About Us

The journey of Jet Gas began in 1935 when Bill Bentler purchased a gasoline business that had been operated by a local co-op, and renamed it El Reco Oil Company.

Delivering gasoline and fuel oil, he soon recruited his sons Irvin and Leroy. World War II would take Irvin to the armed services and see Leroy serve as a paratrooper. Upon returning home, they worked diligently with their dad, driving a 400 gallon truck equipped with two five-gallon buckets and a funnel. Gas was priced at about $0.16/gal at that time. They worked together until 1950, when they purchased El Reco Oil from their dad.

Leroy purchased Irvin's half of the company in 1956. He renamed the company Houghton Oil Company, and hired his other brother, Bud. The business grew as they serviced farmers and a local service station.

By the time 1958 was ushered in, the company had seen multiple changes including a name change to Bentler Oil Company. Additional land was purchased in 1965 to handle expansion. Rapid growth continued and by 1972 Bentler Oil had expanded to five bulk plants and was delivering to 11 local service stations.