"PUMP UP AMERICA - tOMORROW'S SERVICE STATION

Our national network of gasoline filling stations is ideally placed to become the service stations of the future. As previously discussed, I promise to upgrade self-serve gasoline pumping to full service as a matter of national and economic security. The new attendant jobs will require a high degree of skill, security and customer service. Attendants will be trained to service small electric vehicles as a part of their work/education and they’ll become a big part of future service station business plan.
                                  
TODAY most station have convenience stores that sell cigarettes, lotto tickets, snack foods, liquor, soft drinks, coffee, hot dogs, nachos etc. Customers that shop are tying up pump space and, for the most part, paying for gas and stuff that has very little nutritional value.

Our design staff is now creating a sample layout for how to improve service station workflow. We would begin with little magnetic cards, provided by the service stations, that can be permanently displayed in the vehicle indicating which side the pump should be on when you pull your vehicle in for fill up. I know this sounds silly but a lot of people just don’t remember and when they pull to pump the hose won’t reach! Say it ain’t so?.

The magnetic cards also provide contact information for how to place your advance order for "conveniences" at your favorite service center.

Remember the Future and see how modern technology, space planning and local business cooperation could make the service stations of tomorrow much more profitable and beneficial to the communities they serve.

TODAY Mobile applications already exist for grocery shopping and delivery. Most people can plan in advance their evening/dinner shopping list and add it to the gas they need when they visit the service station of tomorrow. This provides a great opportunity for Shell, Chevron, Exxon, Mobile, Arco, Texaco, Conoco, Phillips 66, Esso and many more local and regional brands to connect their customers to local food and sundry providers for advance orders to be picked up at the service stations. Complete family meals with all the trimmings can be offered, presented and prepared during the day and ready for pickup.

Local farmers can enter the loop with great deals on organically grown fruits and veggies. "Food deserts" can become speedy quality food distribution centers when the service stations become the Oasis for their customers.

 

As a child, growing up in Whittier, California, I remember the drive through Dairy Stores that fronted the dairies just south of town. They were fast, fresh and convenient. Modern communications allows us to return to that kind of quality if we begin now to plan our communities using common sense.

One note of caution! In our enthusiasm to shop while gassing up kindly remember that such convenient services have a cost, which is offset by time/fuel saved running around.. Your service station products are designed for that day's consumption.

The existing national network of grocery stores, pharmacies, big box stores, shopping centers, farmers markets, etcetera, all maintain their place in the consumer’s future. That place is not while we are filling up with gas at the service station. It is for shopping trips where we provision ourselves for the days, weeks, or month, ahead. The enhanced Service Stations concept presented here help folks manage their busy lives and create millions of jobs at home in our communities. I contend that implementation of PUMP UP AMERICA plan could provide a cornerstone of the USA's revitalization.