Chesapeake Petroleum was started in 1961 by Rex Davis. The Company focused on supplying automobile dealer’s bulk motor oil and quickly captured about 70% of the car and truck dealer business in the Washington DC metropolitan area. In the 1970’s, Mr. Davis brought in the Auto Armor line of polish and protection products to meet the growing needs of the automotive and truck dealers in the area.Chesapeake continued to grow through the 80’s although Mr. Davis unexpectedly passed in 1988. Victoria McCullough, his daughter, would succeed him as Chairman, a role she continues today.
In 2000, Chespapeake purchased P&W Lubricants based in Upper Marlboro, MD doubling the size of the Company. In 2010 Chesapeake Petroleum continued their growth with the purchase of Skyline Oil located in Winchester, VA. The purchase of Skyline Oil also expanded Chesapeake’s offering into the automotive equipment and service business. The Skyline Oil acquisition also provided Chesapeake the opportunity to purchase a distribution facility in Richmond, VA. This facility further expanded Chesapeake’s distribution area to Central and Southeast Virginia and parts of North Carolina.
In August of 2021, Chesapeake purchased Shore Equipment Company based in Norfolk, VA. This acquisition continued the growth of the Service and Equipment Division and expanded the geography to be consistent with the Lubricants offering.
Today Chesapeake continues to be a leader in the Automotive/Commercial and Industrial Lubricants Industry throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region and also continues to grow the Equipment and Service Division. Additionally, Chesapeake has continued to expand its product offering to meet the needs of the industry. The Mission Statement established by Mr. Davis in 1961 continues to serve the Company well:
“Our number one priority is to supply quality products and exemplary service to our Customers.”