by Logan Gruber
operations@thenewsleaders.com
Your local Speedstop is no longer a BP; it’s not even a Speedstop. JM Cos. converted its BP stations into SuperAmerica locations, including the one in Sartell.
The Sartell location was closed Jan. 6-7, and re-opened Thursday, Jan. 8.
“Customers will see the difference the moment they walk in,” said Brian Laudenbach, vice president of JM Cos.
JM Cos., based out of St. Cloud, originally operated as JM Oil and was franchised as Amoco in 1975. BP absorbed Amoco a decade or so ago, and JM Cos. locations switched fuel providers by default at the time. Now, they’re making a change.
BP only provided its name and fuel to locations, leaving JM Cos. to figure out how to make the convenience-store end of their business work. Laudenbach says he is looking forward to working with SA, as SA is very experienced in working with franchises and providing guidance.
One of the things Laudenbach is most excited about is the local aspect of SA. SuperAmerica is based out of Woodbury, Minn. It also maintains a bakery and an oil refinery in St. Paul Park, Minn. Due to the parent company’s proximity, SA stations are able to receive fresh goods every night.
It also means SA is able to mainly use oil from North Dakota’s Bakken oil fields in its refining, and offer it to consumers. Laudenbach said some customers he spoke with were concerned SA wouldn’t be able to offer non-oxygenated premium fuel for small engine use, but he assures those customers it will.
For those worried, A&W remains at the Sartell location. A&W is a tenant of JM Cos. and can remain as long as the contract between the two lasts.
Unfortunately, some customers who are used to the Super Ticket system, a stamp rewards program for Speedstop locations, will be disappointed these tickets will no longer be honored. But Laudenbach says the My SA Rewards card will have similar, arguably better benefits.
JM Cos. employs approximately 180 local people throughout the St. Cloud area, and is currently accepting applications in stores.
“We’re always looking for good people,” Laudenbach said.
Contractors replaced the BP sign at the corner of Pinecone Road and 2nd Avenue S. on Tuesday, as JM Cos. changes some stations over to SuperAmerica.
A contractor from Baxter, Ryan Parker, placed vinyl on a display Tuesday afternoon at the former BP on the corner of Pinecone Road and 2nd Avenue S. The owner, JM Cos., is in the process of changing stations over to SuperAmerica.
Contractors replaced the BP sign at the corner of Pinecone Road and 2nd Avenue S. on Tuesday, as JM Cos. changes some stations over to SuperAmerica.
