Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores

A self-professed night owl for more than 30 years, Gemini Motor Transport Fuel Driver Eddie Johnson delivers fuel to Love’s locations all around a large swath of Texas and Oklahoma while most of us sleep. He joined #TeamLoves nine years ago after a conversation with Regional Manager Tim Sayles at a terminal. “At Gemini, I feel like I’m working with the best in the business,” Eddie said. While Eddie sees #BlackHistoryMonth as a year-long celebration, the month of February is especially about reflecting on the figures across history who have shaped success and the Black identity, from civil rights icons and politicians to actors and entrepreneurs. When he is not putting in the long hours and miles in a yellow Gemini big rig, Eddie pursues his passion for barbecue as a business owner. He started up his barbecue company, “No Sauce Needed,” five years ago at the urging of his wife. “I’ve always loved barbecue, and she told me if I’m going to be making so much of it , I better start selling it,” Eddie said. Eddie spends most of his weekends delivering barbecue around Fort Worth.

Ariel Webb, Chester’s assistant manager at Love’s 236 in North Little Rock, says her happy-go-lucky personality and positive outlook serve her well as she helps recruit and develop restaurant team members. “When it comes to leading others, I believe you should first and foremost exude respect and treat people the way you want to be treated,” Ariel said. Seeing her employees succeed and grow in their career is her favorite part of her job. She feels happy at the end of every day, no matter what challenges come her way. Love’s is the first company she’s worked at where she feels like part of a big family. She has benefited firsthand from her managers’ focus on career development, having started as a Godfather’s Pizza team member before being promoted to her current role. Every Black History Month, Ariel looks forward to a big family reunion, where her and her many cousins listen to stories from their grandfather, who just turned 105-years-old. “He’s really taught us to be grateful how the times have changed for the better, especially when it comes to our rights and freedoms.”