Award recognizes Beck's proud legacy

FREMONT — Beck Suppliers, Inc., a fourth-generation, family-owned company headquartered in Fremont since 1950, was recently named as the 2025 Large Business Award winner by the Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce. Occurring at the chamber's annual awards ceremony, this award recognizes Beck Suppliers for its "enduring commitment to business excellence, community service and economic impact across the region," according to a chamber statement. "This recognition means so much to our entire team," said Dean Beck, third-generation co-owner of Beck Suppliers. "For 75 years, we've believed that when you invest in your community, your community invests back. That's been our story in Fremont, and we're just getting started." Added company president Greg Ehrlich: "We're honored by this award and grateful to the chamber for recognizing our story. Our past, present and future all begin right here in Fremont." Bio blast Beck Suppliers represents a fourth-generation, family-owned retail and wholesale petroleum marketer based in Fremont. The company supplies Marathon, Sunoco, BP and Shell fuels to hundreds of independent retailers and operates 34 FriendShip Kitchen convenience stores and car washes across the state. Its Beck Fuel Systems division specializes in the installation and removal of petroleum fueling systems, while Beck Car Wash Systems installs and operates car washes throughout Ohio. "From humble beginnings as a small petroleum distributor founded by farmer Virgil Beck in 1950, Beck Suppliers has grown into one of Ohio's leading fuel and convenience store operators, now employing over 500 people," according to a group statement. The Large Business Award "highlights not only Beck Suppliers' growth and longevity but also its deep roots in local civic life," the statement read. "From decades-long support of the Sandusky County Fair and Relay for Life to impactful fundraising for type 1 diabetes, cancer care and youth scholarships, Beck has consistently prioritized giving back." Here's why, in part, the award means so much to Brian, the company's owner and senior vice president of retail operations. "Our late brother, Doug Beck, believed in showing up, giving back and being part of something bigger than ourselves," Brian said. "That spirit lives on in every corner of our business today." Looking ahead Beck Suppliers' 75th anniversary celebration this year includes the opening of a new FriendShip Kitchen store in Fremont, dedicated to Doug Beck's legacy, later this year. "The milestone serves as a powerful reminder that success isn't just measured in years or dollars but in relationships built, neighbors helped and communities strengthened," the group statement read.