When you run a business in the same community in which you were born and raised, there is a special connection with the people and the place. John Rusch, president and owner of John’s One Stop in Shawano, knows that feeling. He also knows that with it comes a powerful responsibility to serve his neighbors well.

John’s One Stop is everything you could ask of a local, family-run operation.

Rusch bought the land on which his business sits back in 1973. Throughout the course of the next 37 years he has added on to his convenience store three times. First the gas pumps went in, followed by the self-service laundry. The last addition was a tanning salon.

The store’s been a fixture for area residents, but its location and services also make it an ideal spot for travelers as they head into, or come out of, the great northwoods of Wisconsin via Highway 47. Lottery has long been part of the story here. Customers usually find 20 different scratch games available, with the Crossword family of games being the most popular, as well as the full complement of Lotto games.

John’s One Stop has had its share of lottery luck, too. In July it cashed a $10,000 instant winner and several years ago sold a $250,000 SuperCash! winning ticket.

It’s pretty clear that the store has made its own luck. Rusch has spent years building his business and relationship with his customers. That alone makes his store a very special place.

Be sure to stop in at John’s One Stop the next time you’re headed through the Shawano area.