A spirit of community and giving back is at the core of who we are at Pilot Flying J. Our team members go above and beyond to serve their communities, especially in times of need.
In October, our team in Marianna, Florida, was forced to evacuate when Hurricane Michael made landfall. Advanced preparations executed by our awesome team members, along with local clean-up efforts, allowed our store to reopen quickly, making products and other necessities available to first responders and neighbors.
Some of our own team members had damage to their homes, yet they were eager to return to work to serve the community. Even team members from surrounding areas came to help the Marianna efforts. In early November, our staff in St. Mary’s, Georgia, collected supplies in support of their sister stores impacted by Hurricane Michael, lending a hand from across the region.
Our founder, James A. Haslam II often says, “To whom much is given, much is required.” He and other members of our senior leadership team traveled to Marianna to personally thank all of our team members who were affected, and continued to work and serve their communities.
“Our Pilot Flying J family came out in full force to support us and help us get back on our feet. I am truly blessed to work for a company that treats everyone as family,” said Wanda Parker, travel center general manager. “Thank you Mr. Haslam and Pilot Flying J for all that you have done. It is greatly appreciated.”
Though the storm has come and gone, the impact is still substantial. As part of the ongoing disaster-relief efforts, we partnered with Johnsonville to bring the Big Taste Grill, a 65-foot semi-truck customized to cook more than 750 brats at once, to the Pilot Travel Center in Marianna to serve free lunch to residents and volunteers as they continue to rebuild following Hurricane Michael. Two hours after opening, Johnsonville and Pilot Flying J volunteers had grilled and given away more than 1,000 brats.
“Hurricane Michael destroyed our lives the way we knew it to be; family and friends left homeless with nothing to keep warm,” said Martha Downs-Bruner, travel center guest service manager. “Our Pilot Flying J family stepped up and stepped in like a real family and I’m proud to be with such a company.”
We’re proud and grateful to our team members for serving their community and continuing to embody the qualities that we value here at Pilot Flying J. To learn more about how our company continues to give back to local communities, visit www.pilotflyingj.com/giving-back.
