Habhegger
Building the Next Century of Fuel Handling Innovation

Founded in 1927 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, E.O. Habhegger began with a foundation rooted in engineering discipline, problem-solving, and a commitment to helping customers overcome difficult operational challenges. Founder Elmer Otto Habhegger studied engineering and mathematics at the University of Wisconsin before enlisting at age 21 in the Army Medical Corps, where he served as a sergeant at Base Hospital No. 22 and was deployed to France during World War I.

That experience shaped the company’s future. Managing supply chains and pressurized fluid systems in demanding conditions required precision, organization, and mechanical understanding. The logistical discipline Elmer developed in the field became the foundation for the company that would later emerge as a trusted resource for fuel handling equipment and solutions.

Habhegger’s ability to solve real-world challenges became especially evident during World War II, when the company developed a portable gasoline refueler that enabled rapid and efficient aircraft refueling in the field. This innovation reflected the company’s core philosophy: understand the problem, engineer the solution, and deliver results.

Even as fuel systems evolved and electronic dispensing technologies became more common, Elmer remained deeply involved in daily operations. He worked directly with technicians, ensuring they understood the mechanical fundamentals behind the systems they installed and serviced. Although he passed away in 1978, the principles he established—technical accuracy, mechanical integrity, and customer commitment—continue to guide Habhegger today.

A Leadership Triumvirate Carrying the Legacy Forward

Following the Habhegger family’s ownership, the company entered a new era under the leadership of the Hagman family while preserving the values that made the organization successful. Today, President Chris Hagman, Vice President of Sales Jody Porter, and Branch Manager Pete Hojnowski form a leadership triumvirate guiding Habhegger into its next century.

Chris Hagman represents only the third president in the company’s nearly 100-year history. Since taking leadership, he has helped oversee significant growth initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions, expansion of personnel, facility growth, and major technology and operational investments. His involvement in IT, software development, and behindthe-scenes infrastructure has helped position Habhegger for long-term success.

Jody Porter has worked alongside Chris to expand the company’s reach while strengthening customer relationships. Since becoming Vice President of Sales and a managing partner, Porter has helped grow the company’s customer base and annual business dramatically while maintaining the personal approach that customers have valued for decades. His role extends far beyond sales—he is involved in strategic hiring decisions, company direction, and the continued growth of Habhegger’s market presence.

Pete Hojnowski brings another critical perspective to the leadership team through his operational expertise and industry involvement. As a partner and branch manager, he serves as a key connection between Habhegger and industry organizations while overseeing an essential area of the business: government contract work. His attention to detail and commitment to compliance have been instrumental in maintaining and expanding these important relationships.

Today, Habhegger operates as a nationwide stocking distributor serving customers across all 50 states and international markets. With multiple locations, more than 50 employees, over 80,000 square feet of warehouse space, more than 1,500 unique parts stocked daily, and access to more than 100,000 components, the company has developed the resources necessary to support projects of every size.

“Our success has come from understanding that every customer has different challenges,” says Porter. “Being large enough to handle major projects while remaining flexible enough to solve individual problems is what separates us.”

The company’s growth has been fueled by strategic acquisitions, including Gateway Petroleum Services, Gateway Industrial Solutions, and Matt’s Valley Petroleum. These additions have expanded Habhegger’s service capabilities, strengthened its industrial expertise, and extended its geographic reach while allowing each organization’s knowledge and experience to become part of the larger Habhegger team.

Digital transformation has also become an important part of the company’s evolution. Through an enhanced online presence, searchable digital catalog, improved website experience, and stronger communication channels, Habhegger continues making its expertise more accessible to customers wherever they operate.

Building the Future Through People

As Habhegger approaches its 100-year anniversary in 2027, the company is looking ahead with the same determination that shaped its past. The next chapter will combine decades of industry knowledge with modern technology, expanded capabilities, and continued investment in people.

The company’s leadership believes the future depends on hiring the right individuals, developing their skills, and creating opportunities for growth. Cross-training, mentorship, and promoting from within remain central to the Habhegger culture.

The current leadership team represents nearly 90 years of combined industry experience, and each leader developed through the same internal pipeline they now use to mentor future employees. That commitment to knowledge transfer has created a workforce where experienced professionals and emerging talent work side-by-side.

Recently, Habhegger celebrated a service technician reaching a 30- year milestone while welcoming new employees and summer interns during the same week. This “depth-loaded” approach allows the company to bring decades of expertise to complex projects while remaining flexible and responsive to customer needs.

As Habhegger enters its second century, one thing is clear: the company’s future leaders are already being developed within its culture—or will soon join through its continued investment in talent. With a foundation built on engineering excellence, customer trust, and employee development, Habhegger is positioned not only to celebrate its first 100 years but to build an even stronger future beyond them.