Company Overview Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot Flying J is the largest operator of travel centers in North Ame ... rica with more than 750 locations throughout the United States and Canada and employs more than 24,000 Team Members. Pilot Flying J services over a million guests every day. History Founded by James Haslam II, the first Pilot gas station was opened in Gate City, Virginia, in 1958. After more than four decades of rapid growth, expansion and partnership, Pilot and Marathon Oil Company entered an agreement to form Pilot Travel Centers in 2001. Over the years, Pilot Travel Centers experienced significant growth and expanded internationally, opening its first travel center in Canada in 2006. In 2007, Pilot bought Marathon Petroleum’s shares and entered a new partnership with CVC Capital Partner in 2008. Two years later, Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J Inc. entered an agreement, officially creating Pilot Flying J on July 1, 2010. Culture Pilot Flying J is a family-owned and operated business. While much has changed over the last fifty-plus years, Pilot Flying J stands by the same principles upon which it was founded decades ago: integrity, customer service and valuing team members. read more