History

Stem Brothers, Inc. reached an important milestone in October of 2021 – our 75th anniversary! The momentous occasion brought great pride to the Stem family and staff and was marked with a small celebration and commemorative Stem Brothers t-shirt. We are deeply grateful for all of our customers and the special relationships that have been built over the years and for the opportunity to serve the local communities here in New Jersey and in Pennsylvania.

While things around the workplace continue to grow and change, our priorities remain the same - our commitment to our customers and the community. As we continue to move forward, we pause to remember our past, acknowledging those who have made Stem Brothers what it is today, and look toward our future, one we think is filled with limitless possibilities.

Stem Brothers, Inc. was founded by brothers Jack Stem (1917-2009) and Doug (1920-1968) in October 1946, which initially began as a Gulf gasoline station in Milford, NJ. In 1951 the business was moved to its present location and expanded to include heating oil sales. Over the next several years Stem Brothers merged with other small heating oil companies, further developing the size of its customer base.

John David Stem joined his father John E. Stem in the business in 1969 and was very instrumental in building Stem Brothers, Inc. into what it is today. His innovations included progressing from the self-service car wash adjacent to our facility, to an automatic car wash on Rt. 12 in Flemington, NJ. This became the basis for a new division within the company, Shammy Shine Car Washes, Inc., which has since grown to 16 locations under the leadership of Craig Stem.

It was David's dream to add propane to our product line, and in 1989 his dream was fulfilled. Due to our competitive pricing and our excellent service, propane continues to be a rapidly growing market in our business today.

Stem Brothers, Inc. owns three gasoline stations: Frenchtown Citgo in Frenchtown, NJ, Milford Citgo in Milford, NJ, and our newest facility, which opened in 1998, Bloomsbury Citgo, located off of Interstate I-78 on Exit 7 in Bloomsbury, NJ. Each offers Citgo quality products, a convenience store and propane.

After a two-year battle with cancer, David succumbed to his illness on August 31, 1997. He is greatly missed by all. During his infirmity he continued to establish the high standards for the company; and he personally prepared his brothers, Rick and Craig, and his son J.D. to carry on the business. David's foresight has enabled the company to experience continued growth. The company looks forward to serving the Delaware Valley as its number one energy supplier for many years to come.

2024 Business Hall of Fame

Stem Brothers, Inc. was honored to receive the Contemporary Award at the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce's Business Hall of Fame event on November 13, 2024.

The Business Hall of Fame was established to highlight local businesses and organizations who have played a vital role in the growth and development of Hunterdon County while demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, ethics and vision.

Stem Brothers, Inc. began in 1946 as a small gas station in the town of Milford. It was the hard work and foresight of brothers, Doug and Jack; and later, David and his father, John, that would grow the company into what it is today. As we embark on our seventy ninth year in business, we continue to proudly serve Hunterdon County and provide our customers with the best in fuel and service.

Tom Halford, J.D. Stem, Justin Stem, Wade Stem