Our Customers Say it ALL!

We stopped in at the Grandma Max’s in Des Moines and had exceptionally great service! We have been to a couple other ones, and this one was very clean and nice! Jen and Kirsten were wonderful; they treated us like family and put a smile on our face. We were pleased with the food and our service.  Our steak was not cooked right and they made sure we were happy before we left!  That’s excellent to see people have pride in what they do and costumer service. We will definitely be back next time through! Thanks Again!!

- Tammy and Glen McVay, Mississippi

We had car trouble at your Bosselman’s Travel Center in Altoona, IA.  I wanted to send a letter commending your employee, Carla, for her great customer service.  She went above and beyond the call of duty to help us.  We had run over a school bus tire and it had damaged our radiator.  She was very helpful and did not stop until she found someone to help us.  She continually checked to make sure we were okay and we were so appreciative of her assistance.  You have a great employee and she should be the employee of the month!

We travel to Council Bluffs from Cedar Rapids quite frequently and are happy to say we fill up and get a stretch at your facility. Thank you,

- Donna Eastep, Linda Nolan, Corlin Trask, Cedar Rapids, IA

Bosselmans in Altoona, IA - Curt was very professional from the word GO!  I was only stopping for a refill, to clean windows, and to get more ice for my sweat-rag.  My AC quit at 8:30 A.M., been hot since.  I must have looked like heck, dirty, drenched, and red hot.  He convinced me to fill up, take a break, eat supper, etc.  Three hours later I was ready to drive again!  Curt pointed out I could get a shower with my fuel/club card!  More truck stops need more CURT for employees!!  I hope this clues someone in on how hard he works the fuel desk, and I took note on how he treated other customers also.

- Mike Oldfield, Sioux Falls, SD

Grand Island Travel Center - I just wanted to thank you for making a bad travel
experience turn out good.  My car broke down about 3 miles from Grand Island last Sunday night around midnight.  We managed to coax the car to the Travel Center.  We had to wait for a car parts store to open in the morning.  Your arcade and theater not only helped up pass the time but helped keep our sanity.  The staff there was helpful and friendly.  It turned what could have been a bad experience into a, well, not so bad one.  The Travel Center was a welcome oasis and haven for us stranded travelers.  We did get the part we needed and were off on our way by 7:30 a.m.

- Steven Thum, Vermillion, SD

Please allow me to take this opportunity to bring to your attention some of your people who have represented your company in the best possible manner.

Last Saturday, my family (wife, 3 teenagers, dog) were on our way home to Colorado from Illinois.  Just outside of Grand Island, we lost our power steering, radiator fans, etc., due to what we thought was a broken serpentine belt.  After limping back into Grand Island, we were told that there was a Bosselman’s Truck Shop on the other side of I-80.
Having little or no hope of repairs, as after all this was almost 7:00 P.M. on a Saturday night, we got to the Grand Island Boss Truck Shop.  Let me tell you, our entire weekend began to improve and quickly!

Chris, the lady working the counter, quickly figured out what type of belt we needed, called a place she thought would have the part, determined that they had the part but were closing in 30 minutes.  Chris proceeded to get permission to drive over there herself and get the part!  She hooked us up with the shop foreman, a gentleman named Greg Martin, who immediately got us over to one of the truck bays and got two of the mechanics to look at our problem.  Not only did they identify the problem, they called Chris on the road to have her get another part to go along with the belt.

Once Chris got back, a young mechanic named Ed proceeded to fix our belt and pulley in about 10 minutes!  We were on our way in another 5 minutes, having gone from down in the dumps to happier than a termite with an oak doughnut.

Chris, Greg, and Ed were as pleasant, competent, professional and helpful as anyone I have ever seen in a retail or other business dealing with the public.  You could probably rent them out to train doctors and other professionals on how to deal with people.

Until we met them, we were certain we’d be spending a couple of nights in Grand Island until a GM dealer opened on Monday morning.  We were also certain that, after watching our minivan start acting like it had been shot at and hit, that we were about to spend some serious money.
Let me be very clear here: we were ripe to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous or unethical repair people.  Instead, we found Chris, Greg and Ed, who took care of us like we were their family.  The bill was also a very pleasant surprise, especially when we were thinking it would be much larger.

We could not be more impressed with Chris, Greg and Ed and their coworkers at the Grand Island Boss Truck Shop.  We’ve told all our friends and family about the people and the place that saved our vacation.  They were absolutely first-class and we will always remember them fondly and with gratitude.

- Larry Mangan, Colorado

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the staff at Motel 6 in Grand Island for a job well done.  Our community recently had a visitor from New Zealand whose visit to our community, unfortunately, started on the wrong foot with the local taxi company and getting from the Amtrak station in Hastings at 2 AM and then continued to escalate.  Mr. Ken McCallum had decided to cut his losses and had gone to the front desk to explain why he was leaving.  Lisa White, who was working the desk at the time, suggested that Mr. McCallum give the bureau a call first, as we might be able to help.

Needless to say, we appreciate Lisa’s recommendation as Mr. McCallum and every visitor to the Greater Grand Island area are important to us and the image of our community they take when they leave.  We did discover after addressing Mr. McCallum’s situation and connecting him with our resources, that he had been told by the head of the Union Pacific Railroad that Grand Island and Stuhr Museum were a ‘must see’ when visiting the United States, and he is currently on sabbatical for 3 months in our country.

Mr. McCallum was very complimentary of the motel, staff and accommodations.  He is staying in the chain as he travels the U.S., and indicated if they all are like he experienced in Omaha and Grand Island he couldn’t ask for a better place to stay…clean, neat, great staff and wireless internet!

Kudos to you and Roberta for a job well done.  Obviously you have a great employee training and customer service program.  Big kudos and heartfelt thanks to Lisa White for thinking to have him call the visitors bureau.  We certainly appreciate this opportunity to serve our visitors and the recognition by your staff of the bureau and the services we can provide.

- Renee A. Seifert, Executive Director, Hall County Convention & Visitors Bureau

My husband and I were recently traveling on I-70 between Denver and Kansas City.  We want to thank you so much for the type of establishment you operate!  When my husband, Kelley, bought a cup of coffee and donut at your Salina Bosselman Travel Center, he walked away leaving his wallet.  When we arrived home in Kansas City that Sunday, I spoke with the manager Chris.  She readily agreed to mail the found wallet.  A few days later it arrived with all the cash and cards - minus only enough for the postage.  We cannot express enough our gratitude for your employees’ help and honesty!           
                                       
- Janice and Kelly Stephens, Kansas City, KS

My husband is a truck driver for Lisa Motor Lines out of Ft. Worth, TX, and I’ve been riding with him for about seven months.  We’ve been all over the country and visited about every chain of truck stops that exist. By far, I’m most impressed with Bosselman’s.

We stopped at a Big Springs facility on January 2nd. We pulled in at around midnight, tired and weary and ready for a shower.  The young man at the fuel desk was courteous and the shower facility was spotless with a couple of nice touches like candy kisses and a shoe cleaning rag. These were clearly put there by people who know what it is like out here.

After the wonderful showers, we enjoyed browsing through the chrome shop where we were able to purchase items we couldn’t find anywhere else. One of the friendly ladies directed us to what we were looking for. I commend your staff on being knowledgeable about your inventory.
Today we utilized your Grand Island facility as it is a designated fuel stop for Lisa Motor Lines. Fueling was quick and easy so we had lunch at Grandma Max’s. We were greeted by a friendly, courteous, neat waitress named Mary. I was impressed with the way all the waitresses seemed to enjoy working together and helped each other. Our food was simply wonderful! It was the best food we’ve had since being on the road!

After that we couldn’t resist stopping into the Des Moines facility for the night.  We were too stuffed to eat, but I did observe the cleanliness and the friendly staff.

I just want to congratulate your family on continuing the high quality of service that began with Mr. & Mrs. Bosselman back in the 1940’s.  You should be proud of the work you and your employees do in serving the public - especially professional truck drivers.  I can’t think of the proper words to express myself, so I will simply say, “Thank you all so very much!

- Val Whitworth, Ft. Worth, Texas

After paying for my TA wi-fi access, and being unable to access it at the Ogallala, NE TA, and with their staff being unable to help me, I went on down the road to the Bosselman Travel Center in Big Springs.  I was dismayed to find their service was down too.  I no sooner mentioned it to my waitress and she took off like a flash to tell the manager, who had the problem fixed in mere moments.  The food was good too.  Seems I’ll be coming to Bosselman’s more often.   Also, wanted to mention, I appreciate the fact you have chapel service here.  I try to go to chapel every week.  Thanks and keep up the good work.

-Martin Jones, Greenville, SC

I left my checkbook in the ladies room at the Grand Island Bosselman Travel Center and didn’t realize it until I was in Iowa.  When my husband called the store, he spoke to a manager named Aaron who had my husband confirm some information from the checks before he would confirm they did have my checkbook – I admired this.  When we asked if everything was still in it, he said he’d have to go downstairs to check and asked for our phone numbers.  Not long later, Aaron called us back and told me that my debit card I was asking about was indeed in there – thank goodness!  He took my address and sent my checkbook to me next day delivery!  I just want to say that this was excellent service and I appreciate it more than you can know!  Also I’d like to add that I live in Gary right by another Pilot truck stop and your location in Grand Island is by far one of the nicest truck stops I’ve ever been in!  Thanks again to Aaron for great service!

-Angela Bender, Gary, IN

I would like to express my appreciation for the way the staff at the O’Neill Pump & Pantry treats its clientele.  I always have a very good experience every time I visit one of your many establishments.  Everyone is always polite and courteous in dealing with the clientele.

-Todd Rothchild, Atkinson, NE

It is sure a comforting moment, when as a driver, you can come to a truck stop that is first class like yours.  Not to have to step over or around things is a pleasure.  Being a Canadian driver and passing through the west as much as I do, I truly look forward to stopping at your Travel Centers.  Thanks again and don’t stop caring.

-Tim Smith, Canada

I’m sure this is going to sound silly, but my husband and I are very sentimental, which is why I’m writing.  Tom and I met at your Des Moines, Iowa Bosselman’s Travel Center fuel island picnic table on October 21, 1999.  After five hours in your restaurant talking, we have been together ever since, and every time we’ve gone through Des Moines, we make it a point to stop and go to that picnic table.  If we are alone we always call the other one from that table.  We are both out of driving and in office jobs now, so we haven’t see the table for a couple of years.  Your truck stop and that picnic table are and always will be very special to us.  Thank you!

-Michelle Aumiller, Midwest City, OK

Thank you!  I accidentally left my billfold at the Salina, KS Bosselman Travel Center on my way to Missouri from Colorado, and you mailed it back.  The trip could have been ruined, but your kindness saved the day.  Thanks!

-Miranda, Gunnison, CO

I am an OTR driver of 30 years. Six months ago, I purchased a 2007 Kenworth T600.  As an owner operator, my wife and I drive 15,000+ miles each month, so maintenance is a critical issue for us.  Living in Kansas, we were familiar with your Salina, KS location, so we did not hesitate to stop at your Altoona, IA Bosselman Boss Truck Shop location.  We were in need of an oil change, which your shop promptly attended to.  The price was extremely competitive, which is why I am taking the time to e-mail you.  The mechanic ("Mikey") was not only personable, but also supremely thorough.  He took the time to address my questions regarding the recommended periodic maintenance for our truck.  I initially addressed my questions to the shop manager, Jason.  He immediately involved "Mikey" in the discussion, ensuring I received two educated opinions, rather than just giving me a "brush off" answer.  While our truck was in the shop, my wife and I showered, did laundry, surfed the web, and ate, making our total experience very satisfactory.  This will be one truck stop that gets several stars in our book, and will definitely get our recommendation to other drivers.

-John Lewis, Melton Truck Lines, Wichita, KS

I was so pleased to see the $1.99/gal E-85 at the Salina, KS location. I now try to time my fill-ups to coincide with trips through Salina.  I have a new Chevy FlexFuel pickup and I love burning that corn juice at very competitive prices.  At this time I think you are the best promoter of ethanol I know of.  Thank you for helping use this fine American product.  PS. An E-85 fill-up is a good enough excuse to hit Grandma Max's buffet while on site. 

-Myron Wolken Beloit, KS

I’d like to take a moment to compliment you and your Grand Island Travel Center facility staff! It is by far one of the best travel centers out there today!! I would especially like to single out Dustie M. for her outstanding and friendly service (I don’t know her full last name - she’s a waitress/server at Grandma Max’s Restaurant there in Grand Island). She is a great asset to your organization and I plan on coming back again just because of her smile and her ability to make a tough job go a lot smoother. Please let Dustie know how much we need & appreciate her! With kind regard,
-Bryan Smith, VP, Trident Transport LLC, Sulphur Springs, TX

I have been a professional driver for about 1 1/2 years.  If there is a better facility than this one in Grand Island, I haven't seen it.  Everything is right.  People are friendly and efficient and the facility is great.  I've been to brand new truck stops that are poorly run.  This one is tops.   Thank you.

-Bob Valliere, Chandler, TX

I just wanted to let you know that every time I pick a truck stop, if you are in the area, I pick Bosselman's. The level of quality customer service is always perfect. I’ve never experienced a bad stay at a Bosselman’s. You would be wise to expand throughout this great land and allow truck drivers everywhere to experience a great truck stop. Thank you and I will continue and will also tell my fellow company drivers to patronize your establishments.

-Christopher J. Callagher, Medford, OK

I just wanted to take the time to write to let you know about some great service that I received from Troy and the guys at your Boss Shop in Rapid City, SD.
I picked up an XTRA Lease trailer on 11/15/09 in Rapid City and found it to have a flat tire. I was instructed to take it to your shop to have it fixed. When I arrived at the Boss Shop, I was immediately pulled into the bay and Troy began looking at the tire and determined that it needed replaced, upon further inspection of the rest of the tires he found another that was also in need of replacement.
Troy worked with XTRA lease to get both tires replaced and made sure that I left with a safe trailer to pull down the road.
I want to thank Troy and all the guys in the shop for a job well done.
Thank You

- Mike Coburn, Guthrie Center, Iowa

I got about the best service I have gotten in about a year and a half at the Bosselman Boss Shop in Jamestown, NM the other day. I watched them do my PM, because I was near the truck and it was the best, most thorough PM I have ever gotten. He checked everything he was supposed to. If everyone did such a great job then there wouldn’t be nearly as many broken down trucks on the side of the road. Any time I am in that area, and I need a PM, I am going to Bosselmans.

- Collette Damuth

I want to thank you all for choosing me for a Bosselman Scholarship. This is such an honor, words cannot describe how much I appreciate this! Thank you!

- Esther Casper, Colfax, IA, Des Moines Travel Center employee

[Excerpted from a holiday letter] We stayed at my new favorite motel in Grand Island, Nebraska. It is the Motel 6 (#4265) that has the most accessible features of any motel that I stayed at. It had enough room between the desk and bed to be able to do a dance, it had wheelchair access on both sides of the bed, hangers, light switches, and electrical outlets within reach, and a large bathtub with a bench that folded down so that you can use the shower, too. If you are ever near there, it is worth stopping and spending the night. And, there is a truck stop with good food nearby, too.
I want to thank the staff and whoever designed room 118. That room made my day! I hope more motel rooms are as accessible. Thank you for adding to my life; the facilities and staff were great!

- Joan Gray, Arizona

Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know of the great service we received at the Boss Shop in Gallup, NM on Thursday 4/15/10. We were driving back to Lincoln, NE from San Diego, CA. and picked up a nail in our car tire. We went to the Boss Shop shortly after they opened to have the tire repaired. As to be expected they were very busy and indicated in may be 2 to 3 hours before they could repair the tire. However, after eating at Denny’s I walked over to see how it was going. I talked with Kit Christison and she was happy to inform me that it would be few just a minutes and the tire would be finished. This was unexpected, but much appreciated! The tire was repaired much sooner than expected. Hats off to all of the staff including mechanic #716 who was indicated as the technician who completed the repair. Great job and fast too! Please let your staff know of their wonderful service and attitudes. Thank you.

- Rick Lockhart, Lincoln, Nebr.

[Excerpted from Malia’s Blog] Since I hadn’t been able to get the tires checked right before we left, when I saw a truck service place (Bosselman) next to the Flying J in Brookshire, TX where we ate and filled up the ever-hungry motorhome with gas, I asked if they could check the tires for proper pressure and explained this was a last minute trip to see my aunt before she passed. The General Manager, Harm Asbury, was incredibly nice and stopped what he was doing, pulled out the truck that was in the bay, and had us drive in so he could have them aired up. They had a bit of trouble with one of the inside rear tires with the long valve stem, and it took a bit of time and doing.
When the office lady came out and started writing up the invoice, she at first said it would be $47.50 for checking all the tires (no charge for the air, thank God), but I still exclaimed, “Wow!” She said that was the usual charge for the big rigs they usually work on, but once she realized I had only 6 tires, the total would be $15.
I was satisfied with that, and by the time she got through writing up the ticket, Harm came back to the office and asked what she was doing. Then he said “No way - no charge for this.” I said it was perfectly fine given the time and trouble and immediate service, but he just looked at me and said “I’m not going to take your money!” I was so taken aback by his kindness, I started blubbering and thanking him profusely. This was the first “angel” we met on this unusual odyssey - and not the last time I cried - sometimes from grief and other times from relief at how kind strangers can be.

-Malia Lane, maliasrv.com

My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting the staff at your North Platte location Sunday night, March 14 at around 9:15 pm. We had a mishap with a tire on my car halfway between Ogallala and North Platte. On a Sunday night at that time, where do you go for help? That is a great question and at that time we did not have an answer and had no idea, we stopped at a convenience store and asked where we could get help with a tire and the clerk told us about the Flying J. On the way there we saw the sign for Boss Truck Shop and decided to take a chance. Well, I must tell you in today’s world not many people go out of their way to help others, but the employees of Boss Truck Shop did just that for us. In no time at all, they had us back on the road.
I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate what your employees did for us, and I am sure they have done it for others. Too many times we do not take the time to let others know how much we appreciate what they do for us, instead we complain when something goes wrong and never think twice about saying thank you for your help. Thank you Boss Truck Shop employees!
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- David & Duana Landreth, Elwood, Nebr.

As you know, the Christmas 2009 blizzard ranks among the worst snow storms of the past several decades. An event of the magnitude of this blizzard negatively impacts nearly all segments of the economy and population. Coming as it did over the Christmas weekend, the storm particularly impacted individuals and families traveling for the holidays.
I would like to commend your employees [at the Aurora Pump & Pantry] for their responsiveness in dealing with the varied needs and challenges faced by the traveling public as a result of this major winter storm. I had the opportunity to observe your employees interacting with many concerned, and in some cases, frustrated motorists who were attempting to reach their destination for the holidays.
I know that your business has many valuable employees who assisted during this storm event. And while I am appreciative of the efforts of all of your employees, I would like to commend Michelle Wengler for the assistance she rendered to stranded or inconvenienced motorists during this time period. I either observed or have knowledge of her willingness to help motorists find the services or shelter they were seeking as a result of the Christmas storm and would hope you might convey my personal gratitude for a job well done under the most difficult of circumstances.

- Marlin L. Seeman, Mayor, Aurora, Nebr.

On February 9, 2010 around 6 pm, I was at the Flying J in Ogden, UT with a rig that needed a lot of attention. We looked out the window of the restaurant and saw your shop, we called, and were told we could come on over.
One of the mechanics on duty at your shop was able to start on us right away when we arrived. His name was Tim, and in very short order he was able to diagnose and repair a dead short in the trailer we were pulling, assist in sliding our tandems, perform both a Federal DOT inspection and a full service on the tractor, along with replacing a few lights. It will be my pleasure to trust Tim with my equipment any time I need anything done. Your mechanic Tim made short work out of what could have easily become a long night. Everyone at your facility was professional and pleasant and the cost of this work was reasonable. I will be sure to continue to use your facilities across the country, and use both your Ogden location, and your mechanic Tim, as the standard they should measure up to. Thank you!

- Dan Amos, Payne Trucking driver