Knapp Energy
A 50 year history of satisfied customers

Knapp Energy is a Kalamazoo based, family owned business with nearly 50 years of experience in the energy industry. It's always been a business that specializes in creating satisfied customers by delivering quality service and products.

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Knapp Energy in review

In 1954, Steve Nederhoed started Nederhoed Oil Company by buying a small tank truck to deliver home heating oil to the home owners of Kalamazoo. Steve soon found that he needed help to handle the growing business so in 1957, Steve's son-in-law, Bob Knapp joined the company. Throughout the 1960's, 70's, and 80's the company grew gradually and added commercial accounts and lubricants to the mix. Steve loved the business and his customers, but poor health slowed him down and eventually led to his passing in 1988.

While Steve was frequently away, Bob ran the business and in 1984, he bought the business and changed the name to Knapp Oil Company. He and his son Dave (who started full-time in 1983) continued to operate the business as Steve did; by treating their customers well and always putting them first. The 1990's saw the company continue to expand with the purchase of a few smaller oil companies and also, it's entry into the gas station market. By 1995, Knapp Oil Company had three new, award winning gas stations in the Greater Kalamazoo Area. With the company doing well and having spent 40 plus years in the oil business, Bob decided it was time to retire at the end of 1999. He now relaxes and enjoys golfing, traveling, and seeing his grandchildren, while Dave continues to run the company. Bob does, however, still stop into the office everyday when he's in town to bring in the mail and give Dave sound advice (sometimes he even waits until he's asked).

In 2001, Knapp Oil became Knapp Energy to better reflect the wide range of products and services now offered by the company. Today, Knapp Energy provides propane, fuel oil, premium diesel fuel, soy diesel fuel, gasoline, and a large inventory of lubricants to customers all over Southwestern Michigan. Recently, the company made a strategic decision to exit the gas station business and sell their three locations. Since Steve Nederhoed started the business 50 plus years ago, there have been many changes to the company and the world as a whole. One thing that will never change is Knapp Energy's commitment to quality and its customers. It was the key to the company's early success and remains the key focus today!

If you're not already a Knapp Energy customer, call us. You'll quickly discover we know our business and what it takes to make you another satisfied customer.