Since its founding in 1947, Vesco Oil has been a cornerstone to the automotive and industrial lubricant industry. From its humble beginnings as a subsidiary of Victor Oil, Vesco Oil has grown into one of the largest and most respected distributors of branded lubricants in the United States. This success is built on a foundation of quality, innovation, people, and an unwavering commitment to customer service.
Vesco Oil was named for its founders, Harry Victor, Eugene Epstein, and Aaron Silverman. Initially, the company operated as part of Victor Oil, which focused on selling home heating oil and gasoline. However, in 1963, a significant shift occurred when Victor Oil was sold to Marathon. Vesco Oil, under the sole ownership of Eugene Epstein, pivoted to focus exclusively on the sale of motor oil. This decision would set the stage for Vesco’s future growth and success.
Eugene Epstein, a pioneer in the lubricant distribution industry, played a crucial role in expanding Vesco Oil’s product offerings and market reach. His vision and leadership established the company as a trusted name in the industry. His youngest son, Richard Epstein, joined the business and, together, they expanded Vesco into one of the largest distributors of automotive and industrial lubricants in the country.
The 1980s and 1990s were pivotal decades for Vesco Oil. Following Eugene Epstein’s death in 1985, Richard Epstein took the helm as President and CEO. Under his leadership, the Company made several strategic acquisitions, including Diamond Oil Distributors in Grand Rapids. This acquisition, along with a key contract with Mobil Oil Corporation, positioned Vesco as the primary distributor of Mobil industrial and automotive lubricants in Michigan.
This period also marked the establishment of Vesco’s Environmental Services Division. This division was a game-changer, offering comprehensive cradle-to-grave environmental support to automotive and industrial customers. Vesco’s commitment to environmental stewardship was further recognized in 2008 when the company received the Environmental Achievement Award from the Environmental Management Association for its innovative filter recycling process.
After Richard Epstein's untimely death in 1995, his brother, Donald Epstein, became the third Epstein to serve as President and CEO of Vesco Oil. Along with his wife, Marjory Epstein, Donald continued to expand the company’s product and service offerings. In 2001, Vesco acquired Kelly Distributing Company, solidifying its position as one of ExxonMobil’s top distributors in North America.
The Epstein family’s dedication to the company’s growth and success has continued into the third generation. In 2003, Donald and Marjory’s daughters, Lena and Lilly, joined Vesco, bringing fresh perspectives and a renewed commitment to the family’s vision.
Between 2010 and 2012, Vesco Oil seized a significant opportunity for both geographic and strategic growth. MOC Products awarded Vesco the distribution rights for service chemicals in Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. This marked a substantial expansion of Vesco’s geographic footprint and
further diversified its product offerings in service chemicals, enabling the company to serve a broader range of automotive and industrial customers in these key regions.
In 2012, Vesco’s growth accelerated even further when Valvoline selected Vesco to distribute bulk oil, Car Brite products, and service chemicals in Northeast Ohio. To support this expanded territory and increased demand, Vesco constructed a state-of-the-art distribution center in Medina, Ohio. This facility was built to ensure that Vesco could continue to provide top-tier service to its growing customer base while maintaining the high standards of quality and efficiency that define the company.
Vesco acquired Britsch Inc. in 2015, expanding its presence in Northwest Ohio, including the Toledo area. The staggering number of similarities between the two companies made common ground easy to find. With this acquisition, Vesco deepened its penetration into the industrial lubricant market.
In 2017, Lilly Epstein Stotland was named President of Vesco Oil, marking a new chapter in the company’s history. Under Lilly’s leadership, the company quickly widened its product offerings in the industrial fluid market with the 2018 acquisition of Dayton, Ohio-based Acculube, further solidifying its leadership in the lubricant distribution sector.
Today, Vesco Oil operates strategically located warehouse and distribution facilities across Michigan, Ohio, and in Chicago, Illinois, serving customers in these and surrounding territories with the same dedication to quality and service that has defined the company for decades. Vesco’s comprehensive service offerings include sales, distribution, application technology, and environmentally conscientious recycling programs, ensuring that every customer receives the highest level of support.
As Vesco Oil continues as a leader in the lubricant industry into the 21st century, it remains committed to the values that have driven its success for over 75 years. The legacy of Eugene Epstein and the entire Epstein family lives on in Vesco’s dedication to innovation, quality, and service. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, Vesco Oil is poised to continue its leadership in the automotive and industrial lubricant industry for generations to come.