Measuring the Impact of IT with Pilot Flying J’s Mike Rodgers

The second episode in MuleSoft’s CIO podcast series has aired. MuleSoft CMO Vidya Peters sat down Mike Rodgers, chief strategy and information officer at Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America. In the episode, Rodgers explains how the company is leveraging MuleSoft’s API-led approach to improve the quality of life for truck drivers.

In his role as chief strategy and information officer, Mike is responsible for the enterprise technology behind Pilot Flying J’s incredibly successful mobile app. Whether it’s automating fuel payments or making shower reservations simple and quick, the app is making the lives of truck drivers more efficient than ever before. “It’s really becoming a mobile experience for the truck driver,” Mike explains. “Time is money to a truck driver. That’s how they get paid. If they want to maximize their time on the road, what can we do to make that easier?”

In addition to driving new innovations like the mobile app, Pilot Flying J’s IT team is transforming itself from a cost center to a business enabler. To maximize efficiency, Mike’s team is doubling down on smart budget allocation and rigorous prioritization; each project must have a clear business impact. “If it’s really just a nice-to-have, we’re not going to focus on that unless it dramatically improves the guest experience, helps our team members, or drives direct financial results.”

To hear the full conversation, check out the episode here.