About Chuck

Charles D. "Chuck" Bosselman

Charles D. “Chuck” Bosselman was born in Grand Island, Nebraska to Fred and Maxine Bosselman, the second of four children. After graduating from Grand Island Senior High in 1963, Bosselman attended Kearney State College and married Janet Wiese in 1965. He was an integral part of broadening the family business from truck stops to all the businesses that comprise the Bosselman Enterprises, including Pump & Pantry, Boss Truck Shops, Grandma Max’s restaurants, Nebraska Danger Indoor Professional Football, and various motel and quick serve food franchises. The Bosselman Enterprises have been in business since 1948 when Chuck’s father, Fred Bosselman Sr., opened up the first Bosselman location, “Bosselman & Eaton.” Chuck was the driving force behind the businesses expanding into new markets and not only surviving but thriving.  That legacy continues in the 3rdand 4th generations of the Bosselman family.

The Bosselman family has a long record of contributing to community projects in Grand Island and Central Nebraska. Some of the Bosselman family members involved in the family' companies are (standing from left) Charlie, Jan, Chuck and Fred Bosselman Jr. and Brandi Bosselman. Seated is Maxine Bosselman. (Photo courtesy of Hal Maggiore)

2012 Hall of Honor

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Class of 2012 Driver/Promoter

Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame

Bosselman got the racing bug in the late-1960s, starting with a 1955 Chevy and competing around the Midwest. Bosselman became one of the few people to successfully race an AMC product on America’s short tracks, winning an IMCA national race at the Nebraska State Fair in 1974 with his red, white and blue AMC Hornet. Chuck Bosselman was inducted into the 15th class of the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

The Family Portrait

This was the final family photo taken with Chuck.

NATSO and the truckstop industry have lost a leader and a friend. Chuck was an innovative thinker whose energy and enthusiasm were a driving force behind his success.  Chuck worked tirelessly for the benefit of the entire industry, and we will miss his leadership and his unwavering commitment.

NATSO Mourns the Loss of Chuck Bosselman Click to read full article

Chuck Bosselman Passes Away

Jan. 09, 2012 |  Click to read the full article

"True leader among leaders and visionary" of truckstop company loses battle with cancer at 67

  • The 70's

    In 1967, Chuck became General Manager of the Grand Island I-80 Bosselman Truck Plaza. Soon after, he expanded the Travel Center operations to several locations throughout the Midwest. Because of his foresight and leadership in this industry, Bosselman was elected to the Truck Stop Hall of Fame in 2012.


    During the early 70’s, Bosselman raced late model race cars and won many championships, including the Nebraska State Fair Championship. He was named to the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2012.

  • The 80's


    Bosselman brought together a handful of truck stop industry leaders in 1988, establishing “Ambest” (America’s Best Truck Stops), made up of a cooperative network of 150+ of the nation’s best independent truck stops. Ambest is still the industry leader and a major factor in independent truck stops surviving in today’s competitive market.

  • 2000's

    Bosselman was the driving force in establishing the Uni-Maxx Truck Care Network in 2011. This full-service truck repair shop network included his own Boss Truck Shops, plus Wingfoot Truck Care Centers. This network is the nation’s second largest offering high quality service and maintenance to truckers with locations coast to coast.

     

  • His Philosophy

    Bosselman based his business decisions on the foundations of Pride, Cleanliness, Fun, Integrity and Friendliness, and earned his reputation by hard work, sweat, and commitment to the customer. He participated in every aspect of the company to ensure it’s success; he would ask no employee to do what he wasn’t willing to do himself.

  • Leadership

    He was also an active leader within local and industry communities. Some involvement included: Crane Meadows, Heartland Events Center, Fonner Park sponsor of the $100,000 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Handicap, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, Crisis Center, American Red Cross, United Way, Stuhr Museum, Children’s Miracle Network, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Goodwill, academic scholarships, Grand Island College Park, 4-H, National Arthritis Foundation, National Cancer Society  and the lead gift funder for the GISH “Restoring a Masterpiece” campaign for the performing arts auditorium.

  • His Legacy

    Following a battle with cancer, Bosselman passed away in 2012. At that time, he was Chairman of the Board of the Bosselman Companies and oversaw 1,500 employees in 20 states.  Bosselman's continues to grow and in 2022 celebrated a grand opening of a new flagship store for Pump and Pantry (New Generation Grand Island Independent Article) in Grand Island. Chuck's ground work has paved the way for this fourth generation (2022) run company to continue to grow in his vision for what a company could and should be.

    Grand Island Public Schools
    2012 Hall of Honor

"We can't do everything, but we try where we can, and we get involved where we can. We know where we came from. So it is important for us to give back." - Vice President Charlie Bosselman

Bosselman's awarded the Grand Island Independent Community Builders Award

(September 24th, 2019)

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