel center, visit pilotcompany.com.

*Proud Life is Why Retailer. The full round-up amount of each round-up purchase at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores in the United States from 4/30/26-5/21/26 will be donated to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why Campaign. Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs or purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for round-up contributions. Void where prohibited. © 2026 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

**Provided for informational and educational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

Meet these team members who go above and beyond to show people they matter at every turn.

Alicia Perez
Guest Services Team Member
Pilot #1209 Midland, Texas

Alicia’s willingness to grow and take initiative proves her deep commitment to improving every day. She owns her responsibilities and inspires her team while doing so. Alicia’s colleagues say that she “goes the extra mile” and “always steps up to get the job done.” Her hard work and great attitude help propel the success of her store team. Thank you, Alicia, for working to get better every day!

Brian Jones
Guest Services Leader
Pilot #34 Remington, Indiana

Brian shows his reliability by being accountable and honest. He is willing to speak up, take action and ensure things are done correctly, demonstrating his dependability and trustworthiness. Brian’s fellow team members note his “outstanding delivery” of work supporting store operations and say that he is “reliable to fix an issue” any time one arises. Thank you, Brian, for being someone others can count on!

Ben Nicholson
Specialist II, Sales Training
Dallas, Texas

Ben’s presence elevates the Dallas office, where each day he communicates openly, takes ownership and genuinely cares about others. Ben’s fellow team members say he is “the kind of person whose presence lifts up everyone around him.” Ben makes people feel supported, valued and energized. And he does it all with, as his colleagues note, “a smile on his face.” Thank you, Ben, for being honest and genuine!

Devon Burgher
Facilities Services Team Member
Flying J #795 Nisku, Alberta, Canada

Devon's focus on safety creates a welcoming environment for guests and team members. He takes initiative to ensure the areas around the store's fuel lanes and pumps are always safe and clean. Fellow team members praise Devon’s “effort and attention to detail.” He stepped up during Alberta’s stormy winter to be “reliable even in freezing cold weather” by keeping exterior areas free of ice and snow. Thank you, Devon, for being safe and guest-obsessed!

Team members like these work shoulder-to-shoulder each day across our more than 900 travel centers in 43 states and Canada to turn our guests’ journeys into moments that matter.

Recognizing International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day, recognized globally each March 8, offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the impact women make in every part of society, including the workplace. At Pilot, we’re proud to have women serving in roles across the organization, including behind the wheel as professional truck drivers.

One such team member is driver Courtney Tejeda, a December 2025 recipient of Pilot’s Virtue Award. This honor recognizes individuals who exemplify the everyday qualities that define Pilot: being driven, reliable, authentic and welcoming. Courtney says she was “honored and humbled” to receive the recognition, noting she felt she received the award for simply doing her job. But her commitment to excellence and her passion for her work make her a standout example of the vital contributions women bring to Pilot.

A Career in Trucking

Formerly working in catering, Courtney decided nearly a decade ago that she needed a change. She enrolled in trucking school, where she was one of just two or three women in a class of 40 drivers-in-training. She discovered not only that she enjoyed the work but also that she was good at it. After graduating, she became an over-the-road, long-haul driver, traveling across the country and visiting every one of the lower 48 states except Maine (a goal she plans to check off one day)!

Courtney joined Pilot six years ago and has spent the last three years serving as a lead driver. In this role, she ensures the 24 drivers on her team have everything they need to succeed. Her daily responsibilities span scheduling, overseeing truck maintenance and inspections, procuring supplies and transporting fuel herself. She credits strengths like organization, patience and the ability to pivot quickly as essential to her success.

Building Relationships, Shaping Perceptions

Being an effective leader is about more than getting tasks done— for Courtney it's about trust, connection and a culture of safety. Courtney prioritizes building strong relationships and sets the tone for her team by leading with authenticity. “I would say relationships are everything,” she says. “In our business, you never know who you are going to meet. Being driven, reliable, authentic and welcoming means showing up every day choosing to be my best self, doing what I say I’ll do and demonstrating accountability for safety.”

As one of the few women in her training classes and sometimes the only woman on a job site, Courtney quickly became aware of her unique role as a woman in trucking. Knowing she is often seen as a representative for all women drivers, Courtney pushes herself to be the best she can be, not just for her own success but because her actions may inspire other women to find a place in the trucking industry.

A Strong Community

Courtney credits her husband and best friend as her greatest source of encouragement. She adds that the strong sense of community she feels at Pilot is an important source of support in her life.

Today, she is encouraged to see more women on the road and more women joining the trucking community. A recent example was the Women in Trucking conference she attended on behalf of Pilot. “It’s beautiful!” she says of the growing visibility of female drivers.  “We belong here too.”

Women in Trucking

When asked what she would tell a woman considering a career in trucking, Courtney doesn’t hesitate: “Do it!” she says. What she once thought would simply be a job has become a source of empowerment. “I’ve found trucking empowering,” she says. “I learn something new every day and will never stop learning. You can really build a great career out here.”

Pilot is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can build a meaningful career. For those interested in making their next career stop with Pilot, visit our careers page to explore opportunities in trucking and more.

This International Women’s Day, we honor Courtney and all the women across Pilot who show people they matter at every turn. Their talent, dedication and visibility continue to pave the way for others, reminding us that when everyone feels they belong, we all go further together.

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.

Pilot #1327, Chicopee, MA

Whether you’re hauling freight across New England or heading home after a long day, Pilot’s new Chicopee location, conveniently located off I-90 at 357 Burnett Rd., is designed to provide what you need. This is Pilot’s second travel center to open in Massachusetts.

The Chicopee location is full of convenient amenities including:

• 25 dedicated truck parking spaces
• 7 diesel lanes
• Clean, roomy restrooms and private showers
• A hot and cold deli with hearty, quick options including Pilot’s craveable pizza and crispy chicken tenders
• Fully stocked coolers with a wide selection of beverages
• Four self-checkouts to help you move fast
• Mobile fueling and exclusive perks on the Pilot app

“Our team is excited to welcome drivers to the new Pilot in Chicopee,” says Brandon Ohler, region manager. “Whether it’s for a quick break or a longer stay, we’re proud to be here for the people who keep New England moving.”

Find everything you need for the road at the new Chicopee Pilot!

Pilot #1446, Ponce de Leon, FL 

Our newest location in the Florida Panhandle is built to help fuel your journey.

Located at 2923 Hwy. 81, just off I-10 at exit 96, this Ponce de Leon stop has plenty of amenities including: 

• 87 dedicated truck parking spaces
• 8 diesel lanes
• Clean, roomy restrooms and private showers
• Public laundry facilities for long‑haul convenience
• A hot and cold deli with grab‑and‑go meals
• Fully stocked coolers with beverages for every taste
• Four self-checkouts for faster service
• Mobile fueling and Pilot app deals and rewards

“Pilot’s new Ponce de Leon location was designed with our guests in mind,” says Mark Hasse, region manager. “We’re proud to offer a clean, comfortable place to rest, refuel and recharge. Our team looks forward to serving the Panhandle community and everyone passing through for years to come.”

From quick bites to a fresh shower, the new Ponce de Leon Pilot has your back wherever the road leads.

Giving Back from Day One

We believe in working shoulder-to-shoulder with the communities we serve. Through Pilot’s giving program, Miles of Good, we have championed education by donating to hundreds of public schools across North America.

To celebrate the new store grand openings, Pilot is donating $20,000 to each community to support education. Chicopee Public Schools, serving students in Chicopee, MA, and the Holmes District School Board, serving Ponce de Leon, FL students, each received a $20,000 check to help fund programs and opportunities that fuel students’ futures.

This funding helps ensure students have what they need to inspire curiosity, strengthen learning and create opportunities to help them thrive. By funding public schools, Pilot is proud to support the next generation.

In It with You

These two new store openings are part of our commitment to give you more quality amenities, more convenience and more reasons to take a comfortable break from the road. Whether you’re a professional driver supporting America’s supply chain or a family heading out on an adventure, Pilot is here to be your trusty wingman.

See you out here!

It takes everyone in our company doing their part to keep our stores open for the people and communities we serve. Here are just a few examples of how Pilot team members upheld our company’s virtues to be driven, reliable and welcoming, no matter what.

Fueling Every Mile

Even in the midst of a storm, Pilot’s professional drivers were there, fueling journeys and helping to keep America moving. During Winter Storm Fern:

• 1.6 million miles were safely driven

• Over 15,000 loads of fuel were successfully delivered

In Midland, Texas, lead driver Gary Nichols drove his personal vehicle to monitor and communicate road conditions, keeping safety front and center. Drivers in Albuquerque, NM, worked together turning on trucks so they’d be ready to roll the moment it was safe. That’s the kind of teamwork you’ll find at Pilot.

Dedication That Doesn’t Quit

At Flying J #665 in Greenwood, LA, where ice piled up and conditions got tough, our team didn’t back down. Led by travel center general manager Melissa Davis and deli general manager Magnolia Stringer, six team members bunked down at the store for several nights, making sure the doors stayed open and guests had a warm and welcoming place to land.

In Jal, NM, Pilot #1165 travel center general manager Saul Posada faced storm-related challenges head-on. When a generator failed in team member housing, Saul quickly moved the team into vacant housing units and personally refueled generators. Thanks to his leadership and the dedication of this team, the store continued serving guests without missing a beat.

Showing Up, No Matter What

Devon Jones started his very first day as a facility service team member, an important behind-the-scenes role, at Pilot #156 in Madisonville, KY, arriving early despite several inches of snow. He said, “I can’t be late on my first day of work!” Meanwhile, Rick Van Patton, facility service team member at Pilot #440 in Pendleton, KY, walked more than three miles to get to the store so he could care for his teammates and guests.

Devon’s and Rick’s commitment echo the drive of every Pilot team member. Rain or shine—or even in snow and ice—Pilot is committed to showing people they matter at every turn and creating exceptional experiences for our guests. At Pilot, we don’t just weather the storm. We help you power through it.

In 2026, Pilot’s goal is to raise $1 million to directly fuel the mission of saving lives. Now in its ninth campaign year with the Heart Association, Pilot and its guests have raised a total of nearly $10 million.

Guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers and take part in simple, meaningful actions that collectively make a life-saving difference:

• Paper Hearts and Round Up: Guests at U.S. locations can add a $1, $3 or $5 paper heart or round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign. Guests at Canadian locations can round up their in-store purchases, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Heart & Stroke in Canada*
• Donate in the App: For the first time, guests can now donate $1, $3 or $5 directly through the Pilot app when placing a mobile order, making it easier to support heart health with just a click
• Free Coffee Offer: To thank guests for their contributions, Pilot app users who join the "Heart Month Challenge" and purchase a paper heart in-store will receive an offer for a free coffee on their next visit**

Alongside the company’s fundraising efforts, Pilot is committed to helping its team members take meaningful steps toward better heart health. During Heart Month, the company’s team members will have access to hands-only CPR training, blood pressure resources and heart health education developed by the Heart Association to support prevention, awareness and lifesaving action. These trainings and resources are also available to the public by contacting their local Heart Association office.

Pilot’s support of the Heart Association is fueled by the company’s Miles of Good giving program. Additional details about Pilot’s Heart Month campaign are available at PilotCompany.com/heart-month. Information about heart health programs and resources can be found at heart.org and heartandstroke.ca.

*Proud Life is Why Retailer. The full amount of each heart purchase and the round-up amount of each round-up purchase at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores from 1/30/26-2/22/26 will be donated to the American Heart Association in the US and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Certain purchases are not eligible for round-up contributions. Void where prohibited.

**Valid from 1/30/26-2/22/26. Available only at participating locations. Limited to one free small Pilot hot coffee. myRewards account required. Not valid in Canada. Additional terms apply – see store for details.

Brian – The Checkup That Changed Everything

Brian had put off his annual physical for three years. When he finally went, it was mostly to check a box. That appointment saved his life.

"My new primary care physician's attention to detail radically changed my life when he detected an audible heart murmur," Brian says. 

At 37, Brian learned his heart was missing a chord that helps the valve pump blood efficiently. After surgery and recovery, he’s healthy now, but he often wonders what would have happened if he had waited another year.

Since the American Heart Association was founded in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half. Brian’s story is proof that regular checkups can catch what you can’t see or feel.

Olga and Adelina – Keeping Tiny Hearts Beating

Olga’s daughter, Adelina, was born healthy. But during a routine checkup at four days old, doctors discovered her aortic valve hadn’t developed properly. Their quick action and a lifesaving procedure changed everything. Today, thanks to that intervention and years of careful monitoring, Adelina is a thriving 11-year-old. “This is true with any heart disease, but with aortic stenosis in particular, timing is critical,” Olga shares. “This condition can be silent for years, and feeling ‘fine’ doesn’t mean it isn’t progressing. Monitoring is powerful, and the right timing for medical intervention is everything.”

One in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect. Advances in pediatric cardiac care, funded by organizations like the American Heart Association, are helping more children like Adelina survive and thrive.

Donnie – The Test That Could Save Your Life

Donnie did everything right – daily workouts, a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Yet, at just 48, he suffered a widow maker heart attack while at the gym.

“I thought I was doing everything to stay healthy,” Donnie shares. “I had no idea I needed to get checked.” 

Despite his commitment to fitness, doctors discovered a 100% blockage. Two years of recovery taught him an important lesson. “Getting a coronary artery calcium score, a quick, painless scan that takes less than 10 minutes, can save your life or someone you love.”

Heart disease doesn’t discriminate based on fitness level. Even healthy people need to know their numbers and schedule regular screenings.

David – A Second Chance at Life

David was at work at Pilot Travel Center #722 in Knoxville, Tennessee when chest pain hit. A co-worker found him on the floor of the store.

"I was told I died on the way to the hospital," David recalls. "I had a widow maker heart attack."

Widow maker heart attacks have just a 12% survival rate outside a hospital, but thankfully paramedics were able to save David's life.

After his cardiac event, David quit smoking after 40 years. His story is proof that it's never too late to make changes that protect your heart.

A Child's Fight and a Donor's Gift

Hannah's son Bennett was born with only half a heart, a condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. At just 6 days old, he underwent his first open-heart surgery.

Shortly after, doctors discovered Bennett had suffered a stroke and brain bleed. By 6 months old, he had endured two more surgeries. The first 10 months of his life were spent in the hospital.

When Bennett turned 2, his family returned to the hospital hoping to complete the second stage of his three-stage surgery. Instead, he needed emergency surgery, his fifth before his third birthday.

"We focused on enjoying our time with him, as we were told he couldn't withstand any more surgeries," Hannah says.

Thankfully, Bennett grew stronger over the next couple of years. Hospital visits became less frequent, but at age 11, doctors delivered devastating news: Bennett needed a heart transplant. Several months later, thanks to an organ donor family’s selfless decision, Bennett received his gift of life.

 Today, Bennett is preparing to celebrate his 13th birthday on February 7.

"He has more energy than I could have ever imagined, and his eyes are full of life and light," Hannah says. "There have been a lot of tears but also a lot of laughter," Hannah shares. "I'm forever grateful to our donor family for making a selfless decision during such a hard time in their lives. I'm thankful for our doctors and nurses who love Bennett so very much and I'm thankful for my Pilot family who have been very supportive along the way."

Bennett's story shows what's possible when research, medicine and human generosity come together.

Julius – Trusting Your Instincts

Julius felt a "pop" in his head while exercising. Not pain, exactly. Just something that didn't feel right.

He could have brushed it off, but thankfully, he didn't.

"I felt an unusual popping sensation in my head. I trusted my instincts and got help right away. That decision saved my life."

The diagnosis was a ruptured brain aneurysm, a severe form of stroke. Julius spent weeks relearning to speak and walk. Today, he's fully recovered. He credits his survival to acting fast and getting emergency care immediately.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Stroke symptoms aren't always obvious. Acting quickly on any warning sign, even subtle ones, dramatically improves survival and recovery rates. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, get help.

**Provided for informational and educational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

If you watched someone collapse, would you know what to do?

You can. And it only takes two steps.

This February, Pilot is supporting the American Heart Association through its stores in the U.S. and the Heart & Stroke Foundation through its stores in Canada to promote heart health and empower team members and guests with lifesaving skills. As part of this relationship, we're sharing essential information about Hands-Only CPR.

What to Do When Someone Collapses

When a teen or adult suddenly collapses from a cardiac emergency, stay calm. You have the tools to make a difference. All you need is a phone and your hands.

• Step 1: Call 911

• Step 2: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest

Check if the person is breathing or responsive. If not, start chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute and don't stop until emergency responders arrive.

Is it really that simple? It is!

Learn Hands-Only CPR in 90 Seconds

Learning Hands-Only CPR is easy. Watch this 90-second demonstration video from the American Heart Association. That's all it takes to turn from a bystander into a lifesaver.

For Pilot team members: Throughout February, you have access to free Hands-Only CPR training, blood pressure checks, and heart health resources. Check your internal communications for details on how to access these lifesaving tools.

Why This Matters

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year.¹ Heart disease and stroke remain two of the nation's biggest health threats, impacting approximately 1.5 million Americans annually² including our team members, their loved ones, and the guests Pilot serves.

Yet bystanders only intervene less than half the time³, often due to uncertainty or lack of training. The reality is stark: nine out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die because they don't receive immediate CPR.⁴

But here's the good news: CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person's chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest.⁵

Cardiac arrest can affect anyone, anywhere—at the gym, in the grocery store, during a child's soccer game, or at a travel center. That's why the American Heart Association is working to educate at least one person in every household in Hands-Only CPR to build a Nation of Lifesavers.

Join the Fight Against Heart Disease and Stroke

This February, Pilot is taking action to combat the nation's #1 and #4 killers. From January 30 - February 22, you can support the fight at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Travel Centers by:

• Buying a paper heart ($1, $3, or $5)

• Rounding up your purchase at checkout

• Donating when you place a mobile order in the app

Your generosity funds heart health education and resources. Together, we can change the outcome for the 1.5 million Americans affected by heart attacks and strokes each year. Learn more at pilotcompany.com/heart-month.

References

1. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2023;147:e93-e621. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Million Hearts. Risks for Heart Disease and Stroke. Available at: https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/about-million-hearts/science-facts/risks.html

3. CARES. 2023 Annual Report. Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival. Available at: https://mycares.net/sitepages/uploads/2024/2023%20Annual%20Report_WEB.pdf

4. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2023;147:e93-e621. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123

5. Blewer AL, McGovern SK, Schmicker RH, et al. Association of Bystander and First-Responder Efforts and Outcomes According to Sex: Results From the North Carolina HeartRescue Statewide Quality Improvement Initiative. J Am Heart Assoc. 2018;7(4):e007968. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.117.007968

As part of the company’s Miles of Good initiative, Pilot is continuing its long-standing support of the Call of Duty Endowment with its annual round-up** campaign and contributing $250,000 toward the organization’s mission of placing veterans into high-quality careers after their service. From November 8 through December 1, guests can round-up** their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate $1, $3 or $5 at any participating Pilot location. The Call of Duty Endowment will receive 100% of funds donated during this campaign. Since 2019, Pilot and its guests have given more than $5.2 million to the Call of Duty Endowment, helping over 8,000 veterans transition to civilian careers.

“Our company is rooted in showing people they matter at every turn and it is our privilege to honor the service and sacrifice made by our nation’s veterans,” said Brad Anderson, president of retail at Pilot. “We are grateful for the opportunity to help veterans find fulfilling careers in partnership with the Call of Duty Endowment and are honored to give thanks for their service by treating them and their families this Veterans Day.” 

On Veterans Day, November 11, Pilot is offering veterans, military personnel and their families who are authenticated with ID.me in the Pilot app their choice of a free breakfast sandwich and coffee or lunch item and fountain drink*. This limited-time offer can be claimed at participating Pilot locations through the Pilot app.* Pilot also offers year-round military savings for verified ID.me veterans, military members and their families with 10% discount on food and beverages when using the Pilot app***.

Pilot is a proud employer of veterans and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to join its team by visiting jobs.pilotcompany.com. To learn more about Call of Duty Endowment, visit callofdutyendowment.org.

*Offer is available 11/11/2025 from 12:01 AM ET to 11:59 PM ET. Must authenticate in the Pilot app via ID.me™ to receive offer and then must save offer in app and present myRewards card, barcode in app, or phone number associated with myRewards account at time of purchase. Offer may be redeemed in-store for one (1) hot sandwich AND one (1) hot coffee (any size), iced coffee (any size), OR fountain beverage (any size); excludes ICEE® beverages and bottled or packaged beverages. Valid only at participating U.S. Pilot, Flying J and One9 branded, owned and/or operated locations. Not valid at dealer/licensee locations or restaurants. Not valid in Canada. Single use only. Void where prohibited or restricted. Invalid on prior purchases. Cannot be sold, bartered, or combined with other offers. No cash value, rain checks, or substitutions allowed. Offer may be modified or terminated at any time. Subject to myRewards terms and conditions (https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions). Other terms may apply. Data rates may apply. © 2025 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

**100% of the Call of Duty Endowment donations and round-up contributions Pilot collects from 11/08/25 at 12:01 AM (local time) through 12/1/25 at 11:59 PM (local time) will go to support the Call of Duty Endowment. Donations and round-up contributions only accepted at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores in the United States. Not valid at dealer/licensee locations. Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs and purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for donations and round-up contributions. Void where prohibited. © 2025 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

***Visit https://pilotcompany.com/terms-and-conditions for more details.

“People are our top priority at Pilot, and one of the ways we demonstrate this is by caring for the well-being of our team members, guests and communities,” said Adrienne Ingoldt, Pilot’s chief marketing officer and member of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why Council. “Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and raising awareness and providing lifesaving education is critical to helping people take action and save lives.”

This initiative is part of Miles of Good, Pilot’s recently launched giving program dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. It also marks a milestone in Pilot’s eight-year support of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, as the company expands its efforts to include fundraising specifically for American Stroke Month. In addition to fundraising, Pilot is providing its team members with virtual CPR training and access to stroke prevention resources throughout May.

“Pilot’s support of the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change in heart and brain health,” said Kayla Smith, executive director of the Knoxville American Heart Association. “This will help fund more critical research and enable us to reach more communities with lifesaving initiatives. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future for everyone.”

According to the American Heart Association, recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can be the difference between life and death. Throughout American Stroke Month, Pilot is helping promote the warning signs of stroke using the FAST acronym:

-       Face drooping

-       Arm weakness

-       Speech difficulty

-       Time to call 911**

For more information about Pilot’s American Stroke Month initiatives and to find a participating travel center, visit pilotflyingj.com/stroke-month.

*Proud Life is Why Retailer. The full round-up amount of each round-up purchase at Pilot Flying J owned and operated stores in the United States from 5/09/25-5/31/25 will be donated to the American Heart Association. Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs or purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for round-up contributions. Void where prohibited. © 2025 Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

**Provided for informational and educational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

As part of Pilot’s purpose of showing people they matter at every turn, and through its recently launched Miles of Good initiative, the company is donating $100,000 to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of military members and first responders who have fallen or become disabled while serving their country or communities. This donation adds to the more than $2.7 million Pilot has given to support military and veteran-focused organizations since 2020.

"With contributions to organizations like Folds of Honor, we salute military service members’ legacies by helping provide educational scholarships,” said Meg Counts, director of corporate giving and events. “As a company grounded in serving others, we are honored to give our support to military members and their families who do so much to uplift and protect our communities.”

Throughout Military Appreciation Month in May, veterans, military personnel and their families who are authenticated with ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will unlock three free offers* each week that can be redeemed at participating Pilot locations. Deals include free Pilot coffee and fountain drinks, freshly prepared Pilot foods like pizza and breakfast sandwiches, and popular brand name cooler drinks.

Beyond these special offers, verified ID.me veterans, military members and their families can save year-round at Pilot with a 10% discount on food and beverages when using the myRewards Plus app.**

As a proud employer of veterans, Pilot encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to join its team by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com. For more information about Pilot’s Miles of Good giving program, visit pilotflyingj.com.

*To receive offer, guest must authenticate their military status through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app, save the offer in the app, and present myRewards card, barcode in the app, or phone number associated with myRewards account at time of purchase. Valid in the U.S. only. See offer details and full terms and conditions in the app.

** Visit https://pilotflyingj.com/terms-and-conditions for more details.

“At Pilot, people matter — and giving is another way we can show them that’s true,” said Pilot CEO Adam Wright. “Through our renewed focus on safety, education and veterans, the Miles of Good program reflects our deep commitment to building safer environments, fostering opportunities for growth and honoring those who have served — making a positive and lasting impact in what matters most to us — people.”

Miles of Good is guided by its mission to spread positivity, build meaningful connections and create lasting impacts in the communities it serves, focusing on three key pillars:

·       Safety: Prioritizing the safety of team members, guests and surrounding communities by supporting initiatives dedicated to well-being and protection.  

·       Education: Championing access to quality education, including STEM programs, scholarships and resources to help students succeed. 

·       Veterans: Honoring military service and supporting veterans’ transition to civilian life, providing career opportunities, and recognizing their ongoing contributions to society. 

To support these pillars, Pilot’s philanthropic efforts include monetary donations, in-kind contributions and community partnerships. Last year, Pilot donated more than $5.5 million to several meaningful causes and is committed to growing this number in the years ahead. Beyond charitable contributions, Pilot encourages a spirit of volunteerism among its nearly 30,000 team members, demonstrating the company’s commitment to creating lasting, positive impacts in the lives of others. 

“What makes Miles of Good special is how it empowers our team members to come together and make a meaningful difference,” said Meg Counts, Pilot’s director of corporate giving and events. “This isn’t just a corporate initiative, but a movement fueled by people who are passionate about giving, volunteering their time and strengthening our communities. We’re creating real impact because it comes from the heart and reflects who we are at our core.”  

Furthering its people-first culture, the company launched Pilot Cares, a team member assistance fund. This program offers financial support to team members facing unexpected hardships, such as medical emergencies or natural disaster recovery, ensuring they have the resources needed to get back on their feet.

Through Miles of Good, Pilot and its communities are paving the way for a brighter, safer and more connected future. Guests can learn more about Pilot’s giving efforts at pilotflyingj.com/miles-of-good.

"At Pilot, safety goes beyond being road-ready—it’s about protecting what matters most: our team members, guests and communities," said Adrienne Ingoldt, Pilot’s chief marketing officer and member of the American Heart Association’s Life is Why ™ Council. "Standing together in the fight against heart disease and stroke—the leading and fifth-leading causes of death in our country—is a meaningful way to bring our purpose to life and show people they matter at every turn.”

From Feb. 1–16, guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers to donate and celebrate their commitment to heart health and safety. Ways to contribute include:

• Paper hearts: $1, $3 and $5 paper hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers with 100 percent of proceeds supporting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign in the U.S. and the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada. Additionally, guests who purchase a paper heart at U.S. locations can enjoy a free any-size hot coffee through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app as a token of appreciation for supporting the cause.*
• Pin pad roundup or donation**: Guests can round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar or donate an amount of their choice via the pin pad during checkout. At participating U.S. locations, 100 percent of donations support the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign, while donations at Canadian locations benefit the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

"We’re proud to support the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to promote heart health and safety. Every paper heart purchased and extra dollar donated fuels groundbreaking research and lifesaving initiatives,” said Ingoldt. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our guests and team members, whose support enables these organizations to make a profound difference.”   

Along with its fundraising efforts, Pilot is providing its team members with essential tools to prioritize their heart health. Team members will have access to free CPR training, blood pressure screenings and valuable heart health resources provided by the American Heart Association. These community resources offer heart health advice, wellness tips and programs to connect individuals with lifesaving tools. To explore local programs, visit https://cpr.heart.org/en/.

For details about Pilot’s American Heart Month campaign, visit pilotflyingj.com/heart-month, or use the myRewards Plus app* to find nearby locations. To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Life is Why™ campaign, visit heart.org/lifeiswhycampaign and for information on the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, visit heartandstroke.ca.

*Data rates may apply. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may apply.

**Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

"It’s an honor for Pilot to continue to celebrate and honor the incredible heroes across our country - the truck drivers who safely put millions of miles on our highways to keep us going and our servicemembers, first responders and their families who sacrifice so much for our nation,” said Wendy Hamilton, chief of staff at Pilot. “Giving back to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the communities we serve, especially through education, is a small way to show our gratitude and support their future. We look forward to seeing more truck drivers out here and are thankful for the work done through Folds of Honor and their scholarship programs.”

Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 62,000 academic scholarships totaling about $290 million in all 50 states. The $50,000 donation from Pilot will provide Folds of Honor with resources to further support the education of the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military personnel and first responders across the country.

"Folds of Honor is grateful for the support of Pilot,” said Folds of Honor CEO and founder, Lt Col Dan Rooney. "This contribution will enable us to heighten our impact and further our mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s service members and first responders and educate their legacy. Pilot, its team members and the individuals it serves are true patriots that understand the importance of education and are doing something about it.”

Pilot proudly employs veterans and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to apply by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com/talent-communities. For more information about Pilot’s commitment to giving back and its family of travel center brands, visit pilotcompany.com. To learn more about Folds of Honor, visit foldsofhonor.org.

From November 9 through November 30, 2024, guests can choose to round up their in-store purchase to the nearest dollar at any participating Pilot, Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel center.** All proceeds will be directly donated to Call of Duty Endowment. Since 2019, Pilot and its guests have raised over $4 million for Call of Duty Endowment, resulting in more than 7,000 successful veteran career placements. 

"We are deeply grateful to our nation's veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service and consider it a privilege to express our thanks with a complimentary meal at our stores on Veterans Day,” said Brad Anderson, chief operating officer at Pilot. "With our guests’ generous support, Pilot will continue making a lasting difference for service members and their families. We take pride in and appreciate our many veteran team members and are thankful to be able to give back in such a meaningful way by helping other veterans find rewarding careers.”

On Veterans Day, service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will be eligible for a free meal credit up to $12.* The Veterans Day offer can be claimed on November 11 through Pilot’s myRewards Plus app and redeemed at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers on a variety of food and beverage options, including hot and cold deli items, fountain beverages and Pilot coffee.*

With successful ID.me verification, service members will also enjoy exclusive deals and a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages* at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers when checking out with myRewards Plus. Learn more about Pilot’s military discount at pilotflyingj.com/rewards. For more great deals and to quickly find nearby Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers, download the myRewards Plus app.*

Pilot proudly employs veterans and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to apply by visiting jobs.pilotflyingj.com/talent-communities. For more information on Call of Duty Endowment, visit callofdutyendowment.org.

*Must use myRewards Plus app after verified through ID.me to redeem. Data rates may apply. Certain food and beverage exclusions apply. Good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Other terms and conditions apply. Visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards for more details. Meal Offer Period is 11/11/24 only.

**Certain purchases (including, but not limited to, purchases made on fleet cards/direct bill programs or purchases made at the fuel pump) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

UT has partnered with Pilot to accept donations at the Pilot PSS Warehouse from Tuesday, October 15, through Thursday, October 17. The drop-off times are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The donated supplies will be sent to the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center. The address is 4200 Middlebrook Farm Lane, Building #5, Knoxville, TN 37921.

UT Staff, students, and student-athletes can sign up for shifts through the Division of Student Life's Jones Center.

The following items are in critical need of donation:

• Tents
• Sleeping Bags
• New Blankets
• Hot Hands
• Medical Gloves
• Work Gloves
• Personal Hygiene Items (Deodorant, Shampoo, Condi\oner, Body Wash)
• Hand Soap
• Band-Aids
• Tylenol and Ibuprofen (Unopened and in date)
• Wet Wipes
• Multifunctional Scraper or Flathead Shovel

Pilot is also mobilizing its extensive network of travel centers to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene through an in-store round-up campaign* for the American Red Cross. From October 4 to October 18, 2024, guests can visit any U.S. owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel center location to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar to provide aid to those affected by the hurricane. One hundred percent of funds raised will support Red Cross response efforts in impacted communities across the Southeast.

Tennessee Athletics and local bottler Coca-Cola Consolidated will begin the donation drive on Friday, October 11, delivering hundreds of cases of water to the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center.

Late last week, Tennessee Athletics announced that fans can now purchase t-shirts, hats, and stickers featuring the "Mountain Strong" helmet decal that the Tennessee football team will wear to honor those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The "Mountain Strong" merchandise is available at the Vol Shop and Alumni Hall.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted during this difficult time," said Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. "We sincerely hope these initiatives will bring much-needed support and awareness to the affected communities."

The proceeds from all of the merchandise sales will go to charity.

*At participating locations. Pilot will donate 100% of round-up contributions to American Red Cross. Certain purchases not eligible for round-up. Void where prohibited.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the countless individuals, families and communities, including our own team members, experiencing the utterly devastating effects of Hurricane Helene,” said Julius Cox, Pilot’s chief people officer. “Pilot is profoundly thankful to our team members and emergency personnel for all they are doing to support the affected communities. We are working around the clock to ensure our stores are open and able to provide essentials like fuel and food as we start down the road to recovery together.”

Since Hurricane Helene, Pilot has worked to restore operations as safely and quickly as possible to serve the communities and emergency responders. Currently, all Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers, including those in highly impacted areas, are open and operational. The latest operational updates for stores in impacted areas can be found at pilotflyingj.com/operational-updates.

*At participating locations. Pilot will donate 100% of round-up contributions to American Red Cross. Certain purchases not eligible for round-up. Void where prohibited.

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.

The company has openings for hourly and leadership positions across its owned and operated Pilot and Flying J travel centers, One9 Fuel Network locations, on-site restaurants and tanker fleet in the U.S. and Canada. Several key travel states including California, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Virginia have a large number of available jobs to meet the increased summer demand. 

Available full-time and part-time positions include:

• Travel center leadership
• Hourly retail
• Restaurant leadership
• Hourly food service
• Class A CDL drivers 

“We are searching for talented and hard-working individuals to join our dynamic workforce,” said Julius Cox, executive vice president and chief people officer. “We’re dedicated to putting people first, and we're looking for team members who share a similar purpose and want to grow with us. Pilot shows up for road travelers as their trusty co-pilot who will fill them up, keep them going, and inspire them to make the most of their journey.”

Pilot’s commitment to attracting and retaining great talent is reflected in its comprehensive employee benefits and perks, which include:

• Fuel discount
• Weekly pay
• Paid parental leave for U.S. team members
• Low-cost health plans with 24/7 access to on-demand healthcare for U.S. team members
• $10 meal and beverage credit each shift
• Rewards and recognition programs
• Tuition assistance
• Adoption reimbursement
• Paid vacation time off

Pilot continues to evolve and enrich the lives and careers of its more than 30,000 team members. Among the company’s extensive benefits and perks, Pilot rewards its team through Fueling Recognition, a program that launched in 2023 that allows leaders to recognize team members with in-app points redeemable on thousands of items, including gift cards, electronics, company swag, concert tickets and more. In addition, the company recently launched a revamped mobile app which allows team member to easily stay updated with company news, access documents and trainings and find resources. 

“To truly show people they matter, we must build an experience around what matters to them. At Pilot, one of the ways that we invest in our team is by providing nationally recognized training programs and competitive team member benefits. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where everyone feels they belong and has the opportunity to have a voice, contribute, learn and grow," emphasized Cox.

Among Pilot’s major initiatives, New Horizons, a more than $1 billion initiative to remodel its stores nationwide and give back to local communities, was launched in 2022. The company recently celebrated completing more than 100 remodels and continues to make improvements across its network of travel centers. The company remains focused on the future of travel and is exploring alternative fueling technologies and is developing a coast-to-coast EV charging network.

Learn more about all our locations, benefits and team member experience programs, at jobs.pilotflyingj.com/nationalhiring.

Just because this year’s Heart Month is coming to a close doesn’t mean heart health and safety is taking a backseat! These are important topics to keep spreading awareness and education about all year round. Part of our Heart Month campaign is supporting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign to advocate for the importance of CPR. To find local programs near you, visit https://cpr.heart.org/en/.

At Pilot, our team members are our “why.” We asked some of them to share their connection to Heart Month, and the responses were incredible. Read some of our team members’ heartfelt stories below!

Natasha

“Two years ago, I got a phone call from my mom telling me that she needed to have emergency surgery because her heart was blocked. When she went in for the surgery, the doctors told her that her heart could be as much as 80% blocked, but when they did the procedure, they realized she was about 97% blocked. If she didn’t have the surgery that day, my mom would probably have had a massive heart attack. Thankfully, my mom’s doing great. If it wasn’t for the technology we have and the research that’s been done, I wouldn’t have my mom here today.”

Hannah

“My son Bennett was born on February 7, 2012, with only half of his heart. His condition is known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, and there’s a three-step surgery children born with this defect must undergo in order to have a chance to live until adulthood. Bennett had his first open heart surgery by the time he was six days old. Shortly after that, the doctors discovered that Bennett had suffered a stroke and a brain bleed, resulting in him being put on a ventilator for a very long time. By the time he was six months old, Bennett underwent two more open heart surgeries before the first stage of the three-step surgery was deemed successful. Although the first 10 months of his life were inside the hospital, we were able to bring him home just in time for his first Christmas.

A little over a year later, Bennett turned 2 and we took him back to the hospital in hopes of completing the second stage of the three-step surgery. This visit ended with Bennett needing emergency open heart surgery just days later, totaling in at five open heart surgeries before his third birthday. We focused on enjoying our time with him, as we were told he couldn’t withstand any more surgeries. Thankfully, Bennett’s lungs grew stronger in the next couple of years. There were a few hospital visits toward the end of 2021, but in February 2022, the doctors told us Bennett needed a heart transplant. A few months later, on July 9, Bennett received his gift of life.

Bennett turned 12 years old on February 7, and his heart is doing amazing. He has more energy than I could have ever imagined, and his eyes are full of life and light. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him and all the amazing adventures we will go on together. He’s in several research studies to help children who follow. The life we live hasn’t always been easy. Bennett is still delayed across the board – he doesn’t walk independently, and he has a g-tube to eat and take his medicine. There have been a lot of tears but also a lot of laughter. I owe all the glory to God. I’m forever grateful to our donor family for making a selfless decision during such a hard time in their lives. I’m thankful for our doctors and nurses who love Bennett so very much and I’m thankful for my Pilot family who have been very supportive along the way.”

Rosetta

“In September 2005, my dad was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and was told he needed a heart transplant. He was put on the list, and thankfully on December 15, 2005, my dad was blessed with a new heart. Now, 18 years later, he is still with us. Thank you, Cleveland Clinic, American Heart Association and the heart transplant doctors for all these extra Christmases my children have had with their grandpa.”

Zach

“My mom was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a symptom of which is congestive heart failure, when she was pregnant with me in 1992. At that time, her doctors told her that she would not make it to see me graduate high school. My mom being who she is wouldn’t take that for an answer.

Between lifestyle changes, diets and surgeries, my mom has seen me graduate high school and get married, seen my sister graduate high school and college and she’s become a grandmother. And 31 years after seeing that first doctor, my mom is the strongest, toughest person I know.”

Kelly

“My youngest son was born with Aortic Stenosis, which causes his aortic valve to have two flaps instead of three. A normal shaped of aortic valve is like a peace sign, while my son’s is shaped like a crescent moon, since two of the flaps fused together. He was restricted from sports and has to take antibiotics to prevent inflammation in the heart. He has been monitored his entire life and will continue to be. Eventually, he will need to have the valve replaced. His condition causes tachycardia, which is a disorder that causes the heart to beat faster than usual.”

Renee

“When I was 12 years old, I found my mom laying on the floor of our laundry room, unresponsive. I put a towel under her head to prop her up and immediately called 911. I gave them the information they needed, then began CPR as they instructed me what to do. I got my mother’s pulse back and she looked at me while we waited for help to arrive. She couldn’t talk and was grabbing her chest and looking like she was in pain. Once the paramedics arrived, my mother was stable and taken to the hospital where she found out she had experienced an episode of cardiac arrest. I saved her life – and 16 years later, she still thanks me!”

Thank you to everyone who shared their stories! Because of stories like this, we’re able to spread awareness about the importance of heart health and safety. To explore resources and learn how to keep your heart healthy, visit www.heart.org.

This February, guests can visit participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers to donate to the campaign and celebrate their reasons to lead healthier lives.* Ways to contribute include:

• Paper hearts: $1, $3 and $5 paper hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers to benefit the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign in the United States and Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada with 100% of the proceeds donated to each organization, respectively.*
• Pin pad roundup or donation*: Guests can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar or elect to donate other amounts on the pin pad during checkout to the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign at participating U.S. travel centers or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in participating Canada locations with 100% of the proceeds donated to each organization, respectively.*

“Together, we have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of people, both within our local communities and across the globe,” said Diana Morgan, director of well-being and benefits at Pilot Travel Centers LLC. “Rounding-up your purchase or buying a paper heart enables the American Heart Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada to discover breakthroughs and develop initiatives that will save and improve lives.”

As part of the Heart Month campaign, Pilot Travel Centers LLC is supporting the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign to advocate for the importance of CPR and to offer its 30,000 team members the opportunity to participate in virtual, hands-only CPR training. In addition to CPR classes, the American Heart Association provides heart health advice and wellness tips among other programming to help connect people with life-saving resources in their area. To find local programs, visit https://cpr.heart.org/en/.

For more information about the company's Heart Month campaign, visit pilotflyingj.com/heart-month and to easily find nearby locations, use the myRewards Plus app.** Visit heart.org/lifeiswhycampaign to learn more about American Heart Association’s Life is Why^™ campaign and heartandstroke.cafor more information about the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

*Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

**Data rates may apply. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may apply.

It is important to know lifesaving measures, like CPR, and how to help prevent heart disease and stroke. Hear from the American Heart Association below to learn two steps to save a life and some ways to protect your own heart’s health.

*100% of proceeds will go toward the American Heart Association. Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

In the United States, hundreds of thousands of adults and tens of thousands of children experience cardiac arrests outside of a hospital setting every year. If someone needed CPR, would you know what to do? Would you be ready to save a life?

Thankfully, Hands-Only CPR is a simple, two-step process that can save lives. Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective in the first few minutes of a cardiac event as conventional CPR for cardiac arrests at home, at work or in public. If you see an adult or teen collapse, follow these two steps to perform Hands-Only CPR and save a life:

1. Call 9-1-1.

If you see someone collapse, don’t wait. When a heart stops, seconds matter. Approach them and try to see if they’re responsive by yelling and tapping or shaking them gently but firmly. If they’re unresponsive, don’t waste time  checking for a pulse. Call 9-1-1 and begin the next step.

2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a pace of 100-120 beats per minute.

You can use any number of well-known songs to keep chest compressions on rhythm. Check out the American Heart Association’s ‘Don’t Drop the Beat’ playlist on Spotify, where every tune is the perfect tempo for CPR.

To learn more about Hands-Only CPR and other lifesaving measures, join the Nation of Lifesavers™ today!

And remember to take care of yourself and protect your own heart’s health. There are easy steps you can take to lessen the risk of experiencing a cardiac event. Visit a doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and check out the tips below:

• Eat a diverse diet of nutrient-dense and whole foods
• Prioritize being active for at least 2.5 hours a week
• Sit less and move more
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Aim for an average of 7-9 hours of sleep each night
• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Reduce stress
• Limit alcohol intake

For more information, visit heart.org.

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!

"From our Pilot family to all the military families across the country, thank you for your bravery, service and sacrifice,” said Brian Ferguson, Chief Merchant at Pilot Company and Air Force veteran. “This Military Appreciation Month, we want to show our gratitude by treating service members to free snacks and drinks during their travels and by joining Hire Heroes USA to connect veterans with resources and opportunities to pursue their career ambitions after leaving the service.”

Hire Heroes USA is a leading veteran employment nonprofit that has helped thousands of military members, veterans and military spouses successfully transfer their skills into the civilian workforce. The $100,000 donation from Pilot Company will provide Hire Heroes USA with the resources needed to guide more military members through the transition process, including placing more veterans into careers at Pilot.

"It is thanks to long-time partners like Pilot Company that our veterans and military spouses are empowered to secure well-fitting and well-paying jobs,” shared Andrew Sandoe, CEO of Hire Heroes USA. “We at Hire Heroes USA are thankful for Pilot Company's belief in our organization and commitment to our nation's veterans."

Pilot Company is extending its thanks during Military Appreciation Month with exclusive offers* throughout May for veterans and their families, in addition to its year-round 10% discount** on food and beverages. To redeem these special deals, download the myRewards Plus app***, authenticate through ID.me, and visit any of the more than 650 participating owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers in the U.S. Military veterans in Canada can also validate their military status through ID.me and utilize the year-round 10% military discount** when checking out at participating Canadian Flying J travel centers.

Pilot Company proudly employs veterans across its organization and encourages former and transitioning military members and their families to apply. Recently Pilot launched its summer hiring campaign to bring on 10,000 team members as they prepare for the busy travel season. Interested candidates can apply at jobs.pilotflyingj.com/nationalhiring.

For more information about Pilot Company’s commitment to giving back and its family of travel center brands, visit pilotcompany.com. To learn more about Hire Heroes USA, visit hireheroesusa.org.

*Military Appreciation Month offers are available to U.S. military service members and their immediate family verified with ID.me in the myRewards Plus app for redemption at participating U.S. owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers. Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply.

**Year-round military discount applies to U.S. and Canadian service members and their immediate family verified with ID.me. Discount is available to be redeemed at participating U.S. owned and operated Pilot, Flying J and One9 travel centers with the myRewards Plus app and at participating Canadian Flying J travel centers at the point of purchase. Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply.

***Data rates may apply. Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply.

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. 

Healthy eating starts with healthy food choices. When it comes to healthy eating, we think of the word balance. Balance encourages people to adapt broad eating habits instead of focusing on single foods — and it’s not one size fits all. Learn some tips and tricks while eating at home or out that you can implement all year long!

Ten Ways to Improve Your Heart Health

1. Balance calories with physical activity.
2. Reach for a variety of fruits and vegetables.
3. Choose whole grains.
4. Include healthy protein sources, mostly plants and seafood.
5. Use liquid non-tropical plant oils.
6. Choose minimally processed foods.
7. Subtract added sugars
8. Cut down on salt.
9. Limit alcohol.
10. Do all this wherever you eat!

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. It’s not as hard as you may think!  Remember, it’s the overall pattern of your choices that counts. Take the simple steps above and add them as a part of your life for long-term benefits to your health and your heart.

For access to free recipes, nutrition tips and resources visit www.heart.org/eatsmart.

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!

Around 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive. However, that statistic changes with CPR. If a bystander immediately performs CPR, it often means the difference between life and death. This February, the American Heart Association is spotlighting the importance of knowing Hands-Only CPR through their ‘Be the Beat’ campaign. This campaign focuses on the importance of CPR.

Hands-Only CPR has been shown to be as effective in the first few minutes as conventional CPR for cardiac arrest at home, at work, or in public. Through hands-only CPR, it takes only two steps to save a life.

Call 9-1-1 if you see a teen or adult collapse. Push hard and fast in the center of the best to the beat of a familiar song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute.

People feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. All songs in the Association’s ‘Don’t Drop the Beat’ playlist are between 100 – 120 beats per minute, the same rate at which rescuers should perform compressions when administering CPR. The beat of any of several songs including “Stayin’ Alive,” by the Bee Gees, “Crazy in Love,” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z, “Hips Don’t Lie,” by Shakira” or “Walk the Line,” by Johnny Cash can “Be the Beat” to save a life.

We’re challenging every household to have someone who knows CPR to Be the Beat for their family, friends and community.

Our hands can do so many things, the most important of which may be saving someone’s life. The power is in YOUR hands.

For more information on CPR, please visit www.heart.org/handsonlycpr.

This is the sixth year Pilot Company has supported the American Heart Association's Life is Why^TM cause marketing campaign – inspiring guests to celebrate their reasons to live healthier, longer lives by donating at participating Pilot, Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel centers throughout the month of February. This year, the company is also advocating heart health and safety among its 30,000 team members, providing virtual, hands-only CPR training, resources to find nearby CPR classes, virtual cooking classes, and other health and wellness tips.

"For the past six years, we've been honored to help support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association through paper hearts and round-up purchases," said Brian Ferguson, Chief Merchant of Pilot Company. "We're excited that this year's campaign also focuses on the importance of CPR. By rounding up your purchases at Pilot and Flying J stores during Heart Month, you are helping the American Heart Association and the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation save lives."

Participating Flying J travel centers in Canada will be extending their support of Heart Month Campaign throughout the entire month of February this year, with donations benefiting the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (Heart & Stroke).

Pilot Company's fundraising initiatives include:

• Paper Hearts: $1, $3, and $5 paper hearts will be available for purchase at participating travel centers all February to benefit American Heart Association in the U.S. and Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to each organization, respectively.
• Pin-Pad Round Up or Donation*: During the month of February, guests can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar or elect to donate other amounts on the pin-pad during checkout to the American Heart Association at participating U.S. travel centers or the Heart & Stroke in participating Canada. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to each organization, respectively.

For more information about the company's American Heart Month Campaign, visit pilotflyingj.com/heart-month, find a participating nearby travel center location to participate, or download the myRewards Plus^TM app.**

To learn more about American Heart Association's Life is Why^™ campaign, visit heart.org/lifeiswhycampaign and to learn more about Heart & Stroke, visit heartandstroke.ca.

*Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.**Data rates may apply. Participating locations only. Terms and conditions apply.

In addition to our round-up campaign, we are also spreading heart-health awareness to our team members through hands-only CPR training videos, on-site CPR training here at our headquarters in Knoxville, virtual cooking classes, and more!

To kick off this year’s Heart Month, check out these 8 key tips from AHA for a healthier, more balanced you:

Life’s Essential 8™ is a science-based recipe for a longer, healthier life. Created by the American Heart Association, Life’s Essential 8 identifies the most important factors for cardiovascular health – 4 health behaviors and 4 health factors. It truly simplifies cardiovascular health so people can better understand and manage it.

Many know that the mind, heart, and body are connected. Factors that affect one can affect the other two – the impact can be positive OR negative. Improving Life’s Essential 8 isn’t just good for your heart, it’s also good for your overall health and well-being.

So, let’s dive right in and see what changes we can make now for a longer life.

Life’s Essential 8

1. Eat Better

Little by little, make smarter choices like reducing highly processed foods and limiting sugary beverages. Small steps lead to big results!

2. Be More Active

Smart small, even if it’s 15 minutes a day! Yard work, dancing, walking your dog and cleaning your house all count as movement.

3. Quit Tobacco

On average, smokers due more than 10 years earlier than nonsmokers. After just one year of quitting, your risk for heart disease goes down by HALF. Having a buddy system can help with the common struggles of quitting.

4. Get Health Sleep

Most adults need at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, including weekends. Consistency is key! Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, weekends included.

5. Manage Weight

Maintaining a healthy body mass index is a healthy gauge. Optimal BMI is 25.

6. Control Cholesterol

HDL = good.

LDL = bad.

HDL helps keep LDL from sticking to artery walls and reduces plaque build-up. Healthy cholesterol levels can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

7. Manage Blood Sugar

Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (or blood sugar) that our bodies use as energy. The first step to managing your blood sugar is to understand what makes blood sugar levels rise.

8. Manage Blood Pressure

Keeping your blood pressure within acceptable ranges can keep you healthier longer. Levels less than 120/80 mm Hg are optimal. High blood pressure is defined as 130-139 mm Hg systolic pressure (the top number in a reading) or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic pressure (bottom number).

Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems.

Not sure where to start? Remember, it’s all connected – mind, body, and heart. You can start a positive chain reaction. Something as simple as moving your body can spark a positive shift. You don’t have to make BIG life changes to see the benefits. Just add a little more activity to your day and take things one step at a time. You’ve got this!

To learn more about Life’s Essential 8, click here. And to see how you can participate in this year’s round-up campaign supporting the American Heart Association and the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, visit https://pilotflyingj.com/heart-month.

Over the last four years, Pilot Company’s partnership with the Endowment has helped place more than 6,000 veterans into meaningful careers after the military. Guests can join the cause to help veterans find high-quality careers by rounding up their in-store purchase to the nearest whole dollar at any of the company’s owned and operated Pilot, Flying J or One9 Fuel Network travel centers from October 31 - November 13, 2022.** Pilot Company will donate 100% of the roundup proceeds** directly to the Call of Duty Endowment and will match the donations raised up to $100,000.

“Service members and their families give their all for our country and have incredible talents to offer in the civilian workforce upon leaving the military,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “The Call of Duty Endowment has helped more than 100,000 veterans and their family members find career opportunities that leverage their skills, and we are honored to join them in this endeavor. We are proud to employ veterans across our organization and to further our mission to Fuel Life’s Journeys by giving back and saying, ‘Thank you’ to everyone who’s served.”

From November 11 - 13, 2022, service members and their families verified through ID.me in the myRewards Plus app will receive a free meal credit, valued up to $12. ** The Veterans Day offer can be redeemed through the myRewards Plus app at participating Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers on a wide variety of food and beverage options, including hot and cold deli items, name-brand snacks, fountain drinks, Pilot coffee, and meals at participating on-site restaurants. This year, the $12 Veterans Day meal credit will be a rolling balance, allowing guests to use any remaining balance the next time they stop over Veterans Day weekend during the offer period.

Pilot Company partners with ID.me, an easy-to-use instant verification solution, to make it simple and efficient for service members to quickly verify their eligibility in the myRewards Plus app. After verification, Pilot Company offers exclusive deals throughout the year and a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages* when using myRewards Plus at checkout. For more information on Pilot Company’s military discount, visit pilotflyingj.com/rewards.

To learn more about Pilot Company and its giving-back initiatives, visit pilotcompany.com/about. To easily find nearby Pilot, Flying J and One9 Fuel Network travel centers and for more great deals, download the myRewards Plus app.* More information on the Call of Duty Endowment is available at callofdutyendowment.org.

*Must use myRewards Plus app to redeem.  Data rates may apply. Certain food exclusions apply.  Other terms and conditions apply. (see pilotflyingj.com/rewards)

**Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.

$15,000 grand prize winner and 2022 Road Warrior: David Sweetman

David is an Army veteran with over 50 years and FIVE MILLION MILES, accident-free, behind the wheel. Currently, he lives in Wilmington, Delaware and leases out his truck making power-only moves for Bennett Truck Transport. Over his career, he has been involved in many organizations, from winning awards and trophies as a competitor to paving the way for better treatment and fair judging at truck shows as a founding member of the National Association of Show Trucks (NAST).

Throughout tough times David has continued going above and beyond to help as our country faced challenges. During Covid lockdowns, he spent time hauling, moving and setting up generators for emergency hospitals and setting up food banks to aid those out of work. After several natural disasters in parts of the southern United States, he helped move more generators, portable showers for first responders and mobile water treatment units for FEMA.

David has also contributed to our industry through his writing storytelling and has been a contributing writer for various trucking publications over the last 25 years. As a writer and trucker, he took his skills to the classroom as one of the original Trucker Buddy professional trucker volunteers, working to help educate young students across America. Through reading, writing and mentorship, Sweetman and others help encourage future generations of professional drivers through tales of the road and showcasing how essential trucking is to the economy and our way of life.

In partnership with Bennett Family of Companies in McDonough, Georgia, we convinced David to come in and help record a safety video during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Once mic’d and on stage, we surprised David with a video announcing him as this year’s Road Warrior grand prize winner. In addition to his $15,000 check, we had an extra special gift of $15,000 to Trucker Buddy in recognition of his volunteerism and commitment to giving back.

Watch the video HERE!

$10,000 second-place winner: Jeffrey Thomas

Jeffrey is a Marine Veteran and independent owner-operator out of Belews Creek, North Carolina. He has been a professional driver for over 35 years; from dry vans, step-decks and reefer trailers, he’s driven them and covered millions of miles during that time. He then became a driver trainer and training captain. He has trained and retrained more than 100 professional drivers while developing new safety standards and policies that have spread across the industry.

$5,000 third-place winner #1: Greg Hepner

Professional drivers keep our country moving; sometimes, this takes them overseas as they support those deployed overseas. As an overseas support contractor and professional driver, Greg has covered 17 foreign countries, 38 states and three million miles over his 30 years behind the wheel. Since returning to his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, he joined Tidewater Transit Company. He has continued his service driving an anhydrous ammonia tanker for medical use and hauled it non-stop as the country battled Covid.

$5,000 third place winner #2: Ron Rigdon

After more than 20 years over the road, Army veteran Ron Rigdon took his skills and shifted gears to hauling race cars. Coast to coast, Ron drives a 53’ race car hauler for Parella Motorsports and contributes as a tire and fuel specialist while at the track. He has received safe driving awards for covering a million miles accident-free and has more than 30 years of experience on North America’s roads. Ron also dedicates his time to helping others and started Santa’s Toy Run, a fundraiser and toy drive devoted to helping children in need, which delivers toys and funds to places like foster homes and domestic violence shelters. Over the last 16 years, Santa’s Toy Run has helped provide Christmas gifts to more than 6,500 children.

Congratulations, David, Jeffrey, Greg and Ron, on winning this year’s Road Warrior contest. It was truly an honor to read your stories and hear about the great things you do for our industry, our country and the communities we serve. Thank you to all the professional drivers out there for your hard work, dedication and sacrifice; we are grateful for you all!

To learn more about Pilot Flying J’s 2022 Road Warrior contest and winners, visit pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior.

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.

Our annual 2022 Road Warrior contest is back with $30,000 in prizes – the largest in contest history! This annual contest celebrates the amazing achievements of the millions of men and women out on the road keeping America going. Join us in celebrating all the great things drivers do for our country, the trucking industry, and their communities.

From August 1 through 15, anyone can nominate a U.S.-based professional driver for a chance to win the 2022 Road Warrior title. This year, the grand prize winner will receive a $15,000 cash prize, second place will receive $10,000, and third place will receive a $5,000 prize.

“We are honored to recognize the selflessness, dedication, and service of professional truck drivers who are working hard to deliver the goods that we all rely on,” said David Hughes, Senior Vice President of Sales for Pilot Flying J. “Our annual Road Warrior contest is an opportunity to highlight those individuals who are role models in the trucking industry and to say thank you to all the drivers out there for letting us be part of your journey to keep the country moving.”

Share your driver’s story today to claim the title of Road Warrior! Click here to submit your nomination.

Last year’s grand prize winner was Eric Curlett, a Marine Veteran and glass hauler for Maverick Transportation. He was nominated by a fellow driver who described him as “one of the best humans” he has ever met. Eric was chosen for his dedication to the profession, outstanding driver record, and involvement in his community. Learn more about Eric’s contribution to the trucking industry in this article.

To enter, visit the Road Warrior Contest page at pilotflyingj.com/roadwarrior and submit a nomination through August 15 for a professional driver deserving of this recognition. The first, second, and third place winners will be announced at the end of September as part of Driver Appreciation month.

*See contest rules for terms and conditions.

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!

Before becoming a driver, he wanted to be in the technology world and attended school for computer science, and with a very close family, he knew he wanted to stay close to home. Computer Science as a profession in rural Idaho “didn’t seem appropriate” so he shifted gears to trucking.

Now in his second year over the road, Douglas has fallen in love with being a professional driver. He usually spends a couple of weeks out at a time and for him driving is a meditation and “gives me more time to reflect.” Douglas says, “Some people like watching tv, I enjoy watching the road and the people go by.”

As new and innovative technology takes hold in the industry, Douglas gets to be a part of the evolving driver experience, and Pilot’s rewards program has become a part of his everyday routine. With the exclusive rewards program for professional drivers, PushForPoints™, he makes sure to fuel 75 gallons at the beginning and end of the day to maximize his rewards points, plus, at the end of the day, “I can pull in, pull up my phone, click a button and have a shower waiting on me,” he says.

Whether it’s morning coffee, parking for the night, showers, fueling, or food, Douglas can access everything he needs, all from the app, to save time and money on the road.

We asked Douglas, as a new driver, what three words he would use to describe truckers and the trucking industry. “Integrity, Courage and Freedom,” he replied. “We have the freedom to make our own choices on the road and the freedom of the open road. It’s the most freeing job I’ve ever had.”

Thank you, Douglas, for sharing your story with us, we look forward to serving you in our travel centers and bringing you more great services to help you out on the road.