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What started as one service station more than eight decades ago has evolved into one of northeast Indiana's largest independent gasoline suppliers and convenience store chains. Lassus Brothers Oil Inc. owns and operates 30 Lassus Handy Dandy locations in northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana-nine of which are in the greater Fort Wayne area.
The company has been a part of Fort Wayne's landscape since 1925 when August Lassus Sr. sold his coal business to build a gas station at one of the city's busiest intersections. Three years later, his three sons, Elmer, August Jr. and William, expanded the business by adding more stations, hiring mechanics to service cars, and eventually creating a wholesale fuel oil distribution division.
In 1960, Elmer's son, Jon F. Lassus, and his cousin, Bill Yarnelle, joined the company. (Yarnelle sold his interest in the company in 1996). Jon became the company's president in 1972 and remains as CEO today. His three sons, the company's fourth generation of leadership, are continuing the Lassus legacy. Todd Lassus serves as president and Jon R. and Greg Lassus serve as executive vice presidents.
"The culture of our company is family focused. People that work with us and for us enjoy that atmosphere. In terms of working with family, we've had challenges, but with planning, we have overcome many obstacles," Greg says.
Lassus Brothers Oil Inc. has recently implemented several business strategies to...