Petroleum and Energy Handling Systems, Installation, service and equipment distributor. Member, PEI
Fueling systems, retail and commercial. Private fleets, convenience stores, emergency generator fueling. Installation, 24/7 service, full line parts and equipment distributor. North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia
Keywords: Gilbarco, Veeder-Root, Red Jacket, Gasboy, Highland Tank, underground storage tanks, aboveground storage tanks, ASTs USTs, Oil Water Separators, OPW, Franklin Fueling, FE Petro, INCON, Xerxes Tanks, Husky, Cim-tek filters, Lincoln Lube, Simplex, EBW, FuelMaster, Petrovend, PCI, Diesel Exhaust Fluid equipment, DEF
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Established in 1967, current ownership since 1992. We will be celebrating 25 years under the current ownership in 2017!
What is your primary product or service?
Equipment and accessories for fuel storage and dispensing. Markets include fleet fueling, conveniences stores, emergency generators and off-highway vehicle fueling systems. Oil/water separators. UST system piping and sump replacement/repair.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Timing was the main consideration. In 1992 the business was in the midst of a lot of change and opportunities were plentiful. The owner reached retirement age and worked with me to turn the business over to maintain and grow it. At the time there were EPA regulations that required tank owners to upgrade or replace underground tanks. Additionally credit card readers in retail dispensers were just coming out.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We are very focused on providing exceptional service for our installations. Many tank operators are looking for a long term relationship with an equipment installer and expect service after the sale. We invest a lot of time and money in training our technicians in the latest technologies and the equipment we install.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We are headquartered in Charlotte and have remote technicians in Eastern NC to efficiently cover NC and SC. We also have an estimator/project manager based in the Atlanta, Ga.
Provide detailed directions to your location
101 Lawton Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
We are 1 mile west of I-85, exit #36 - Brookshire Frwy.
Take exit #36 off I-85. Travel west on Brookshire/ NC 16 0.8 miles. Turn left on Lawton Rd (Shell/7-Eleven on corner). 101 Lawton is the 5th building on the right. If you reach the railroad tracks you went about 100 feet too far.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash, company check, Visa, American Express
Which areas do you service?
NC, SC, Southern VA, and Northern GA
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Blair Shwedo, owner.
What are your hours of operation?
Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p. m. Monday through Friday. Service and emergency response is 24/7.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That we developed a solution to their fueling needs that exceeded all of their expectations and they would be glad to serve as a reference.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
"Make it your business to render more and better service than that for which you are paid, and before you realize what has happened you will find that the world is willingly paying you for more than you do." - Napoleon Hill