Hank Pridgeon Matches Business Success with Strong Community Presence in Wright, WY

Hank Pridgeon recently encountered a couple making a trip up to Deadwood, SD. Curious as to what brought them to Wright, WY, Pridgeon asked why they’d detoured.

“I said, ‘Wright is kind of out of your way if you’re going to Deadwood, isn’t it?’ They said, ‘Well, we like to come this way because we like to stop at Hank’s.’ I said, ‘I appreciate that, because I’m Hank!’”

That interaction highlighted the reputation of Pridgeon, who operates Hank’s Reno Junction Travel Plaza and its accompanying Lodge, word of which has traveled far outside the borders of Campbell County, where Pridgeon is heavily involved in community efforts, in addition to his businesses.

From his adoring local customer base to truckers, bikers, and visitors passing through, Pridgeon has carefully crafted an atmosphere that people of all stripes gravitate to, tell others about, and look forward to revisiting.

In recognition of his presence in the community, last December, Pridgeon was nominated by the Northeast Wyoming Small Business Development Center and Wyoming Business Council for Wyoming Entrepreneur of the Year, with the Campbell County Board of Commissioners penning a letter of recommendation.

“It meant a lot to me,” Pridgeon said. “I’ve been in business for 39 years in Campbell County, and I’ve always tried to support the communities that support me. I was very honored.”

Hank’s Reno Junction Travel Plaza

The crown jewel of Pridgeon’s Campbell County business portfolio is his Reno Junction Travel Plaza. It features a full-menu Roadside Bar & Grille in addition to a Chester’s Chicken and catering services. Hank’s is also equipped with a full bar and lounge, with pool tables, darts and a variety of arcade games. Travellers needing a break from the road can also relax, enjoy a hot shower or do a round of laundry. 

A variety of snacks, drinks, goodies, gifts, and apparel can be found in the Dino Mart convenience store, while Pridegon just signed a new 10-year contract with Sinclair Oil to keep the fuel at his accompanying gas station flowing well into the future. The Travel Plaza is also in proximity to the other half of Pridgeon's operation: his 18-room motel.

There, Pridgeon prides himself on friendly service, attentive on-site management, cleanliness and flexibility for guests who might be staying a night, a week, or a month. Unsurprisingly, the versatility of his Travel Plaza and Pridgeon’s philosophy about owning a business has endeared him to his 58 employees and diverse array of customers.

“I think my secret to success is I treat people how I’d like to be treated,” Pridgeon said. “That and consistency. I also treat my employees the way I would like to be treated, and I emphasize to them that it’s essential to greet customers when they walk in the door. It’s important to ask if you can help find something. I think we’re a little more customer-service oriented than some of the big stores.”

Pridgeon, who admits he “can’t sit still,” recently announced on Facebook the launch of an online shop to augment his store sales. Also in 2026, he plans to make about $500,000 worth of improvements to the Travel Plaza.

Serving the Community

Pridgeon, the largest private employer in Wright, takes care to do his part in a community where he has done business for nearly 40 years. For starters, Pridgeon makes life easier for his employees by charging them reduced rents in several Wright hotels that he has purchased.

He also works closely with Wright Community Assistance, participating in their annual adopt-a-family program, where he anonymously fulfills Christmas gift wish lists.

In the summer of 2005, a tornado touched down in Wright, killing two and injuring 13, with winds of up to 130 mph. Pridgeon responded promptly, sending a catering trailer down to feed firefighters and first responders. Pridgeon has also served on the Wright Town Council and previously ran for mayor.

“It’s just giving back to the community what they give you,” Pridgeon said.  

Powder River Energy Corporation is proud to highlight dedicated member entrepreneurs and businesses, such as Hank’s Reno Junction Travel Plaza. If you would like to suggest the name of a rural northeast Wyoming-based business for us to feature, please email communications@precorp.coop.