Over eight decades ago, two farmers started a fuel distribution company in the Salinas Valley. They established an enduring tradition of integrity and dependable customer service. The successful family-owned business eventually added locations in several Northern California cities. Today, Sturdy Oil Company continues to offer a range of quality products and services at economical prices.

History

Henry and Anker Fanoe opened Gilmore Fuels in 1933. They quickly expanded the business by purchasing Sturdy Oil, a distributor named after local businessman Gene Sturdivant. The brothers liked this name so much that they decided to use it for the entire company. As time passed, Sturdy Oil distributed fuel for several bygone petroleum brands. They included Hancock, Norwalk and Beacon.

In 1960, Neil Fanoe Sr. retired from farming and started working as Sturdy Oil’s second president. He skillfully managed the business for about 35 years, and it eventually became a full-line Exxon distributor. The family still owns and operates Sturdy Oil; founder Henry Fanoe was the current president’s grandfather. Jon Fanoe began leading the company in 1995.

Mission

Family ownership ensures that Sturdy Oil upholds proud traditions while embracing new technology. We strive to meet each customer’s needs by selling quality products, making wise investments and maximizing efficiency. Our employees know it’s important to serve clients promptly. Nonetheless, they also understand that safety and accuracy should never be sacrificed to perform faster deliveries.

Services

Sturdy Oil supplies an assortment of petroleum products to farms, gas stations and industrial facilities. Our truck stops and card-lock pumps directly sell fuel to drivers at any hour. In addition to automotive and cooking fuels, we deliver various greases, industrial lubricants, engine fluids and solvents. Sturdy Oil installs petroleum storage tanks as well.

You can find our modest headquarters on Abbott Street in Salinas. The tanker trucks depart from Sturdy Oil facilities in Gonzales, Salinas and Watsonville. Multiple locations help us ensure that customers never run short of fuel. Deliveries are available in Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties. For further information about Sturdy Oil, please call (831) 422-8801.