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History

Overlake Oil’s History

Overlake Oil History in Kirkland
Overlake Oil’s roots in Kirkland, WA

After being in business for seven decades, Overlake Oil’s history of serving the Pacific Northwest. It has been 75 years since the company opened its doors in its Kirkland, Washington community. Furthermore through the generations, distinct patterns of integrity, dependability and passion are inherent to the way Overlake Oil does business. Due to its solid foundation and outstanding reputation, Overlake Oil continues to help businesses reach their full potential by implementing lubrication best practices. For more information on how you can implement best practices to your oil program, give us a call at 425-822-1776.

Notable events from Overlake Oil’s Historic past:

1947

Harry W. Wright established Overlake Oil Inc. as Harre Wright Oil, changing the spelling distinguish himself from the business. At the time there were 7 oil companies and 4 heating oil companies in Kirkland.

1950s

Harry won the diesel bid for the Madison Park Ferry from the Kirkland City Council at 10.4 cents per gallon providing the working capital that fueled the growth of the company.

1958

Wayne Jessen, Wright’s son-in-law joined the company.

1960s

As a business Wright & Jessen provided fuel and lubricants to companies involved in the construction of the Interstate 405 freeway project with a commission of 3 cents per gallon.

1961

Wright bought McKail Oil Company, a Shell Oil distributor, changed their name to Wright & Jessen Oil and moved to the McKail site at Houghton Beach Park. This was the beginning of Overlake Oil’s extensive relationship with Shell Oil.

1970s

After wright retired he continued to drop by.

1972

The Houghton Beach land that Wright & Jessen Oil operated was sold to the City of Kirkland for park expansion. At the time, Wayne was on the board for the City of Kirkland Parks Department and was active in transforming Kirkland’s working waterfront into community parks, despite the companies needs to relocate. As a result, Wayne took the helm, incorporated the company as Overlake Oil and reestablished it at its current location.

1973

The fuel crisis and OPEC oil embargo limited Overlake Oil to 10% of the previous year’s purchases.

1976

The company installed the first keylock fueling system on the eastside.

1980s

Jim Jessen and Steve Merrill, Wayne’s son and son-in-law, joined Overlake Oil focusing on developing the keylock fueling business.

1987

Overlake Oil began its relationship with Pacific Pride for their cardlock fueling.

Recent

1993

Jim and Steve became the third generation to run Overlake Oil allowing Wayne to retire. With new leadership the company focused on growing the lubricants business into a recognized market leader in the industrial lubricants sector.

2013

Steve retired after 29 years of service and dedication.

Today

Overlake Oil continues to build its legacy with Jim leading the way, focusing on sustainable lubricants, Best Practices and innovative solutions for the generations to come.

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