Local Company Celebrates 30 Years in the Community

Homestead Fuel was launched in November 1989, but the company’s history dates all the way back to the 1950’s. Four Gerber brothers: Mannie, Mel, Earl and Ev, initially owned and operated ‘old school’ gas stations. “That was when gas was 18 cents a gallon!” said Dale Gerber with a smile.

The brothers eventually purchased an oil truck, named the company Gerber Oil, and began providing oil delivery and maintenance services to the towns of Ellington, Vernon, Tolland, and surrounding areas. Over the years, Manny and Mel retired, Earl moved away, and the company was sold.

Dale’s father Ev, and brother Jeff, continued on as employees for a time after the sale, but building frustration at the lack of customer service, prompted the decision to start on their own again with Homestead Fuel. “I joined my father and brother during the summer of 1990.”

Homestead later grew from providing just oil services into a full-service company employing more than 30 team members. In addition to the original oil and heating services, it seemed natural to add cooling and plumbing services.

A friendship and business relationship with George Shaw, former owner of Shaw’s Pump was a natural fit too. The two companies worked together providing plumbing services, well pump, well drilling, water testing, tanks, and water treatment systems. When George retired, in 2015, it made sense for current owners Jeff and Dale to add a water division to the mix.

2017 presented another opportunity for growth, with home energy services. This allows Homestead to provide not only home energy audits, but also install insulation in addition to its other home energy services.

The company has deep roots in the community. Its owners and team members pride themselves in supporting local charities, sponsoring local schools, and taking part in local events. The brothers are hometown boys who carry on in the tradition of their father, and never stop caring about hometown people.

Mornings at the company are full of fun and joking before heading out to service customers in one of their many red trucks, or their blue water services truck. “It’s a fun place to work, but we take our work seriously,” said Andrew Luginbuhl, long-time Sales Manager for Homestead. “We strive to do our best for our customers and our local community.”

Homestead is celebrating 30 years of servicing the community this fall, and can be found not only at their 100 West Road location, but also at various farmers’ markets, festivals, and other events in Tolland county and surrounding towns.