From 1988 to 2025: A Story of Renewal, Faith, and Leadership

When we first pulled up to this site, it felt like stepping back in time. Stamped “1988” in the concrete from the original crews who built this place, it had faded branding, aging equipment, and worn concrete. You could feel the history in it — the kind of store that had served its community for decades but was ready for something new.

That’s what makes projects like this special. They’re not just construction jobs or image upgrades — they’re stories of transformation. When we arrived, this place was tired. But when the last bolt was tightened and the final decal went up, it looked completely different.

Once we put the fueling and payment infrastructure in place, the new Sunoco image brought the site back to life: clean, modern, and welcoming for every driver who stops in.

“Projects like this remind me why we do what we do,” said Tim Wayne, CEO of Merlin Fueling. “Every upgrade, every detail, and every collaboration matters. Bringing this one into 2025 took teamwork, pride, and a shared vision of what reliable, modern fueling should look like.”

Partnerships That Build More Than Stations

At Merlin Fueling, every job is a chance to prove what reliability and craftsmanship look like in real life. We take pride in the details — not just the equipment or technology, but the collaboration and trust that go into each site.

That’s why we’re forever grateful for the opportunity to partner with D & D Energy Group Inc. They’re a team that shares our commitment to excellence, and together, we’ve brought another site back to life for the next generation of drivers.

Faith as the Foundation

Looking back, I’m reminded that the foundation for what we build isn’t just concrete and steel — it’s faith and gratitude.

I still remember Dean Dorminey saying, “You have to choose.” Dean gave me a prayer coin long before we ever started building stations together. He didn’t know it, but I was struggling with some deep demons at the time. That small gesture — over time — turned me toward Scripture for wisdom and clarity.

I still carry that coin every day. It’s a reminder that gratitude and faith are the real foundation behind every success. It’s made me a better leader, a better steward, and a more grounded man.

The Real Reward

Every project has a measurable outcome — timelines, budgets, installations — but some leave you with something greater than a completed site. They leave you with perspective.

For me, this project did both: it renewed a station, and it renewed something in me.

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

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