Our History:  In the early 1920's, Albert Schmidt started in the oil business, delivering fuel oil to local homeowners. It was his love for the petroleum business that sparked his sons' interest and involvement, so much so that, in the early 1950's, U.S. Oil Co., Inc. (formerly Schmidt Oil) was started. Since then, due to a strong entrepreneurial spirit, the company has expanded rapidly in many different, yet related enterprises.

A U.S. Oil Timeline:

The Growing Years

Albert Schmidt lands his first job driving oil truck in 1923. Within three years, Albert joins Brooks Oil Co. as a third partner in the oil business.

Despite the depression of the 1930's, the partnership continues to prosper and the business grows.

It becomes a family affair in the 1940's when Albert's two oldest sons, Art and Ray, join the business.

In 1951, Art and Ray purchase fuel oil routes to create Schmidt Oil Company. At this time, Albert's youngest son Bill, a sophomore in high school, starts delivering fuel oil and becoming involved with the new company.

Through the 1950s and into the early 60s, many changes are made. The original Combined Locks station and warehouse are built. The heating service is also added.

In 1961, Bill Schmidt purchases his father's share of the business and assumes an equal role with Ray and Art. The company continues to grow.

A farm store is started in a rented two-story building in Chilton and the purchase of the Two Rivers Terminal is completed. Schmidt Oil is now in the terminal and retail store business.

The first semi-tankers are purchased in 1965, along with the construction of a car wash in Manitowoc.

In 1966, the company changes its name to U.S. Oil Co., Inc. to reflect the growing diversification. The late 1960s continue to see a lot of construction as the fuel oil, warehouse, heating and burner services continue to expand.

In the early 70s, U.S. Oil adds a plumbing shop.  The development of the motor oil blending plant is also started. Sophisticated laboratory equipment is purchased and quality control products are ensured. Petroleum Equipment Sales & Service is born.

The early 80s see even greater diversification of the company. In 1983, apartment house projects lead to the purchase of Valley Carpeting, a Fox Valley wholesale distributor. In 1984, U.S. Oil introduces the first Express Convenience Center. Around the same time, the OilChekª program is offered to diesel truck fleet management.

In 1988, U.S. Oil forms a general partnership with Entrade Corporation to market natural gas to commercial & industrial customers in Wisconsin.

Expansion rules the rest of the 1980s. Warehouses open in Chicago, Minnesota, and Illinois. Design Air grows into Green Bay, Iron Mountain, Michigan, and Milwaukee.

In 1996, Petroleum Operations purchases Shefond Oil (an 8-unit gas station/convenience store business), allowing us to work with two additional majors and increasing gallons by over 150 million gallons per year.

The Defining Years

U.S. Oil consolidates its course in early 2000, redefining the way the company operates and the company's core businesses. 

A Board of Directors is elected with several members from outside the family assisting with the long-range direction of the organization. A family council is also put in place to handle the family issues that arise within the family business.

A decision is made to focus on the core businesses of distribution and petroleum, necessitating the sale of several "non-core" business units. 

In 2000, Tire & Exhaust opens a warehouse in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Motor Oil division is completely renovated in 2001 and becomes the Lubricants division in 2002.

In March 2002, the Petroleum Operations division purchases BP Amoco's Fox River terminal in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Effective April 2002, the company buys out its natural gas partner and becomes the sole owner of Energy Services (formerly U.S. CoEnergy Services) and forms a long-term supply agreement with Enbridge. 

In November 2002, Petroleum Operations acquires Shell's Milwaukee terminal.  The acquisition increases the company's total terminal capacity to almost 100 million gallons in Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, Wisconsin. 

In 2003, Design Air expands into Wausau.

Tire & Exhaust expands into Iowa with a warehouse in Cedar Rapids in 2004.

In January 2005, U.S. Oil sells Energy Services to Enbridge (our natural gas supplier). All associates engaged in the business are now employed by Enbridge.