Our History

Land O' Lakes Oil Company is a third generation oil distributor. The company was started by Fred Brower in 1929. Oswald Schabel & Darrel Brower joined as partners in 1930. Fred left the business in 1940. In 1965 the company was purchased by Oswald's son-in-law Bob Winter and Darrel's son-in-laws Tom Jude and Jim Markwardt. The fleet consisted of two trucks at this time. Bob and Jim became partners in 1977 when Tom retired. In January of 1980, following the death of JIm Markwardt, Bob Winter became the sole owner. Bob's son Glenn started working for the company in 1978. Bob's son-in-law Steve Gohman started working for the company in 1980. Bob's daughter Kathleen started working for the company in 1982. In October of 1987 Kathleen (Steve's wife) was killed in a tragic accident. In 1989 Glenn's wife Lori started working here. As Bob became ready for retirement in 1991 Glenn & Steve purchased the business and are the current owners. Glenn's son Rob began working for the company in 2003 with the hopes of becoming the 4th generation owner in the future. The company now consists of 11 full time employees. The fleet is now 4 semi tractor trailers and 5 straight trucks and bobtails.
|