Staff Writer
After 35 years serving the Caribou area Leo and Sons Citgo is still going strong. The local fueling station and garage has seen a lot of changes over the years however.
Aroostook Republican Photo/Andrew Dyer
Leo and Sons Citgo celebrates 35 years serving the Caribou area. Shown with the company’s wrecker are from left: Dale St. Peter, Leo St. Peter, Jan St. Peter, Phil McDougal and Scott St. Peter.
“Gas prices have sure changed, when I started I think it was 70 cents a gallon,” said Dale St. Peter, co-owner.
The station, which was built by Mobil in 1953 according to St. Peter has gone through changes over the years becoming a Chevron station before turning back to Mobil. In 1992 the business became a Citgo station.
The garage has also been expanded to include a third bay, to expedite customer service. The third bay was installed four years ago.
The service station, and garage also runs a wrecker service, which has changed over the years.
“Our first wrecker was a 1953 Ford pickup. Now we have a wrecker and a flatbed,” said St. Peter.
Another major change for the business has been the change in technology in vehicles. One example would be the change fuel injection has made in cold weather start-ups.
“Last week when it was 35 below in the morning we got maybe 35 calls. Ten years ago we would have had 100 calls,” said St. Peter.
One thing hasn’t changed at Leo’s, it’s still a family owned and run business. Power has shifted to the younger generation however, as Dale and brother Scott took over ownership of the local business from their parents, Leo and Jan approximately five years ago. This change is perhaps slight, as Leo and Jan continue to work at the business they created in 1973.
After purchasing the business from Mobil the couple worked seven days a week to keep it running.
“Just me and Leo worked here for the first year,” said Jan St. Peter.
Eventually they recruited their sons to help out at the family business.
“I’ve been working here since I was ten years old. I didn’t do much at first. I stocked shelves and eventually pumped gas. My brother started the same way too,” said St. Peter.
St. Peter pointed out one reason he has enjoyed working at the family business over the years.
“I’ve really gotten to know a lot of people over the years, a lot of interesting people,” said St. Peter.
Today the business employs five people, the original four family members, Leo, Jan, Dale and Scott and also Phil McDougal.
Business hours are from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Twenty-four hour emergency wrecker service is also offered seven days a week.
For more information call the local business at 498-3425 or stop by the South Main Street location.
