William (Bill) Sapp, the founder of Sapp Bros. Travel Centers Inc., will receive the association’s Hall of Fame award at The NATSO Show in Las Vegas, Feb. 16-19, announced the NATSO Foundation.
The Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals for notable participation in their communities, the truckstop and travel plaza industry and in NATSO. NATSO members nominate candidates for the award, and NATSO’s executive committee and past Hall of Fame recipients select the winner.
Sapp opened the first Sapp Bros. location in Omaha 1971. Today, the company operates 16 travel centers with locations in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wyoming. “Since day No. 1, Bill’s focus has been trying to create the most positive experience possible for working men and women on the road,” said Don Quinn, president of Sapp Bros.
Sapp Bros. locations have emphasized a friendly atmosphere with clean facilities and the right mix of products. “Bill has personally supported and partnered with several ministries to offer services at many of our locations,” Quinn said, adding that Sapp. Bros.’ first chapel was built in the early 1980’s at the Omaha location.
Not only has Sapp built a successful business, he has given back to the industry. He has been a strong supporter of NATSO, serving on the board of directors from 1993 to 1998 and has also been active in the Nebraska Petroleum Marketers Association for over 40 years.
“Bill has always supported NATSO and his fellow operators. From the beginning he has been willing to share information and guidance, whether it is through a quick phone call with a friend or during an industry meeting. The Hall of Fame award is meant to recognize members who serve as a source of pride for the travel plaza and truckstop industry, and Bill most certainly does,” said NATSO President and Chief Executive Officer Lisa Mullings. “He is incredibly deserving of this award.”
The NATSO Foundation will present the award to Sapp during the Kickoff Keynote on the afternoon of Monday, Feb. 16, 2015. The full lineup of speakers, exhibitors and schedule is available at www.natsoshow.org.
