100 Years
of Moving Lives Forward.of Moving Lives Forward.
100 Years
of Moving Lives Forward.of Moving Lives Forward.
100 Years
of Moving Lives Forward.of Moving Lives Forward.
100 Years
of Moving Lives Forward.of Moving Lives Forward.
For a century, Wills Group has helped move people, businesses, and communities forward.
What began in 1926 as a small fuel company in Southern Maryland has grown into a dynamic family of businesses serving guests across the Mid-Atlantic and the Carolinas. As we celebrate our first 100 years, we reflect on the people, partnerships, innovations, and values that continue to shape our future.
The Early Years
In 1926, two engineers, Jim Wills and Harold Swann, founded Southern Maryland Oil (SMO), acquiring the La Plata Oil and Mechanicsville Oil Companies. What began as a lean eight-person operation selling kerosene, gasoline, and Texaco Golden motor oil quickly grew into a regional energy leader. By 1927, the company secured the Texaco franchise for Southern Maryland and established a plant in Owings, Maryland.
The 1930s brought continued growth as SMO modernized fuel delivery operations and became the first company to distribute Texaco Havoline motor oil in the region. Expansion continued in 1940 with the construction of the Indian Head Plant to meet growing demand for heating oil. In 1943, SMO entered fuel transportation, serving as the principal fuel supplier for the construction of the Potomac River Bridge and laying the foundation for decades of growth.
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Post-War Growth and Potential
Following World War II, Southern Maryland Oil transitioned from a partnership to a corporation, expanded its facilities, and secured new station locations throughout the region. The company introduced its Profit Sharing Plan in 1953, launched the region's first Oil Burner Service Department in 1955, and continued growing through strategic acquisitions.
In 1957, President James W. Wills died unexpectedly and was succeeded by his wife, one of the few women leading a petroleum company of its size at the time. Throughout the 1960s, SMO diversified into tires, auto parts, heating installation, and central oil systems.
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Overcoming Obstacles
SMO continued expanding across Maryland and Delaware in 1972 with the acquisition of Pete White Oil Company and pioneered Maryland's first branded self-service gas station. Despite the challenges of the fuel crises of the 1970s, the company remained focused on innovation and growth.
The opening of the first Dash In convenience store in 1979 marked a defining milestone and created a new growth platform for the business. In 1984, the company expanded its Corporate Headquarters and modernized operations with a new computer system.
Dawn of Convenience Retailing
In 1986, the creation of The Wills Group, Inc. holding company marked a significant evolution for the business, positioning the organization for future growth and diversification. A series of acquisitions strengthened the company's footprint across Maryland's Eastern Shore, while environmental stewardship efforts earned the Tawes Award in 1987.
Leadership transitioned in 1988 when J. Blacklock "Lock" Wills Jr. became president. Throughout the 1990s, Wills Group expanded into Northern Virginia, achieved record fuel sales growth, embraced new technology, and added propane distribution to its portfolio.
Expansion
As Wills Group approached its 75th anniversary, the company entered a period of significant growth. Major acquisitions in Delaware and Virginia expanded its footprint, while innovations such as the Retailer Excellence Program, same-day heating oil delivery, and online account management enhanced the customer experience.
In 2010, Southern Maryland Oil and Delmarva Oil united under the SMO Energy brand. During this time, Dash In continued to evolve, introducing franchise locations and launching the Splash In ECO Car Wash brand while Wills Group strengthened its investment in employees and leadership development.
New Beginnings
The launch of Dash In's large-format store prototype in 2017 helped transform the brand into a nationally recognized foodvenience destination known for chef-inspired menus and industry-leading innovation. In 2022, Wills Group expanded the Splash In ECO Car Wash network through the acquisition of two Blue Hen Car Wash locations in Delaware.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company donated more than $1 million to regional food banks and strengthened its commitment to community impact. In 2021, Julian "Blackie" Wills III was appointed President of Wills Group, and in 2026, Dash In opened its first North Carolina location in Concord as the company celebrated its 100th anniversary and Blackie's election as Chairman of the Board.
The first 100 years are just the beginning
From fuel delivery trucks in Southern Maryland to innovative convenience retail, car wash, and energy businesses serving communities across multiple states, Wills Group has always evolved to meet changing customer needs. While much has changed since 1926, our commitment to moving lives forward remains the same. Read our company history to see where we started, what pushed us forward, and what's next for Wills Group.
Read About Our History