GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Bosselman Family of Cos. chairman Chuck Bosselman has passed away, the truckstop, travel center and convenience store company said. Bosselman, 67, lost his battle with cancer on Saturday in Grand Island, Neb., surrounded by his family. A statement described him as "a true leader among leaders and visionary of the company."
Bosselman was a second-generation business owner. His father, Fred, founded the first Bosselman's location in 1948. In 1967, Bosselman became general manager of the Grand Island Interstate 80 Bosselman Truck Stop. Bosselman was credited with shaping many of the practices truck drivers find standard today. The Bosselman Travel Centers were among the first to offer showers, movie theaters and fast-food restaurants within a truckstop.
Since then, he was instrumental in establishing the AmBest network of truckstops, authorized the Grandma Max's Restaurant concept, added several fast-food franchises to the company, and in 2011, was a driving force in establishing the Uni-Maxx Truck Care Network, a full-service truck repair shop network including the 35 Boss Truck Shops and the 38 Wingfoot Truck Care Centers (owned by Goodyear). This Uni-Maxx Network is now the nation's second largest truck care network with more than 70 locations coast to coast.
"We are extremely saddened to lose a visionary such as Chuck, whose incredible energy, charisma, strength and intelligence defined our business," said Charlie Bosselman. Chuck Bosselman's children, Charlie Bosselman and Brandi Bosselman Lofing will continue to lead the company as president and attorney, respectively.
"Chuck based his business decisions on the foundations of pride, cleanliness, fun, integrity and friendliness, and has earned his reputation by hard work, sweat and commitment to the customer. Chuck's vision of being the best was hard earned and well deserved. Chuck did it all to ensure the company's success--from cleaning restrooms, changing tires, hauling fuel and whatever else has been needed to be done, and would never ask an employee to do what he wasn't willing to do himself. He will be sorely missed."
Bosselman was recently named the winner of the NATSO Hall of Fame award and was to receive the honor at the NATSO Show 2012 in Las Vegas in February. The group, founded as the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, represents the travel center industry. The award recognizes individuals for their notable participation in their communities, industry and the association. Bosselman had volunteered for both the NATSO board and the NATSO Foundation.
"NATSO and the truckstop industry have lost a leader and a friend," NATSO president and CEO Lisa Mullings said in a statement. "Chuck was an innovative thinker whose energy and enthusiasm were a driving force behind his success. Chuck worked tirelessly for the benefit of the entire industry, and we will miss his leadership and his unwavering commitment."
NATSO chairman Darrin Flitton said, "It truly is a sad day with the passing of Chuck Bosselman; he was an industry leader as well as a leader in all aspects of his life. He will be missed. May God bless his family at this difficult time."
In Grand Island, Bosselman supported many organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Boys Scouts of America and the Girls Scouts of America. The Bosselman family contributed to the conference and convention center at the Heartland Events Center, and has long been associated with the $75,000 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes at the Fonner Park horseracing track.
The Bosselman family has also helped Children's Miracle Network, MADD, Make-A-Wish Foundation, DARE, Goodwill Industries and 4-H, among many other local and national organizations.
The Bosselman family was recently named the 2011 recipient of the Grand Island Independent's Community Builder Award, which honors an individual, family or business whose generosity has enriched and improved the community over the years.
Founded in 1948, the Bosselman companies are based in Grand Island, Neb., and own and operate business in 20 states: 46 Pump & Pantry convenience stores; a Hampton Inn, three Pump & Pantry Motels and five Motel 6 franchises; a Bosselman Travel Center; six Grandma Max's and Max's Highway Diner Restaurants, Sam Bass' Saloon & Steakhouse, and Schmooter's Bar & Casino; Food Courts including Subway, Little Caesars, and Caribou Coffee; 35 Boss Shops; and the Nebraska Danger Indoor Professional Football Team.
Chuck Bosselman is survived by Jan, his wife of 46 years; as well as his son and daughter-in-law, daughter and son-in-law, his mother, several brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Bosselman's life will be at held January 11 in Grand Island. The family requests no flowers. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Chuck D. Bosselman Memorial Scholarship.
CSP sends condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
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