Wells County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Grand Opening of All-American #11 Airplane Express Bluffton
The Wells County Chamber of Commerce staff, in collaboration with its dedicated Ambassadors, joined together to celebrate a momentous occasion on September 5, 2023. This joyous event marked the grand opening of All-American #11 Airplane Express Bluffton, formerly known as Airplane Express, under the new ownership of Adam Dager. Located at 407 North Main Street, Bluffton, the store welcomed its eager patrons with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Adam Dager, the visionary behind this exciting venture, shared his inspiring journey that led him to this point. Phil and Becky Ringger presented him with the opportunity to take over the store, and with their swift transition timeline, Dager seized the chance. He expressed his unwavering commitment to the community, emphasizing that his goal isn’t merely personal success but also benefiting the local residents. Dager’s relentless pursuit of opportunities has culminated in this momentous occasion.
Dager reflected on his remarkable journey, recounting how ten years ago, he felt a divine calling to oversee gas stations. His initial plan was to manage only a handful of stores, but as he nurtured the seeds of his ambition, they grew beyond his expectations. He credited his enduring dedication to the community as the driving force behind his success. Dager’s dreams and ambitions have consistently grown, aligning with the American spirit of pursuing one’s aspirations. He also acknowledged the importance of having fun in the process, a sentiment shared by his dedicated staff.
Dager reminisced about his journey, which began approximately on December 18, 2012, in LaOtto, Indiana, with just six employees. He highlighted the importance of community engagement, partnerships, and giving back to society. Dager expressed his gratitude to the community, his staff, and getting involved and collaborating with organizations such as Forgotten Children Worldwide.
Recognizing the significance of Airplane Express’s legacy, Dager expressed his desire to honor the memory of Glen Moser and continue his legacy in partnership with National Oil.
The name “All-American ” represents excellence and the pursuit of greatness, similar to an All-American athlete. Dager shared that his top managers had defined the brand’s mission as being “customer-obsessed,” emphasizing cleanliness, community involvement, and the importance of recognizing individuals by name. He acknowledged that every person, whether customer or employee, plays a valuable role in fulfilling God’s purpose and plan.
Dager concluded with his heartfelt belief that dreams can come true, and he thanked the community for their unwavering support over the years.
The Wells County Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome All-American #11 Airplane Express Bluffton into its thriving business community. This store marks the 12th addition to the All-American family of stores in the past decade, a testament to Dager’s dedication and the brand’s commitment to excellence.
Pictured in the photo left to right:
Mayor John Whicker
Jayde Ketring, First Bank of Berne, Chamber Ambassador
Erin Daugherty, State Farm, Chamber Ambassador
Stacey Duncan, WEG Commercial Motors, Chamber Ambassador
Kevin Pritchard, Ruoff Mortgage, Chamber Ambassador
Heather Morgan, National Oil & Gas, Chamber Ambassador
Piercen Harnish, Shelton Financial, Chamber Ambassador
Adam Dager, All-American #11 Airplane Express
Keith Muhlenkamp, First Merchants Bank, Chamber Ambassador
Nick Dager, All-American #11 Airplane Express
Trout Moser, National Oil & Gas
Kody Kumfer, Forgotten Children Worldwide, Chamber Ambassador
Alan Gunkel, National Oil & Gas
Eric Gerber, Edge Manufacturing, Chamber Board Member
Erin Prible, Executive Director, Wells County Chamber of Commerce
Jeff Patterson, Forgotten Children Worldwide
Jessica Beste, Thrive Mortgage, Chamber Ambassador
Angie Arnold, HomeCourt Home Care, Chamber Special Events