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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
I remember when a gallon of gas cost only nickels and dimes instead of dollars. That was back in 1964 when Jerry Wagstaff opened the doors of the first Holiday Oil. Jerry grew up in the petroleum business working in a service station owned by his father. Jerry's uncles, who worked at Beeline Oil, also influenced him.
But Jerry had visions for his own company, expanding from full service stations back then to full convenience stores complete with car washes now. Today Jerry Wagstaff's company has grown to 32 locations in the Salt Lake Valley, 12 of which are branded Chevron stations. This year marks Holiday Oil's 40th anniversary.
Last year Jerry turned over the day-to-day operations at Holiday Oil to the executive committee comprised of his two sons Scott and Mike, and son-in-law Blain Boelter, as well as Enid Deming, Darwin Sorensen and Steve Eliason. When asked about plans to expand the business, Scott told me they want to keep the business close to home. They don't need to own the most locations, but they prefer to have the best-operated stores. Their newest locations are in South Mountain and Taylorsville. Future plans call for growth in the southwest part of the valley to serve developing communities.
Mike tells me the company strives to offer low, competitive prices, clean stores and friendly service. Holiday Oil rewards their valued customers with a five-cent-per-gallon discount when gasoline is purchased using a Sinclair or Chevron credit card. I'd say that's worth it, considering today's skyrocketed gas prices!
Holiday Oil employs 250 to 300 people, depending on the time of year. Company management takes pride in the many long-term employees who stay in an industry that normally has high turnover. Many employees have been with the company for more than 25 years, and excellent people have made all the difference in the longevity of Holiday Oil.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
