AUGUST MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: AMERICAN PRIDE PETROLEUM
With dreams of owning his own business and getting out of the Steel Mill industry, Rob Karcz set out on a hunt around Baldwin County for something new… something different. In the process of figuring out what he wanted to get into, Rob’s parents saw opportunity in a little, old gas station on Hand Avenue in Bay Minette. After years of sitting vacant and countless turned down offers, “Mrs. Smiley” finally found the right buyers and agreed to sell the station to the Karcz family. Unbeknownst to the deal that had been made, Rob showed up to check out the property and was met with a set of keys and a surprise from his parents saying, “Here you go… it’s yours.” Rob would soon work together with his parents, and husband Mikey, to breathe life back into the old Smiley’s Gas Station.
American Pride Petroleum opened their doors in 2017 with a goal to make everyone feel welcome. “Even with challenges, raising fuel prices, and having to learn how to own and manage a business from the ground up, we’ve kept the doors open and we’re proud of that. We’ve grown to love this community, appreciate everyone’s support so much and want to do anything we can to give back” says Rob. From helping support the chamber, both the VFW and American Legion, planning and hosting a ‘Back to School Bash’ event, and finding creative ways to fundraise for different causes… Mikey and Rob are very much involved in the North Baldwin community and its residents.
The station is unique, as it is one of the only local, Veteran owned and operated service stations in our area. They currently have two hardworking employees aside from Mikey, Rob, and his parents. They offer non-ethanol fuel, flexible employee schedules, a place for local food trucks to park and serve occasionally, fully stocked shelves and big plans for the future. Outside, you’ll find plants and a raised bed garden, tended by Rob’s mom, Mikey’s quirky skeletons out front that are dressed up seasonally and inside the station, fully renovated and beautiful, local photos, and patriotic décor. Currently these entrepreneurs are working on renovating the space connected to the station to serve pizza and eventually open a pizza kitchen and bar with outdoor seating… and they’ll soon have brand new gas pumps!
When asked what the most fun part of owning the business is… Rob says, “We have time and flexibility to get out and volunteer and really be a part of the community.” Both serve on local boards and committees, help with non-profit organizations, and often sponsor or lend a helping hand at most local events.
American Pride has quickly become a staple in the North Baldwin community, and we just know the Smiley’s family would be very proud. Rob and Mikey have built more than just a business… they’ve built a family and a safe space for both locals and travelers to grab a snack, get gas and feel a sense of community pride each time they visit. From years in the military to a big jump from Illinois to Alabama, to leaving his career in the Steel industry, Rob never thought he'd land in Bay Minette and own a local service station with his husband and family... but we're sure glad they are a part of our community!
For more information, please contact the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce at 251-937-5665!
