The business that started 38 years ago in Bethlehem now includes three gas stations and has a new fuel supplier at its Wilson Borough location.
View full sizeIke's 25th Street Sunoco in Wilson Borough has a new name and a spruced-up look. Ike’s Exxon has changed its name. But Ike hasn’t gone anywhere.
Ike’s 25th Street Sunoco in Wilson Borough took on a new name last week when the owners switched fuel suppliers from Exxon to Sunoco.
For Dennis “Ike” Eisenhart, the change ended a 38-year relationship with Exxon that started in 1975 in a two-bay garage and filling station on Center Street in Bethlehem.
“The contract was up with Exxon,” explained Eisenhart, who grew up in Hellertown and lives in Coopersburg. “We went out and talked to different companies and Sunoco was the one that was willing to put money in to spruce the place up. Sunoco was willing to do that, and it too has been a real good brand and that’s why we went with them.”
Eisenhart owns Ike's and two other stations with partners Jim Bambu and Clark Beam.
They also own Ike’s Airport Sunoco in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, and Ike’s Shell at 1310 Center St. in Bethlehem, which is across the street from where Eisenhart got his start.
Bambu worked for Eisenhart and became a partner more than 30 years ago. Beam came on as a partner in 1989. They employ about 45 full- and part-time workers.
“We worked our way out of the bays into entrepreneurs,” Eisenhart said. “All three of us started as mechanics. We had good mentors, paid our bills on time and kept on moving ahead. Here we are 38 years later. You change with the times.”
Aside from the fuel brand, customers likely won’t see significant changes. The Wilson Borough Sunoco will get a facelift with new painting and spruced up lighting and curbing. Pumps have been made over, too, Eisenhart said.
The gas station, convenience store and car wash will continue to operate around the clock. Work wrapped up today on the high-rise sign that looms over the 25th Street exit of Route 22 and now contains the yellow Sunoco shield, Eisenhart said.
He expects folks will find the station partnering with local companies more frequently.
The new Sunoco already is accepting Redner’s discount gas cards and is enrolled in a pilot Kmart rewards program, Eisenhart said. Kmart shoppers -- the retailer is just across the street -- can save money at the pump by bringing their receipts to the station, he said.
“We’re a test market for Kmart,” he said. “If it works out, eventually Kmart customers will be able to bring a card in like Redner's.”