Pilot Flying J history, profile and corporate video
Pilot Flying J operates over 650 travel centers in 43 states and Canada. Located along interstates, the travel centers cater to both professional drivers and motorists selling gas, diesel, convenience store goods and fast food. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, the company was formed in 2010 when Pilot Travel Centers merged with Flying J to create a new company. In 2012 Pilot acquired a controlling interest in Maxum Petroleum. This year the company was involved in a fraud investigation by the FBI and IRS concerning fuel rebates to trucking companies. A settlement was approved in November.”
“Pilot Flying J History
Pilot Flying J Timeline Milestones
1958: James Haslam II opens first Pilot in Gate City, Va., paying $6,000 for an existing location.
1965: Marathon Oil Co. buys half of the $2-million-a-year Pilot and loans it $4 million to build new locations.
1973: Pilot has more than 50 stations and annual sales of about $30 million.
1976: Pilot opens first convenience store, on Alcoa Highway in Knoxville.
1977: Pilot buys Lonas Oil Co. in Knoxville, converting almost all that company’s locations to convenience stores.
1981: With 100 convenience stores and total annual sales of $175 million, Pilot opens its first travel center in Corbin, Ky.
1988: Pilot buys out Marathon Oil’s one-half interest for cash and stores.
1997: Pilot ranks 99th on Forbes list of the 500 largest privately held companies.
1998: Already the nation’s largest supplier of diesel fuel to over-the-road trucks, Pilot ranks as the 25th largest restaurant franchisee in the U.S.
2001: Pilot and Marathon enter into an agreement to form Pilot Travel Centers.
2003: Pilot acquires Williams Travel Centers.
2006: Pilot goes international, opening its first travel center in Canada.
2007: Pilot is recognized by Area Developer magazine as one of the “Top 99 Megafranchisees.”
2008: Pilot buys out Marathon Petroleum’s interest and adds a minority financial partner, CVC Capital Partners.
2010: Pilot Flying J created on July 1, 2010.
Flying J Milestones
1968: Flying J Inc. begins with four gas stations in Utah. Founder Jay Call bases name on love of flying, ranching.
1979: Flying J opens its first full-service travel plaza in Ogden, Utah.
1986: Flying J purchases the U.S. holdings of Husky Ltd., including the North Salt Lake refinery.
1987: Flying J introduces the Frequent Fueler professional driver loyalty program.
1990: Flying J introduces buffets to their restaurant concept.
1991: Conoco and Flying J create a joint venture, triggering significant travel plaza expansion.
1992: Transportation Optimization Network Services is launched. Renamed FJ Communications, its portfolio now
includes 180 Wi-Fi hot spots.
1995: Flying J introduces the Country Market Restaurant & Buffet brand.
1996: Transportation Clearing House opens. RV loyalty program begins.
1998: Transportation Alliance Bank begins operations, offering an entire suite of financing products designed for the transportation industry.
2001: Flying J moves into its new corporate office building in Ogden, Utah.
2003: Flying J founder and Chairman of the Board Jay Call dies in a plane crash in Idaho.
2006: Flying J and Shell Canada join together to create a new nationwide network of travel plazas, fuel stops and cardlocks.
2009: Crystal Call Maggelet, daughter of Flying J founder Jay Call, takes over as chairwoman of the board, president and CEO.
2010: Pilot Flying J created on July 1, 2010.”
*Information from Forbes.com and Pilotflyingj.com
**Video published on YouTube by “Pilot Flying J“
