With its local ownership in San Antonio and over 80 years of experience, it’s easy to see that Bear Oil Company is a reliable and well-respected company. Despite its long history, Bear Oil Company is not stuck in the past. With state-of-the-art technology and innovative advances in billing and managing information, Bear Oil Company has become a leader among today’s fuel and supply companies.
1930s
Bear Oil Company can trace its roots as a petroleum marketer in San Antonio to the mid 1930s. Founded by George W. Johnson, Bear Oil Company, began serving local gasoline stations with both fuel and lubricants.
1950s
In the 1950s, Nettie R. Johnson and George T. Johnson (George W.’s wife and son, respectively) ran the company.
1960s
In 1960, the company was purchased by J.E. “Jim” Engelman and incorporated in the same year. In 1967, Bear Oil Company moved from 1631 South Laredo Street near the Union Stock Yards to its present location.
1990s
In April of 1991, Nelson Grona purchased the company.
2000s
In 2000, Bear Oil Company became a member of the Commercial Fueling Network (CFN) and, in 2001, opened a second cardlock facility in the Tri-County Business Park near Interstate 35 in Schertz, Texas.
