Cyclum has hired a new executive team to oversee its next phase of growth. The renewable fuel dispenser company, based in Cornelius, North Carolina, plans to build 400 travel centers nationwide over the next 10 years. Leading the charge is Brian Profitt (pictured left), who joined as CEO; Polly Flinn (center), the new COO; and Pat O’Hagan (right) as CFO.
Profitt brings more than 30 years of experience in retail and travel center management. Most recently, he was division director at convenience-store chain 7-Eleven, Irving, Texas, overseeing strategic operations. Before that, he spent 18 years with Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based convenience-retailer WilcoHess, where he led its operations division during the company’s acquisition by Speedway LLC. Following the acquisition, Profitt continued at Speedway for three years, contributing to the integration of WilcoHess operations and overseeing travel plazas and restaurant management. Profitt aims to guide Cyclum’s growth and innovation as the company continues to redefine the travel center experience through renewable energy integration.
Flinn has more than 30 years of experience and joins Cyclum after her tenure as president of Giant Eagle’s GetGo, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, where she was the executive leader of the chain spanning five states. Her career includes c-suite roles at Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart as well as at Chicago-based bp, which included roles with Castrol and Arco ampm where she led brand transformations, operational turnarounds and business growth.
O’Hagan has spent more than 20 years in financial leadership roles. Most recently, he was controller at Times Oil Corp., Lincolnton, North Carolina, and CFO at Brewer-Hendley Oil Co., Marshville, North Carolina, for 14 years.
“These appointments reflect our commitment to building a leadership team capable of driving Cyclum’s mission to transform the travel center industry,” said Cyclum’s board of directors. “Brian, Polly and Pat bring unparalleled expertise and vision to propel us into a new era of innovation and sustainability.”
The new travel center network building plans range from west coast—near routes such as Interstate 5, I-80, I-15, U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 99—to east coast—near corridors such as I-95, I-81, I-90, I-78 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-80). The company has also identified locations in between, along highways such as I-10, I-40, I-80 and I-20.
Cyclum’s new travel centers will offer traditional fuels, transitional fuels and renewable fuels. It will also have electric vehicle (EV) charging, fresh food, private sleeping pods, a gym, lounges and dedicated workstations.
In addition, Cyclum, which was founded in 2019, will offer playground areas, a fenced pet oasis and an on-site health clinic.
Cyclum said it is focused on powering the commercial trucking industry through a nationwide network of renewable truck stops as well as client on-site dispensing.
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