About
A Legacy of Excellence in Fuel Services Since 1939
At J.V. Gander Distributors, Inc., we are more than just a fuel distribution company – we are a family with a proud tradition of service, integrity, and reliability. For more than four generations, our company has grown into a trusted name in petroleum distribution across Florida and Georgia.
Our Story
The story of J.V. Gander Distributors begins nearly a century ago with Joseph Victor Gander, who worked as a manager for the Gulf Oil distributor. Following his unexpected passing, his wife, Lottie Gander, assumed the role and successfully managed the business until 1972. Their son, J.V. Gander Sr., joined the business full-time in 1939 after graduating from high school. During this time, Lottie’s brother, C.W. Witherspoon, purchased the business from its original owners and served as the Gulf Oil distributor.
After serving honorably in the Navy during World War II, J.V. Gander Sr. returned to the business as a working partner. By the late 1950s, he became the Gulf Oil distributor himself, laying the foundation for what would eventually become J.V. Gander Distributors, Inc. His commitment to delivering quality products and exceptional service quickly earned the trust of the local community.
Over the decades, the Gander family continued to expand operations, building a company known for its reliability, customer care, and innovative solutions. Today, J.V. Gander Distributors, Inc. remains a family-owned and operated company, proudly serving a wide range of industries with the same dedication and personalized care that has defined us for more than 75 years.
Our Commitment to Service
Our longevity in the petroleum industry is a testament to our commitment to providing reliable fuel solutions and exceptional customer service. We’ve expanded our operations with offices in Port St. Joe and Panama City, and our service area now covers the entire Florida Panhandle and South Georgia. Whether it’s fuel delivery, emergency fueling, or marine bunkering, we take pride in supporting our customers with prompt, efficient, and dependable service.
A Family Tradition of Trust

As a family business, we believe in building lasting relationships with our customers. Our clients know that when they work with J.V. Gander Distributors, they are partnering with a company that values:
- Integrity: We do business the right way, with honesty and transparency.
- Reliability: Our dedicated fleet and experienced team ensure timely deliveries and consistent service.
- Customer Care: Every client is treated like family, with personalized service tailored to their needs.
We are honored to serve multiple generations of customers who trust us to keep their operations running smoothly.
Looking to the Future
While we are proud of our long history, we are always looking ahead. We continue to invest in innovative technology like our Keep Full Service to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses. Our mission is to provide fuel solutions that empower our customers to succeed – now and for generations to come.
Thank You for Choosing J.V. Gander Distributors
Thank you for being a part of our family’s journey. Whether you’ve been with us for decades or are considering our services for the first time, we are here to meet your fuel needs with the same dedication and excellence that have defined our company since 1939.