This family-run oil company was started in 1933 in Bear Lake, Mich., where its headquarters remains today. Its 95 convenience stores are spread throughout northern Michigan. All sell gasoline, many sell diesel and several sell kerosene.
Stores sell BP, Clark, Marathon, Shell and Mobil fuels, with Mobil joining the lineup in 2012. About 80 of the chain's stores are branded EZ Mart, while some units and kiosks remain under the fuel brand name. Five sites offer a car wash and two locations are tobacco shops that don't sell fuel.
Recently, the company began a $1.5-million technology project to install POS scanning and back-office, with all installations to be completed in 2014. It expects a return on its investment in improved customer service, faster checkouts, better tracking/ordering/reporting of products and sales, and overall improvements in training and store management.
| Headquarters: | Bear Lake, Michigan |
|---|---|
| No. of Stores: | 95 |
| Average Store Size: | 2,500-4,000 sq. ft. |
| Rank: | 83 |
| Rank Last Year: | 75 |
| States of Operation: | |
| Website: | http://www.blarneycastleoil.com |
| Family Business: | Yes |