Category: Pilot Flying J

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Pilot Flying J, the 14th largest private company in America, with more than 28,000 team members, is adding paid, gender-neutral parental leave to its benefit package.

The benefit provides 100% paid parental leave for six weeks to all team members, both full- and part-time, who have at least one year of service and have worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months.

“As a family-owned business that is one of the country’s largest private companies, it is critical that we support our team members with growing families,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “We recognize the importance of focusing on your family’s well-being and that welcoming a new family member can be an exciting and stressful time. We strongly believe that paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers is a much-needed benefit, especially for hourly workers in the retail and convenience store industries and we are proud to provide this benefit to our team members.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, as of March 2018, only 17% of all civilian workers had access to paid family leave.

In the retail industry, where many employees are part-time and hourly, this number is even lower at 7%. In addition, 7 in 10 fathers in the U.S. that took parental leave only used 10 days of leave or less.

Pilot Flying J’s workforce is comprised of a wide variety of full and part-time roles across its locations, including the headquarters in Knoxville, offices in Texas, and the more than 650 travel centers across the U.S.

In 2017, Berkshire Hathaway made a $2.76 billion investment in Pilot Travel Centers. Under the terms of the agreement, the Haslam family will continue to own a majority of Pilot Flying J and Jimmy Haslam will remain as chief executive officer. Pilot Flying J President Ken Parent and the Company’s management team will also remain in place. The Company will continue to be headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Berkshire will become the majority owner in three more years.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Pilot Flying J continues to grow its presence in the Permian Basin, announcing the opening of six new travel centers in West Texas this year.

The new travel centers will provide more than 250 truck parking spaces to meet the needs of industry traffic and offer full amenities to the local communities along these routes. Pilot Flying J’s network of stores in Texas will grow to 92 locations, with more than 20 in the Permian Basin.

“We’re committed to making a better day for people living, working and traveling through Texas and across the nation,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “We continue to invest in new stores located strategically across the country to bring convenience, quality, great food and amenities to those who are traveling the roadways. By expanding our network in the Permian Basin, we hope to better serve the exponential growth and rising traffic in the region.”

In June, the company is celebrating the grand openings of a Flying J Travel Center in Kermit, Texas and two Pilot Travel Centers located in Monahans and Midland, Texas. The new locations will add approximately 150 jobs and contribute more than $6.4 million in state and local tax revenue as a result of its increased presence in the state. Later this year, Pilot Flying J will open three more locations in Odessa, Midland and Andrews, Texas.

“Pilot Flying J is honored to be a part of the West Texas community and to contribute to the local school districts,” said Matt Testa, vice president of operations for Pilot Flying J. “We invite residents and those traveling through the West Texas region to visit our new locations. Our friendly team members look forward to serving our guests and providing a clean, all-in-one fuel stop with a variety of food, drinks, supplies and amenities.”

Berkshire Hathaway and Pilot Flying J

In October 2017, Berkshire Hathaway made a $2.76 billion investment in Pilot Travel Centers. Under the terms of the agreement, Berkshire will become the majority owner in five years.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Pilot Flying J, the largest travel center network in North America, has announced its first-ever National Hiring Day on May 2 – the largest in-person and virtual hiring event in the company’s history.

Gearing up for the influx of travelers this summer, the company aims to hire more than 5,000 new team members across its network of more than 750 travel centers in the U.S. and Canada. Pilot Flying J invites job seekers to experience and explore what it means to be part of the Pilot Flying J team with on-the-spot in-person and virtual interviews.

“Making the decision to start a career at Pilot Flying J provides the opportunity to work hard, have fun and live up to one’s full potential, while also advancing professionally,” said Paul Shore, chief people officer of Pilot Flying J. “Hiring 5,000 enthusiastic team members to join our company in a wide array of positions across North America is an exciting challenge, especially during a time of low unemployment. To help candidates get a feel for our values and culture, learn about the great benefits we offer and find the right job opportunity, we can’t rely on standard outreach. That’s why we’re inviting everyone to join us on National Hiring Day.”

Berkshire Hathaway and Pilot Flying J

In October 2017, Berkshire Hathaway made a $2.76 billion investment in Pilot Travel Centers. Under the terms of the agreement, Berkshire will become the majority owner in five years.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Pilot Flying J, the largest travel center network in North America, has announced the launch of its new virtual maintenance system, Fleet Center, as part of the company’s Truck Care service platform.

Available in April, Pilot Flying J’s Fleet Center allows Truck Care technicians to focus on providing the best and fastest service to get drivers back on the road. The portal provides fleets 24/7, real-time visibility and flexibility to manage their equipment – reducing downtime, increasing speed of service and improving account management for fleets and professional drivers.

“With the launch of Fleet Center, we are eager to dramatically change how fleets do business with our truck care service,” said Dave Latimer, vice president of shop strategies and operations for Pilot Flying J Truck Care. “By providing a centralized portal, Fleet Center will make it easier and faster for fleets to manage the service of their trucks. Our goal is to remove the stress and complexity of managing fleet service and get drivers back on the road as quickly as possible by providing our customers a window into their Truck Care account at the touch of a button.”

The virtual maintenance system will provide fleets with access to time-saving features such as:

• Service management: no phone calls, just easy business when it comes to scheduling services, generating and authorizing work orders, and receiving detailed cost of repair estimates.
• Real-time notifications: receive immediate status updates for en-route, on-site and roll times
• Live chat: users can live chat with Truck Care representatives for quick customer service needs
• Service records: fleets will benefit from reduced paperwork and improved accuracy of records with full access to service history and transaction details

Rolled out in 2017, Pilot Flying J Truck Care continues to grow with 24 service centers and more than 135 roadside assistance vehicles in 36 states to provide professional drivers with maintenance needs on and off the interstate. With state-of-the-art facilities and certified technicians available 24-hours-a-day, Pilot Flying J Truck Care is dedicated to getting drivers back on the road quickly and safely.

As part of its commitment to quality service, the company is now offering a simplified, competitive pricing structure for preventative maintenance services. Backed by a nationwide limited warranty, the new flat price for a full preventative maintenance service with conventional oil is $299.99 for all engine types.

Berkshire Hathaway and Pilot Flying J

In October 2017, Berkshire Hathaway made a $2.76 billion investment in Pilot Travel Centers. Under the terms of the agreement, Berkshire will become the majority owner in five years.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Pilot Flying J reopened the Flying J Travel Center in Matthews, Missouri in mid-January, following the completion of a ground-up rebuild.

The travel center features an elevated guest experience and full amenities for area residents and the traveling public, while bringing approximately 30 local jobs and other economic benefits back to the community.

“We’re thrilled to return to serve the Matthews community and contribute to the local economy with our newly rebuilt travel center,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “Our goal at Pilot Flying J is to connect people and places with comfort, care and a smile at every stop. Both Matthews residents and those traveling through the New Madrid County area will again be able to enjoy the convenience and amenities of this Flying J Travel Center.”

This Flying J Travel Center offers many amenities, including:

• 12 gasoline fueling positions, 3 RV lanes and 12 diesel lanes with high-speed pumps for quicker refueling
• PJ Fresh pizza and grab-and-go food offerings prepared on site daily, including salads, sandwiches, burgers, fruit cups and an array of hot and cold snacks
• Pilot’s Best Gourmet Coffees, including bean-to-cup selections and cold brew
• Driver’s lounge
• Public Laundry
• Western Union
• CAT Scale
• Upgraded amenities and layout
• Modern interior finishes and exterior lighting
• Everyday products for quick shopping needs

The newly built facility at 703 State Highway 80 is one of Pilot Flying J’s 22 locations in Missouri, including travel centers and dealers and it is expected to contribute $2.9 million annually in state and local tax revenues.

Berkshire Hathaway and Pilot Flying J

In October 2017, Berkshire Hathaway made a $2.76 billion investment in Pilot Travel Centers. Under the terms of the agreement, Berkshire will become the majority owner in five years.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Pilot Flying J has opened new a Pilot Travel Center in Arlington, Washington.

The travel center features full amenities for area residents and the traveling public, while adding approximately 70 local jobs and other economic benefits to the community.

“We’re thrilled to serve the Arlington community and contribute to the local economy with our new travel center,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “Our goal at Pilot Flying J is to connect people and places with comfort, care and a smile at every stop. Both Arlington residents and those traveling through the Snohomish County area will soon be able to enjoy the convenience and amenities of this Pilot Travel Center.”

This Pilot Travel Center offers many amenities, including:

• 12 gasoline fueling positions and seven diesel lanes with high-speed pumps for quicker refueling
• PJ Fresh pizza and grab-and-go food offerings prepared on site daily, including salads, sandwiches, burgers, fruit cups and an array of hot and cold snacks
• Pilot’s Best Gourmet Coffees, including bean-to-cup selections and cold brew
• Arby’s with a drive-thru
• Cinnabon
• Western Union
• CAT Scale
• Outdoor seating
• Everyday products for quick shopping needs

The new facility at 2430 State Route 530 NE will be Pilot Flying J’s 8th location in Washington, including travel centers, Pilot Express and dealers and it is expected to contribute $5.1 million annually in state and local tax revenues.

In October 2017, Berkshire Hathaway made a $2.76 billion investment in Pilot Travel Centers. Under the terms of the agreement, Berkshire will become the majority owner in five years.

© 2019 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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As Pilot Flying J approaches its 60th anniversary, the travel center operator is celebrating the milestones of its most recent quarter.

During the third quarter of 2018, the Knoxville-based company opened six new locations in the United States and Canada, expanded in four states, paved the way for 250-plus new parking spaces, created 200-plus new jobs, opened 35 more diesel lanes and added 18 more showers.

The travel center company completed three locations under its Facility Enhancement Project, its commitment to investing nearly $500 million to renovate existing locations over the next five years.

The latest project completions occurred at:
• Pilot Travel Center in Marengo, Ohio — completed Aug. 22
• Pilot Travel Center in Van Horn, Texas — completed Sept. 7
• Pilot Travel Center in Orla, Texas — completed Sept. 10

The retailer also accrued a number of new store openings across the U.S. and Canada. Two Pilot Travel Centers opened Aug. 25 in Bartow, Fla., and Odessa, Texas, respectively; and one Flying J Travel Center opened Sept. 22 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.

In addition, Pilot Flying J took over and completed remodels at three travel centers: Pilot Travel Center in St. Rose, La., on Sept. 8; Pilot Express in Tucson, Ariz., on Aug. 24; and Pilot Travel Center in Cordes Lake, Ariz., on Sept. 7.

As of September, Pilot Flying J had 17 service centers, with another three service center locations planned to open by the end of this year in El Paso, Texas; Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Lake Township, Ohio.

The combined network of more than 750 Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers across North America serves more than 1.6 million customers daily.

In October 2017, Berkshire Hathaway made a $2.76 billion investment in Pilot Travel Centers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Berkshire will become the majority owner in five years.

© 2018 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, announced today that Kevin Wills will join the company as chief financial officer in February 2019.

”With 30-plus years in retail, professional services and utilities, Kevin has the right expertise to contribute immediately to the company’s success in a significant way,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “His strong financial background will be critical to supporting our goal of being a great place to work and a great place to shop, as well as helping us deliver on making a better day for our guests.”

Wills will oversee day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial-related activities. In addition, he will continue to drive financial accountability in all areas of Pilot Flying J. Some of his duties include direct responsibility for company-wide financial operations, accounting, finance, forecasting, strategic planning, deal analysis, negotiations, procurement and aviation.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to join Pilot Flying J, a company that I have long admired,” Wills said. “It has a longstanding track record of excellence, and I am proud to join this talented team and organization.
My focus will be to identify and manage growth opportunities while helping take the company to the next level as an industry-leading travel center operator and retailer. I’m looking forward to ensuring the company’s financial success by leading data-driven decisions and metric-driven accountability.”

Wills joins Pilot Flying J from Tapestry, Inc., (NYSE: TPR), New York, where he is chief financial offer and serves on the executive committee and has responsibility for all financial operations. Prior to Tapestry Inc., he worked at AlixPartners, New York, as chief financial officer and was responsible for global financial operations. He also worked at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York, as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Wills holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee, and is a certified public accountant. He serves on the board of directors of Tivity Inc. (NASDAQ), as chairman since November 2015.

The combined network of more than 750 Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers across North America serves more than 1.6 million customers daily.

In October 2017, Berkshire Hathaway made a $2.76 billion investment in Pilot Travel Centers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Berkshire will become the majority owner in five years.

© 2018 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Pilot Flying J has announced that it will open two Pilot locations in Jal, New Mexico, and Jacksonville, Florida, during November.

The locations feature amenities for area residents and the traveling public, while adding 70 truck parking spaces, approximately 100 local jobs and other economic benefits to the communities.

“We’re thrilled to serve the communities of Jal and Jacksonville with the expansion of our network this month to deliver convenience, quality, great service and added value to local residents and professional drivers traveling the nation’s highways,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “Our goal at Pilot Flying J is to connect people and places with comfort, care and a smile at every stop. The addition to our footprint of two new locations will bring the best service and amenities available on the road to travelers passing through these areas.”

The new facilities will bring Pilot Flying J’s network of stores in New Mexico to 16 locations and Florida to 31 locations. Cumulatively, the new locations are expected to contribute $5.7 million annually in state and local tax revenues.

The combined network of more than 750 Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers across North America serves more than 1.6 million customers daily.

In October 2017, Berkshire Hathaway made a $2.76 billion investment in Pilot Travel Centers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Berkshire will become the majority owner in five years.

© 2018 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.