Celebrating 60 years of operation, Love’s Travel Stops has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1964 in Watonga, Oklahoma. Founded by Tom and Judy Love, a young couple looking to support their growing family, the journey started with leasing a filling station. Today, Love’s has grown into a nationally recognized brand with 637 locations in 42 states, employing nearly 40,000 individuals across North America and Europe.
Despite its expansive growth over the decades, Love’s remains distinctive as the only major family-owned and -operated travel stop.
“With Tom’s hardworking, boots-in-the-ground work ethic and community and people-focused mentality, the Loves were able to grow the one store into the brand we know today,” the news release stated. “Love’s innovative mindset gave him the idea to open a combined convenience store and filling station at a time when that was practically unheard of. It caught on, and over the years, the company grew, expanding into travel stops and eventually adding the Gemini Motor Transport fleet to the family. More of Love’s innovative ideas led him to add restaurant and fresh food options to total truck care solutions and other additions.”
This unique aspect sets it apart in the industry. The first Love’s Travel Stops opened its doors in Watonga, Okla., and since then, the company has stayed true to its cultural roots and philosophical foundation.
“While a lot has changed in six decades, the heart of Love’s has not, and it’s now alive in four generations of our family,” said the Love family. “We are so grateful for our incredible team members — past and present — whose contributions play a role in shaping our company. Growth and innovation of our product offerings, living our core values and culture daily and dedication to clean places and friendly faces are what this company was started on in 1964. Today, we proudly stand on that foundation and know our best is still ahead of us.”
One remarkable constant in Love’s journey is its unwavering commitment to treating all team members like family. This ethos has not only endured but has become an integral part of Love’s identity. Regardless of its size and reach, the company remains dedicated to the belief in caring for customers, partners, and team members alike. This enduring philosophy continues to be a key differentiator for Love’s Travel Stops.
“Tom Love said it best: ‘Yesterday’s trophies don’t win tomorrow’s games,’ and even after six decades, we still live by that motto, constantly innovating and improving,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “The secret formula behind the company’s success is our employees and how they model the core values Love’s was built on and sustain a legacy of driving for excellence.”
Source: The Trucker
