USA: Pilot Co. unveils growth strategy for 2022
The retailer has plans to open 34 new locations and 40 new Southern Tire Mart service centers.
Pilot Company has announced its strategic growth plans for 2022, which include opening 34 new locations across the country. In addition, four vice presidents have been announced to join its leadership team. The additional leadership positions will further position the company to strengthen its core business, build on its geographic expansion and drive innovation to enhance the overall guest and team member experience.
The convenience and fuel retailer is investing significantly in growing and enhancing its travel center network this year with plans to add more than 34 locations, including 14 new travel centers and over 20 dealer sites. In partnership with Southern Tire Mart, the two companies are expecting to add 40 new Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J (STMPFJ) service centers to Pilot Flying J locations across the country. This is part of STMPFJ’s expansion plans to provide fleets with over 200 on-premises shop locations within the next few years.
“We are always looking ahead and listening to our guests and team members to drive future innovation and strategic investments in our business. As we move into 2022, we have made several key organizational changes and additions that diversify our leadership team and position our company for sustained growth by delivering on our promise to ensure the experience at Pilot is exceptional,” said Shameek Konar, Pilot Company CEO.
In addition to network growth, Pilot Company is stepping up its initiatives to provide travelers and professional truck drivers with upgraded amenities, more offerings and new services that make the store experience easier, faster and more rewarding. Key initiatives will include testing new food concepts, facility upgrades, technology enhancements and introducing new partnerships, such as the recent addition of GNC wellness products to Pilot Flying J stores nationwide.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see many talented people being promoted internally and joining the Pilot family to lead our teams as we continue to expand and differentiate our business. We are in the service industry and will continue to do everything we can to make a better day for everyone that walks through our doors,” added Konar.
To support the goals of the firm, three individuals have been recently promoted and a new hire added to round out the company’s leadership team. Allison Cornish has been promoted to VP of Store Modernization, Jamie Landis will act as VP of Team Member Experience and Tim Langenkamp has been promoted to VP of Business Development – Sustainability. In addition, Jonathan Braatvedt joined Pilot Company as VP of Food and Beverage, as part of its expansion and upgrade plans for this year.
