In 1960, Bill Moon founded the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, or NATSO.
In 1964, Bill moved to Walcott, Iowa to run a truckstop owned by Standard Oil (which he later purchased).
In 1977, he and his wife Carolyn developed Cat Scales, Bill created CAT Scales, a scale that would accurately weigh their tractor and trailer at once. With the stringent weight regulations and potential fines associated with violating such regulations, CAT Scale Company provided a much-needed service to the trucking public.
Bill traveled for the truckstop, but was always passionate for preserving the history of the trucking industry. He collected and owned 40 trucks, and annually showcased them at truck shows.
When Bill passed in 1992, his family built a museum which opened in 2008 that has grown even more from the collection Bill started and goes on to preserve the legacy he began.
After college she worked at The Boeing Company in Wichita, Kansas, as an Engineering Programmer, the only woman in the engineering department. Her job was very much like the women from the recent movie "Hidden Figures". She was frequently the only woman in the room and programmed a gigantic mainframe computer to solve engineering problems mainly for the B-52.
In 1965, Carolyn moved with Bill and her two young children to Walcott, Iowa, to purchase and operate the Iowa 80 Truckstop. After a third child, Carolyn returned to the work that she loved as Chief Computer Programmer for their business. For 50 years she worked at the Iowa 80 Truckstop and CAT Scale as Chairman of the Board, and Chief Information Officer until December of 2016. She went in to the office regularly until she passed.
NATSO represents travel plaza and truckstop owners and operators and pursues a clear mission: to advance the success of truckstop and travel plaza members by delivering solutions to members’ challenges and achieving the public policy goals of the truckstop and travel plaza industry.
NATSO also provides access to knowledge resources to help members make good business decisions. From in-person and distance learning opportunities to its annual convention, NATSO delivers the latest content to members on trends and news affecting the industry.
Carolyn served on the Technology Committee and also on the NATSO Foundation board. She was recognized as an Outstand Member in 1997 for her service and dedication to the Foundation.
Upon his death is 1992, the NATSO Foundation members set up a scholarship in his name that benefits industry employees and their children with college or trade school tuition assistance. Carolyn's name was added upon her passing in 2017.
Bill still continued to drive and visit other truckstops, but used the opportunity to talk to other owners about the organization he and Carolyn founded, NATSO, and also about Standard oils and lubes.
Once the Moon Family owned Iowa 80, they could expand the building and add services as needed. Bill was known to sit at the counter in the restaurant and talk to drivers about what would make their life easier if Iowa 80 had it.
“Without truck drivers doing the job they do, our economy wouldn’t function. We appreciate their hard work and the Walcott Truckers Jamboree is our way of saying Thank You,” says Delia Meier, daughter of Bill and Carolyn.