Key Points

• Continental Plaza in Wauseon, Ohio, celebrated 50 years as a Marathon-branded retail location in 2026.

• The milestone reflects a long-standing partnership built on a shared value of excellence, customer service and a commitment to the community.
• Owner Larry Zimmerman, who first worked at the station as a high school student, hopes the family’s relationship with Marathon continues for generations to come.

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It was a big year for Continental Plaza, a Marathon retail location in Wauseon, Ohio, that celebrated 50 years as part of the Marathon retail family in 2026.

Located about an hour west of Toledo and a little over an hour northwest of Marathon Petroleum’s headquarters in Findlay, Continental Plaza has proudly displayed the familiar Marathon “M” since 1976. And while plenty has changed over five decades, owner Larry Zimmerman says there is still a lot about the brand that feels like home.

“I love the Americana that Marathon represents along with the clean look and feel,” Zimmerman said. “I also appreciate that Marathon’s headquarters are in Findlay, Ohio, with local roots.”

Reaching the half-century mark with the same brand is no small feat. Christina Siville, Commercial Market Director at Marathon Petroleum, said partnerships with that kind of longevity are rare in the retail fuel industry.

“Fifty years of partnership is a rare accomplishment that speaks volumes about the strength of the Marathon brand and the commitment of its independent owners,” Siville said. “It reflects decades of trust, adaptability and shared commitment in serving consumers and growing together.”

Leanne Benson, Territory Manager at Marathon Petroleum, said the station’s willingness to keep investing in the business and improving the customer experience has helped make the relationship an enduring one.

“Continental Plaza has remained successful for 50 years because they never stop improving,” Benson said. “Their commitment to service, continued investment in their business and dedication to exceeding customer expectations have built lasting loyalty and made them a valued Marathon partner.”

For Marathon, relationships with independent operators like Continental Plaza are an important part of a retail network built not only around the brand, but also around the local businesses and people who represent it in their communities.

“Long-standing partnerships are critical to Marathon’s retail network because they build trust, operational stability and shared growth,” Siville said. “Over time, these relationships drive consistent brand execution, reliable supply, stronger consumer loyalty, and the ability to navigate market challenges together.”

That long-term success is reflected in the people behind Continental Plaza, including Zimmerman himself, who started working at the station while in high school before eventually buying it in 2012. Today, he and his wife, Barb, are partners in life and in business, building something they love while serving the community they call home. That same dedication extends to their team, with some employees having worked at the station for nearly a decade or longer.

"We've been so fortunate to build a life here, with a lot of good memories and a lot of great people who have been part of them," Zimmerman said.

For the Zimmermans, 50 years is about more than running a good business. Continental Plaza has donated more than $40,000 to local organizations and schools, and helped fund Wauseon schools' Best Buddies program, which fosters connections between high school students and children with disabilities.

“Our community has always been part of our growth, and giving back to the people who have supported us will always be important,” Zimmerman said. “Making it even more special is getting to be part of Marathon’s storied legacy, knowing that maybe one day our 6-year-old grandson will keep it all going and be the one celebrating 100 years with Marathon.”