Featured Location - Red Lodge Town Pump

The story of the Red Lodge Town Pump is a story of how perseverance, driven by customer demand and satisfaction, can lead to ultimate success. In 1995, Red Lodge was a small, laid back Montana community located 60 miles south from Billings. But changes were happening in Red Lodge: the ski hill was expanding, new subdivisions and houses were popping up all around, new people were moving in and business was booming. Town Pump management took notice and bought property in Red Lodge with the plan to bring its first C-Store to this area of the state.

At the time, some residents expressed concern that Town Pump was planning to build in Red Lodge. Competitors were afraid it would bring down gas prices (gas was priced at least 10 cents per gallon more than Columbus and Billings). Others did not want to see the town of Red Lodge change. It was a long process working with city officials and the interested residents to develop a store concept that would reflect the uniqueness of Red Lodge, and fit in as part of the community. When construction first began in 2012, it represented a new design for Town Pump - a design which worked so well, Town Pump has modeled other new stores after it.

Daniel Shelton was a clerk at Town Pump when it opened for business on Valentine's Day, 2013. Daniel tells us that he and the other employees have noticed a positive change in the community, and the citizens have embraced Town Pump. Bob Thompson, an 81 year young Red Lodge native has also been with Town Pump since the Store opened. Bob unabashedly tells us "Co-Working at Town Pump is the best job I have ever had in my life."

With the early morning and late evening hours of operation, Town Pump has opened up a new level of service not seen before in Red Lodge. Even the local grocery store used to close by 7 or 8 PM. And of course, Town Pump has brought competitive gas prices to town which has been hugely popular with customers.

The day we visited the store, the Red Lodge was hosting a biker rally. Town Pump was very much a part of the community event, with special T-Shirts for the employees, vendor promotions, and a full crew working to keep up with the heavy customer demand. Town Pump is very pleased to be a part of the Red Lodge community and appreciates all those who have welcomed us - your Montana owned and operated company - to town.