As I begin my new CEO role at TA, I have a lot of different emotions, but the three most powerful are appreciation, enthusiasm and determination. Let me explain.
The truckstop industry has seen many changes over the years from the early days of relatively modest offers at rural interstate exits, to the current times of multi-million dollar facilities on bustling arteries. Through all of these changes, TA has been serving drivers and fleets by building a tradition of service to the industry. As I reflect on all the outstanding contributions of the thousands of folks that brought TA to where it is today, I have the deepest and most sincere appreciation.
My enthusiasm comes from being a part of the new service enhancements TA is launching for our customers, starting with the addition of 13 great new full-service locations that offer an array of amenities, in convenient, 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week locations to make your job easier. The Rip Griffin, Florence and Wapakoneta site additions to the TA family take our network to 162 locations in 41 states and Canada, making TA the largest and only nationwide full-service network. Site growth is only part of my excitement, as we have recently offered many new services including expanded parking, upgraded shower systems, refrigerated truck maintenance, WiFi across our network, IdleAire service, and a new healthy menu. We are also aggressively expanding our industry leading truck repair service with 24-hour road service coverage. All these initiatives give me great cause for enthusiasm.
And there is more coming in 2005: more food court options, electronic shop billing, a great new coffee program and more RoadKing Club™ enhancements. Lastly, we will focus great attention on making sure our sites are the cleanest in the industry, delivering the type of friendly service you have come to expect from our 11,600 team members across the nation. I am determined to deliver the service and respect you deserve every day, every location, every visit. My goal and that of every TA employee is to make TA your top choice when stopping — every time!
Let me know how we're doing. You can write to me at Road King, 28 White Bridge Road, Suite 209, Nashville, TN, 37205. Or send me an e-mail at timdoane@roadking.com.
