sports empire travel

Authentic California Vacations is a division of Sports Empire Inc., a privately owned corporation in Lakewood, California. Sports Empire has been owned and operated by partners Daniel Chavez and Suzanne Slavitter, CTP, CTIE for its entire existence. Combined, they have more than 50 years of experience in the travel industry. Sports Empire is the preferred sports and special event package supplier for many professional travel organizations and is a Charter Member of ASTA Tour Operator Program (TOP) and Member of the National Tour Association. CST #2079348-40

Call or email for more information suzanne slavitter authentic california vacations po box 6169 - lakewood, ca 90714 562-920-2450 or email: [email protected].

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We had the best time at the embassy suites and to finish things off in this suite at pebble beach is beyond wonderful there's a fire place in here - so romantic golf today was incredible - in fact every course we played was unbelievable we loved each of them for their character perfect blend thank you for an awesome 30th anniversary trip i'm telling everyone about you - thanks for making me look like a rock star | diane with montrose travel, i worked with suzanne on a custom vip california trip with wine touring during the california wildfires. trip was awesome and updates and changes to wineries had the trip seamless - clients loved the trip - tammy hardin owner/travel specialist | travel square one, we had three couples travel to california in september 2017 with private drivers to the napa/sonoma wine country. their trip was seamless and awesome. the private driver in napa was so wonderful the clients bought him a special bottle of wine. the clients told me the picnic sandwiches we the best and all the hotels were wonderful especially in monterey…..a place they did not want to leave. working with suzanne, who is so knowledgeable, was a breeze. thank you for making the planning easy and the trip memorable for long time clients. - nancy parker | argosy travel inc., hi suzanne - wanted to share some feedback from my clients: amazing vegan lunch at round pond winery. we were treated royally. we are thankful to have used your services. you gave my clients such a wonderful, memorable, special anniversary trip – you totally exceeded their expectations and mine - robin norell | millbrook travel, use the following form to contact us or subscribe to our newsletter, copyright authentic california vacations, 2024. all rights reserved. | privacy policy | terms and conditions | contact us | about us.

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Sports Empire

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Sports Empire offers a wide range of events in North America and Europe. We deliver hassle-free packages, providing the travel industry with the best value in sports and special event packages.

PO Box 6169 Lakewood, CA 90714 United States

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Sports Empire branches out to Southwest destinations

LAKEWOOD, Calif. – Sports Empire Inc., a tour operator selling sports and events travel packages for North America, announced the creation of a new division in the company called SoCal Group Vacations. SoCal Group Vacations will specialize in custom designed packages for groups going to Southwest destinations.

“We saw a place for a Destination Management Company focusing on the needs of travel agents, and since we’re local we thought it would be a perfect fit,” said Suzanne Slavitter, co-owner of Sports Empire. “There is demand from agents that book groups to the region, but they don’t have the time or resources to customize each group’s needs. SoCal Group Vacations will make it easy for agents to work with their clients for pre/post cruise groups, family reunions, girlfriend getaway weekends and affinity groups to have a personalized Southwest experience.”

The company provides standard group trips to Los Angeles, Orange County or the California Coast. Other experiential and hands-on activities can also be incorporated into the trip. For groups looking for Southwest events, the company hopes to create future packages for the Palm Springs Film Festival and the Sausalito Art Festival.

“My first job in tourism was doing tours of California, so I feel like I’ve come full circle in my tourism career,” said Slavitter. “We’re excited to use our expertise working with niche packaging and extend this to the agent requests for unique customized itineraries to the Southwest.”

For more information, visit www.socalgroupvacations.com .

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Luxury Sports Travel Packages

Luxury Sports Travel Package Specialists

Since 1992, Roadtrips has been providing completely customized luxury sports travel packages to the world’s most sought-after and exclusive sporting events such as:

• 2024 US Open Tennis
• 2024 MLB All-Star Game

2025 Super Bowl

• 2025 Daytona 500
• 2025 Masters Tournament

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• 2024 Monaco Grand Prix
• 2024 Indianapolis 500

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2024 euro finals.

• 2024 Summer Games
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• 2024 Presidents Cup

2026 World Cup

We pride ourselves on delivering high quality sports travel packages that take the stress out of travel, allowing our guests to enjoy memorable moments that will last a lifetime.

At Roadtrips, we’re focused on all the small things. All our travel experiences are custom crafted in order to create your perfect trip. When you travel with Roadtrips, you can be confident that you will be completely taken care of by one of the leaders in the sports travel industry. Contact us to start planning your sports travel experience of a lifetime.

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May 3, 2024

9 Best Major Tennis Tournaments

The sport of tennis has been around for ages and its popularity seems to grow every year. Each season, the top tennis tournaments in the world draw in thousands of spectators who experience the incredible atmosphere surrounding these global events. These major tennis tournaments are some of the hottest tickets […]

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March 12, 2024

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The Most Watched Sporting Events in The World

October 12, 2023

Things to do in Paris During the 2024 Summer Games

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Sports Empire  & Kilton Travel offers a lineup of events throughout North America and parts of Europe - combined with a proven history of delivering the most complete and hassle free packages - Sports Empire & Kilton Travel offers thel travel community the best value for customized sports and special event packages. Feel free to contact us with any comments or questions!  Please note packages are land only - We offer Olympics or World Cup soccer packages only when these events are in the North America (not internationally). 

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What Is Sports Tourism?

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

There’s been a lot of buzz lately in the travel industry about “gig-tripping,” as fans of Taylor Swift and other musical artists plan vacations all around the world just for the live concert experience.

Meanwhile, another experience-driven trend is also on the rise: sports tourism. Whether you’re an athlete yourself or just a big fan, you might want to consider this approach to travel.

So what exactly is sports tourism, and what does it involve? Below, industry experts break down the benefits and downsides.

What is sports tourism?

“‘Sports tourism’ refers to when individuals plan their travel tied to specific sporting events, typically to spectate but, depending on the event, it could include participation as well,” said Carolyn Addison, the head of product at travel company Black Tomato . “Some of the classic examples are the Olympics and we’ve often seen this type of travel for events like F1 [Formula One racing] or the Tour de France.”

Sports tourism can sometimes involve venturing to a different city to watch a regular-season away game for your favorite team. Or you might travel to participate in your own athletic endeavor, like a marathon or team competition.

“Sports tourism ranges all the way from youth sports to professional leagues,” said Nate Hardesty, the managing director of the Thompson Austin and Tommie Austin hotels in Texas. “For instance, we see so many families traveling around the country for tournaments that it’s become their spring break or summer trip. The same goes for collegiate and professional sports. We see so many fans follow their teams around the country and take the opportunity to check out the destination while they are here.”

If you live in a popular sports market, it might be easier to get good tickets to your team’s away game in another city. Some people also just like to merge their love of travel and sports into one experience.

Although taking a trip for a sporting event is not a brand-new phenomenon, more fans seem eager to have these kinds of experiences after being forced to stay at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People have been traveling for sports for years,” Hardesty noted. “However, experiential tourism has skyrocketed post-COVID.”

The popularity of shows like “Formula 1: Drive To Survive,” which gives a behind-the-scenes look at the world of auto racing, and “Welcome to Wrexham,” a docuseries about a Welsh soccer team, has also sparked greater interest in professional sports experiences.

The sports documentary movement has now expanded to golf with “Full Swing,” as well as to football with “Quarterback.” And with the buzz around the new sports drama “Challengers,” perhaps we’ll see more travelers planning trips around big tennis tournaments.

What are the benefits?

“We find that planning a trip around a sporting event gives a nice framework and intention to an itinerary,” Addison said. “Special events can also be a compelling way to interact with locals in a way that feels spontaneous and unforced.”

She pointed to the powerful energy in crowds at big events and the opportunity to bond with people who have similar interests. Sports tourism might take you to an exciting destination you wouldn’t have otherwise visited.

“You’re crafting your trip around a pivotal core memory and occasion which is supplemented by other local attractions, creating a comprehensive travel experience,” added Nikki Glass, the general manager at The Sawyer in Sacramento, California.

She noted that many sports tourism destinations have made efforts to ramp up various attractions and offerings around sporting events to give fans a multifaceted travel experience.

“These travelers tend to stay in their destination for extended periods to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry and urban milieu, from vibrant dining scenes to museums and green spaces,” Glass said. “Sports tourists are tapping into it all.”

What are the downsides?

“There can be some additional challenges around planning travel during a major event,” Addison said. “Crowds and traffic can make the overall travel experience less enjoyable, and properties often impose higher rates and/or longer minimum stays.”

She emphasized the importance of advance planning to secure hotel reservations, airfare and tickets for sporting events.

“Sometimes the availability will be tight, and you need to book as soon as you can to get the best available rate,” echoed Lisa Bush, the director of sales and marketing at Thompson Nashville in Tennessee. “The last-minute booker usually learns that procrastination is not the best.”

Expect longer wait times and higher costs for things like accommodation and transportation. If you plan a trip based around sports tourism, you might find yourself in overcrowded areas that aren’t always equipped to deal with a surge of people. And you may have to put in extra effort to get an authentic local experience during times when so many tourists have taken over a destination.

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WNBA to begin charter travel for all teams this season

This change in the way wnba players will travel to games will end league’s long-standing policy of mandated regular-season commercial flights..

The WNBA will begin charter travel for all 12 of its teams this season “as soon as we logistically can get planes in places,” Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told sports editors at a league meeting Tuesday afternoon, confirming a report on X by USA TODAY sports columnist Christine Brennan.

This very significant change in the way the world’s best women’s basketball players will travel to games will end the league’s long-standing policy of mandated regular-season commercial flights for its players. 

“We intend to fund a full-time charter for this season,” Engelbert said. "We're going to as soon as we can get it up and running. Maybe it’s a couple weeks, maybe it’s a month … We are really excited for the prospects here.”

The WNBA’s decision comes as the league is seeing unprecedented growth, ticket sales and interest as the most recognizable rookie class in WNBA history, led by Caitlin Clark — arguably the best-known athlete in the nation — begins regular-season play May 14. 

It also comes as Clark and the rest of the WNBA rookies had to take their first commercial flights as professional athletes for preseason games last weekend and be exposed to members of the public walking near them, approaching them and taking photos and videos of them, including in unsecured airport areas. All teams are traveling with security personnel this season. 

"It was all right," Angel Reese said of flying commercial to Minneapolis for last Friday's game against the Minnesota Lynx.

"We have a great security team. Chicago has done a great job being able to put in place some great guys and they've been amazing for us," Reese said before the Sky's preseason game against the New York Liberty on Tuesday night.

In June 2023, Phoenix star Brittney Griner , who spent nearly 10 months in Russian custody in 2022, was harassed in the Dallas airport by a right-wing YouTube personality who yelled at her and tussled with Phoenix Mercury security in an airport concourse. The WNBA allowed Griner to fly private charters the rest of the season.

This season, the league was already planning to allow teams to charter when playing back-to-back games as well as during the playoffs but otherwise fly commercially. The league hasn’t allowed charter flights over the years because it said that would create a competitive advantage for teams that wanted to pay for them over those that did not. 

Flying commercial has been a part of the WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement with its players, which was signed in 2020. Ironically, many WNBA newcomers flew on charters throughout their college careers.

WNBA player reaction

During a call with reporters on Tuesday, New York Liberty stars Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart weighed in on what charter travel would mean to players.

"As we continue to add more games into the season and change the way the Commissioner's Cup is being played this year, it just adds a little bit more travel into our schedules and stuff," Jones said. "If we can try to find some kinds of help with our recovery and, you know, just being able to get rest so that we can put our best product out there on the court."

Stewart agreed with Jones.

"It's exactly that, obviously. Understanding (it’s) player health and wellness but also player safety, and making sure that we can get from point A to point B and have the focus be our jobs and our team," Stewart said.

Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon, who had been an outspoken proponent of adding charter flights after spending eight years as an assistant with the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, said the immediate reaction from everyone is "great!"

"This is something that the league has been pushing for for a long time for its players," Hammon said. "I look at it as we can put a better product out there."

Contributing: Roxanna Scott, Christine Brennan , Nancy Armour, Lindsay Schnell

40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 10 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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Keep on trucking: how love's travel stop grew from one store to an international empire.

WATONGA — Harold Wells, 73, has worked for Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores for 51 years, an entire career, after starting out here in one of the late Tom Love's earliest stores.

Al Harper, 70, is still here in Watonga, where he grew up and where he's worked for 24 years in Love's No. 1, the first of what is now nearly 650 Love's Travel Stops and convenience stores catering to casual drivers and professional truckers in 42 states. The company has about 40,000 employees.

Over those decades, Wells and Harper have demonstrated, actually lived out what Love's points to for its success: "humble beginnings, teamwork, work ethic and perseverance."

The Love family, and the family-owned corporation, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, say those aspects of the company's culture — humble beginnings, teamwork, work ethic and perseverance — have guided its growth since Tom and Judy Love started out in 1964.

Judy Love doesn't say much to the media, but in light of Love's 60th anniversary, she told The Oklahoman:

"When Tom and I opened the first location in Watonga 60 years ago, we couldn’t imagine what this company would become. The journey has been amazing. One thing I know is that we wouldn’t be here without our loyal team members and customers. We are fortunate so I feel that we should help others. That’s why we’ve always given back to many nonprofit organizations."

Dedication and innovation keep longtime Love's employees at work for decades at Love's No 1 in Watonga and at OKC corporate headquarters

Harper said a manager at Love's No. 1 recruited him to take the night shift in 2001, when shoplifters and others were causing the store trouble. It was his second career after 27 years working at a carpet mill until it closed. He said he "got it cleaned up," and has been happy working there ever since.

"I like meeting the people. I told (a supervisor), 'I'll stay here and keep the store going as long as I can,'" the 70-year-old said.

Wells started at Love's in Watonga part time in 1972, when he was working on degrees in math and physics at Southwestern State College in Weatherford, just before it was renamed Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He graduated but stayed with Love's, never looking back.

Wells is Love's manager of retail accounting systems and has lived in Edmond and worked at company headquarters — at suburban 10601 N Pennsylvania Ave. in The Village — for decades. He said every innovation Love's has made over the years has given him something new and exciting to learn. He could have retired 10 years ago, but he's kept at it.

"It's easy to work for a company and believe in what you do," he said, when the company has a reputation like Love's.

Love's Field: A reminder that roots and reputation helped bring the big-hearted Loves big riches

Roots and reputation helped make Love's a top workplace, and helped make the Loves generous billionaires, giving to causes across the state, not just in Oklahoma City.

Love's Travel Stops had $26.5 billion in revenue last year, according to Forbes, making it the ninth-largest private company in the country. Judy Love had a net worth of $10.2 billion, landing her at No. 2 on USA Today's list of "America's richest self-made women."

Symbols abound for "humble beginnings, teamwork, work ethic and perseverance." Add benevolence, and the symbol Jenny Love Meyer keeps in her office makes sense. She's a daughter of Tom and Judy Love, and Love's chief culture officer.

The reminder of what it took to get the family and company where they are? A softball trophy, but a replica, making it a reminder of a reminder:

Love's Field, which opened this year . Love's contributed the lead gift of the $37 million that helped pay for the $48 million field and stadium, earning it naming rights. The trophy is a reproduction of the University of Oklahoma Sooners’ 2023 NCAA championship softball trophy.

“This 44,000 square-foot complex is a nod to Coach (Patty) Gasso and all those who have been instrumental to building the Oklahoma softball dynasty and hopefully an inspiration for the female student-athletes who compete in it. They are our leaders of the future,” Love Meyer said. “Love’s is humbled to stand alongside the more than 1,100 donors who graciously supported this project. The $37 million raised is the largest dollar amount privately fundraised for a female-specific facility project in college athletics history.”

Parallels between Love's No. 1 in Watonga and Love's Field in Norman

Raising Love's Field took years and "a village of dedicated people to complete," Love Meyer said. She said she sees parallels to her parents' success after their beginnings in Watonga and Gasso's success after 30 years of "building a softball powerhouse in Norman, Oklahoma."

“With little money to invest and a growing family to support, my parents used a $5,000 loan to lease an abandoned service station in Watonga, a small community 60 miles west of Oklahoma City," she said. "That initial willingness to start and grow a business required confidence, innovative thinking, hard work and perseverance, and is why Love’s is where it is today.

"Similarly, when Coach Gasso arrived in Norman in 1994, she organized practices at a local park and needed to schedule practice in between slow pitch softball leagues. And sometimes had to clean up the dugout from festivities the night before.

"She never gave up. From former OU Associate Athletic Director Marita Hynes, Coach Gasso, softball alumni, to current players, and the university, they persevered through all the challenges. That championship mindset is how success is built.”

How Love's started: Tom and Judy Love 'had two small children to feed and bills to pay'

Nobody in the Love family, or among the earliest employees, could have dreamed that Love's, first called Musket Corp., would ever become such a retail juggernaut, with locations popping up along interstate highways like spring dandelions — plus several other ventures catering to, and supporting, the trucking industry, everyday travelers, and fuel supply chain management.

“When my parents opened our first location 60 years ago, they never imagined what Love’s would grow into," Love Meyer said. "They had two small children to feed and bills to pay and had to figure out a way to do that. My dad had the idea to lease an abandoned filling station, and through hard work, finding ways to learn about the business and, as he would say, working with and hiring people smarter than him, they grew it into what it is today.

"We attribute our success to our team members and customers. They’ve helped us grow into what we are today while remaining true to the family-owned and -operated business model that we know sets us apart from competitors. We always say that if our teams take care of customers, we’ll take care of them, and we think that’s been a pretty good standard to live by.”

Love's rolls both ways, with professional drivers and casual customers

If you're a professional truck driver, Love's is a truck stop. If you're not, Love's is a convenience store with fast food. Chances are, trucker or not, you don't know what all drives the family-owned company.

Love's rolls both ways, of course. Two-thirds of fuel sales are to professional drivers, and two-thirds of in-store sales are to casual customers, the company says. But Love's business is more than gasoline, diesel, and road trip snacks and fast food.

This year, the company plans to add up to 25 new locations, update up to 40 older stores, and rebuild four, among other company expansions, said Shane Wharton, Love's president.

“Six decades ago, (the late) Tom Love opened our first service station in Watonga, Oklahoma, and almost immediately started selling household items to make stopping in more convenient for customers,” Wharton said. “Today, as the only major travel stop that is still family owned and operated, we continue with his innovative spirit by adding new products and improving the experience to give customers more reasons to stop in.”

Four generations of Loves are involved with the company, including billionaire co-founder Judy Love . But numerous others have helped build Love's since 1964, Love-Meyer said.

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“While a lot has changed ... the heart of Love’s has not," she said. “We are so grateful for our incredible team members — past and present — whose contributions play a role in shaping our company.

"Growth and innovation of our product offerings, living our core values and culture daily, and dedication to clean places, friendly faces are what this company was started on in 1964. Today, we proudly stand on that foundation and know our best is still ahead of us.”

RELATED: Biggest-ever Love's Travel Stop reminds me why I love Love's but will wait awhile yet to stop in

Love's went on a buying spree in 2023, its biggest year for mergers and acquisitions.

The company acquired EZ GO from Lawton-based Carey Johnson Oil Co., including six travel stops on Oklahoma turnpikes, five on the Kansas turnpike and 11 convenience stores in Oklahoma and Nebraska.

EZ GO, like Love's, features franchise food and owns and operates Back Forty Barbecue at two locations. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Houston-based Musket Corp., owned by Love's, established European operations with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Musket's focus is supplying Love’s Travel Stops with gasoline and diesel and managing the company’s biodiesel program. Subsidiary Musket Europe SARL extends the company's commodity supply and logistics, providing relief for the instability in global fuel supply chains.

Love's also bought OKC-based TVC Pro-Driver, a motor club and commercial driver’s license protection service. It assists drivers and fleets in reducing or dismissing fines, preventing downtime for court, and protecting federal compliance, safety and accountability scores. A subscription provides access to a network of attorneys and discounts on safety solutions, health care and more. Terms were not disclosed.

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Love's continues to expand and enhance services for drivers — professional and casual.

Through awards from the Federal Highway Administration's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program , Love's-owned Trillium Energy Solutions , which Love's acquired in 2016, plans to add to Love’s electric vehicle fast-charging network with new chargers at 29 locations this year.

For truckers driving Freightliners, which Love's said accounts for about half all trucks on the road, Freightliner ExpressPoint is now available at more than 400 Love’s truck care locations, providing light mechanical warranty repair work for Freightliner trucks through Love’s partnership with Daimler Truck North America. Love's rolled out the service in January and plans to expand it this year.

Love's plans 10 new full-service Speedco locations next to its travel stops, 50 maintenance bays and and about 60 emergency roadside vehicles. Love's has owned Speedco since 2017.

Love family philanthropy seen across Oklahoma, elsewhere

Love's donates 2% of net profits to charity and good causes.

"Many know the story of Love’s...," Love Meyer said last year in Love's first-ever Community Impact Report. "And from those humble roots, he built a family-owned and -operated network of travel stops now approaching 700 locations.

"But it’s important to know that from the start, as he built the business, he cared about the communities where the stores were located. It is this caring, combined with a desire to give back, that is the foundation for charitable giving at Love’s. This is certainly one of the legacies my dad left with us. ... Helping others is nothing new for Love’s."

This year, in addition to the debut of Love’s Field, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Expedition Africa and completely renovated Love's Pachyderm Building opened, the new Women’s Center at Mercy Hospital opened, and Love's Planetarium at Science Museum Oklahoma is scheduled to open.

"Our efforts are certainly not limited to Oklahoma and include building meaningful partnerships to transform communities nationwide," Love Meyer said.

Love's gave away nearly $12 million in 2022, according its 2023 Community Impact Report — 46% to youths and education, 20% to health and human services, 25% to civic and community organizations, and 9% to other needs. Recipients included:

$6.9 million to Children's Miracle Network, which has received nearly $50 million in all from Love's.

$3.5 million to Science Museum Oklahoma/Love's Planeterium.

$150,000 to Operation Homefront.

$100,000 to St. Christopher Trucking Development and Relief Fund.

$50,000 to Truckers Against Trafficking.

In addition, Love's corporate employees donated $676,000 to United Way of Central Oklahoma and 1,400 volunteer hours to various causes.

Judy Love, as matriarch, has led the way in the Love family's giving.

Recipients include Positive Tomorrows, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, the University of Oklahoma , Oklahoma State University, Children’s Miracle Network and United Way, as well as out-of-state organizations and groups.

All that giving, and all that innovation, have kept the Loves' reputation growing, and Love's competitive and growing, for 60 years.

“As Love's has expanded its network and offerings over the past 60 years, we’ve been able to stay true to who we are and what we represent, clean places with friendly faces who work hard every day to get customers back on the road quickly," Love Meyer said. "The dedication to helping our customers every day, while innovating and striving to be better, is foundational for Love’s, from our leaders to team members across the nation.”

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What you may not know about Love's truck stops

Here are some things you might not know about Love's, and some more of what the company says to expect in 2024.

Love’s is growing its Fresh Kitchen concept after customer feedback, offering fresh, healthier and diet-specific food options, including a new omelet bowl, upgraded snack trays, improved mac and cheese bowls, and other items.

Love's, a top 10 restaurant operator in the U.S., with quick-service offerings from Arby's to McDonald's to Wendy's, will add 20 restaurants this year.

Love’s will keep expanding its own branded food and snacks including new chip flavors, meat sticks, honey buns, powdered doughnuts and cookies.

Love's will add RV hookups at 44 locations, ending 2024 with 1,500 hookups at 98 locations, and will double its number of truck washes by adding seven, for professional drivers and RV'ers.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Love's Travel Stops, based in OKC, keeps growing its lines of business