A Solid Past & Bright Future

Humble Beginnings

In 1925, Austin G. Forward, along with a partner, purchased the “Welcome Garage” in Standish, Mich. Their wives opened a small restaurant in the corner of the garage, which consisted of two tables and eight stools. Soon, people heading north knew it as one of the best service stops. In succeeding years, Austin Forward purchased his partner's share of the business and went on to develop a network of Shell Stations in Arenac, Iosco and Ogemaw Counties.

 

In 1955, Austin N. Buttrick and Benjamin G. Buttrick, grandsons of the founder, purchased Forward Oil Company. The new owners immediately launched an expansion program. Old stations were remodeled and ultramodern stations and food facilities were constructed. Diversification rocketed the company into retailing tires, motor oil, ice, and auto parts and included a home and farm fuel delivery division.

Expansion Continued

As the expressway moved north in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, Forward Corporation moved quickly to join the expressway age. The company built the first service plazas in Standish, Alger and West Branch, offering travelers clean restrooms and the convenience of one-stop shopping for gasoline and food. Having paved the way, Forward was followed by McDonalds, Burger King, and all the other fast food marketers in West Branch. The development continued along I-75 into Grayling and Gaylord, and on US-10 in Midland and Sanford. Forward currently markets its products in 18 counties.

 

In 1986, a Quality Inn Hotel was added to the property in West Branch. It featured a conference center, a full-service restaurant, a lounge, a 24-hour coffee shop and convenience store. Later, in 1994, a 41-room Super 8 Motel was added to this property to pick up the overflow from the Quality Inn and to offer the public another choice in lodging.

Graphics and Garments

Further diversification came to Forward Corporation in 1987 with the merger of McTaggart Wholesale. McTaggart's was founded by Lyle and Helen McTaggart of Sterling. They specialized in the warehousing and delivery of sundry items such as inflatables, hats, gloves, batteries, toys, books and more. They also ventured into screenprinting and transfers for shirts, caps and jackets. In 1980, Helen and Lyle sold the business to their son, Terry. Terry McTaggart and his wife, Robin Buttrick McTaggart, worked together to build the business. With the installation of the latest technology in screenprinting and embroidery equipment, the business experienced tremendous growth. By marketing their products through both in-house and independent outside representatives, McTaggart's products are now found throughout the United States.

 

As the quality of the graphics and garments rose, so did the level of their buyers. McTaggart's garments were being found on shelves of up-scale shops. It was time for a name change to reflect their arrival. In 1996, the name was changed to T.R. McTaggart – The "T" and "R" standing for “trustworthy” and “reliable”.

Endless Possibilities

Forward Corporation also operates a thriving petroleum distributorship of fuels to farms, homes and commercial accounts. In 1988, propane was added to the ever-growing list of products offered by the company.

 

In 1989, Forward Corporation purchased North Central Oil Company, a small Shell Jobber ship with two stations in Gaylord and one in Grayling. This acquisition also moved Forward into the bulk lube oil business.

 

Forward Corporation now also owns and operates 65 Subway sandwich shops and markets jointly with McDonalds and Burger King in various communities.