Gator100 Nominees

03-25-2024 08:42

Martha (Andrews) Jakab

Wendell Lewis started his professional career in the petroleum industry in 1964 with Standard Oil of Kentucky as an Area Sales Supervisor. After the Lewises settled in Gainesville, Mr. Lewis bought out the local Standard Oil wholesale distributorship in 1971 where he quickly established and grew his market territory from providing Standard Oil Petroleum Products in the City and County to cover much of North Central Florida. During this time Standard Oil of Kentucky and Standard Oil of California merged to form Chevron USA, which Lewis Oil Co., Inc. now represents. Lewis Oil Co., Inc., with offices in Gainesville and Palatka as well as many Chevron/Texaco convenience stores, is one of many locally owned businesses and is active in numerous charitable, civic, and professional organizations and causes. The family continues to own and operate Lewis Oil Co, Inc., along with convenience stores and is one of the largest family owned petroleum Marketers in North Central Florida. Mr. Lewis retired in 2001. His children Wenda, Hugh and Don Lewis are actively keeping up the tradition and expanding Lewis Oil Co., Inc. and maintaining their father’s great service and passion for the oil industry.

Wendell Lewis was a champion of local business. In 1980 he along with several local Marketers challenged industry regulations and mandates concerning small businesses and won a benchmark case before the Florida Supreme Court. He was a member of the Florida Petroleum Marketers Association Board of Directors and was often seen in Tallahassee lobbying on behalf of Small Businesses. Mr. Lewis was a member of the University City Church of Christ, as well as the Masonic Lodge, Lions and Elks Clubs. Mr. Lewis was a Gator Scholarship Partner and member of the University of Florida Presidents Council and an avid fan of Gator Football and Basketball. One of his favorite undertakings was to mentor Gator athletes. There are many former Gator athletes who will fondly remember their college days because of Mr. Lewis.

Our corporate mission is to provide a reliable and economical source of fuel, lubricants, and other petroleum products to our market and to achieve the very highest levels of customer service and satisfaction.

Lewis Oil Co., Inc. is a family-owned fuel and lubricant jobber, selling quality Chevron and unbranded products in North Central Florida for over six decades. As a First Responder, Lewis Oil Co. maintains significant on-hand supplies, strategically located fuel depots, a delivery fleet, on-site service, service stations, and fuel cardlocks. Lewis Oil Co., Inc. understands its responsibility in the local economy by providing service and delivery on demand and in crisis. That dependability allows first line responders and you to count on Lewis Oil Company every day and during times of crisis.

The Lewis Family was proud in 2012 that the City of Gainesville proclaimed June 14th as

Lewis Oil Company Day.

Lewis Oil Co., Inc. has grown to serve many high-profile businesses in the 18 counties we serve. The staff has worked hard to earn the business community’s trust, loyalty, and commitment.

Current customers include: University of Florida; Publix-150 locations; City of Gainesville; Gainesville Police Dept; Gainesville Airport; Florida DOT; Alachua Cty Fleet Management & Sheriff’s Office; AC School Board; City of Palatka, Putnam Cty & PC Sheriff's Office & School Board, Georgia Pacific, Seminole Electric, FP&L, FEMA.

http://lewisoilco.com/