The Truck Stops Here

As soon as we read about Nisqually Markets' Ramen Go! Experience, we knew we had to have Sam Roark, director of retail operations for Nisqually Markets, on the podcast. Nisqually Markets has it all – innovative technology, experiential offerings, and good food. Listen in as Roark walks listeners through everything that makes Nisqually Markets so special.

This year, the NATSO Foundation is partnering with the nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) in the nationwide Truckloads of Remembrance initiative. Through this initiative, the NATSO Foundation has joined WAA in raising awareness and support for the sponsorship of veterans' wreaths for placement by volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery as part of National Wreaths Across America Day – Saturday, December 13, 2025. The NATSO Foundation aims to raise funds through wreath sponsorships to fill one trailer load of sponsored veterans' wreaths (approximately 4,500). Wreaths Across America's Elisabeth Barna and NATSO Foundation Executive Director Amy Toner share about the partnership and how to get involved. To support the NATSO Foundation in reaching its goal, truck stops and travel centers can participate by soliciting wreath sponsorships now through December 2, 2025. Truck stops and travel centers should ask for donations using this NATSO Foundation link: www.natso.com/wreathsacrossamerica. With special guest: Elisabeth Barna for Wreaths Across America Hosted by: Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation  

At All American Truckers Paradise, they're setting a new bar for what a truck stop can be. Located on Interstate 35 in Gainesville, TX, the newly opened All American Truckers Paradise was designed with the trucker in mind.  Dean Ash, CEO of All American Trucker's Paradise, joined the NATSO Foundation's podcast to discuss the plethora of unique amenities, including soul food, no-wait mobile fueling and truck washing services, and a very unique mail and package offering. "Consider this a trucker's home away from home… We want them to have fun, we want them to smile. That is my passion, anything that is travel and transportation on one side, but then the hospitality of it.  We want them to come in and have fun," said Ash. With special guest: Dean Ash, CEO of All American Trucker's Paradise Hosted by: Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation

Ethanol has been around for a long time, but the incentives and the benefits are still going strong. Ginger Laidlaw, vice president of NATSO's Alternative Fuels Council, and Andrew Falco, market development & analytic manager for Growth Energy, offer their take on what should be considered if you're thinking about offering ethanol blends for the first time or becoming a new blender. They discussed the essential steps for setting up supply and infrastructure, equipment considerations, state and federal incentives available to help you tap into this profitable market and more. With special guests: Ginger Laidlaw, vice president of NATSO's Alternative Fuels Council and Andrew Falco, market development & analytic manager for Growth Energy Hosted by: Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation

Sohail Butt, CFO of University Korner, and his partners are building a cutting-edge truck stop on the I-80 corridor of Pennsylvania. The truck stop, expected to open at the end of 2024, will be a very forward-thinking, inclusive travel center heavily focused on professional driver well-being. From unique amenities like a Himalayan pink salt room and a contemplation room to specialized food offerings and employee housing, this episode dives deep into what makes their approach to this new build truly one-of-a-kind. With special guest: Sohail Butt, CFO, University Korner Hosted by: Amy Toner, Executive Director, NATSO Foundation and Darren Schulte, Vice President, Membership, NATSO