April Release Date Set for 'The Wawa Way'

WAWA, Pa. -- A new book detailing the history of Wawa Inc. is set to hit shelves in time for the retailer's 50th anniversary this spring.

In "The Wawa Way: How a Funny Name and Six Core Values Revolutionized Convenience," former CEO Howard Stoeckel chronicles the past 50 years of the Pennsylvania-based convenience store retailer. Bob Andelman was a contributor on the book, which is being published by Running Press and has an April 15 release date.

Here is Amazon's synopsis of the book:

    "Wawa began as a family business in 1964 that offered a friendly, personal alternative to supermarkets. Since then, the convenience store has grown into a well-known company that competes against the biggest industry players in the world in three areas: fuel, convenience and food, all while maintaining their personal approach and small business mentality. Now, almost 50 years later, Wawa has opened its first store in Florida and begun to play on the national field. How did it happen? What are the reasons for their success? Why have they been able to go up against the big guys with nothing more than homegrown talent?"

Stoeckel stepped down as Wawa's CEO at the end of December 2012, but retained his seat on the company's board of directors. Under his watch, Wawa made its journey south to open its first stores in Florida.

In addition to the retailer's expansion into the Sunshine State, Stoeckel led Wawa's journey from a convenience store company to a "fast casual on the go" company. The chain also reached another important milestone when it opened its 200th gasoline store in 2006 -- just 10 years after opening the first Wawa with gas.

Stoeckel was appointed president and CEO, as well as vice chairman of the board of directors, on Jan. 1, 2005. He began his tenure at the company in 1987.

Wawa owns and operates more than 600 convenience stores, including 300 gas stores, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.

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