43 years ago, Dakota Business Lending was founded to help small businesses grow. At the same time, another dream was taking root in Hazen, North Dakota.
Mel Roth Oil Company would become one of the first recipients of an SBA 504 loan in the state, growing into both a community cornerstone and a milestone in Dakota Business Lending’s history.
Before it was a business, it was a love story. Mel, a Golden Valley boy, and Beatrice, a farm girl from outside Hazen, found each other in Bismarck, North Dakota. In 1961, they started their life together, a partnership that would fuel both their family and a business dream for years to come…
Their dreams began to take shape when Mel, working as a mechanic at a gas station in Bismarck and learned of three stations for sale in the area. He and Bea explored their options, even considering one in Jamestown, but their hearts pulled them back home. In 1969, with the support of Union State Bank and banker George Stroup, they purchased their first gas station in Hazen North Dakota.
Through it all, Bea kept things running at home with their three young children — including their daughter Carla, who would later play a major role in the business.
– Bea Roth, Co-Owner
Just three years later, in 1972, the Roths expanded with the purchase of a bulk oil company located next to Hazen’s grain elevator. This laid the groundwork for future growth and set the stage for their next big leap.
– Carla Roth, daughter of Mel and Bea
By 1980, the Roths were ready to expand again, this time with a brand-new facility on the Highway 200 Bypass. The project was ambitious, and financing became a pivotal piece of the puzzle.
Around that same time, the SBA 504 loan program was just emerging in North Dakota. Its long-term stability and structure made it the perfect fit for the Roths’ relocation project. Partnering with Union State Bank and Dakota Business Lending, the Roths moved forward with confidence.
For the Roths, it was a major step forward. For Dakota Business Lending, it was their first loan that proved the power of the SBA 504 program.
– Harvey Huber, former banker at Union State Bank
The Roths’ entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop at fuel. In 1992, they opened their first Subway inside the Beulah Hiway Express, followed by a Hazen location in 1995.
Despite their many ventures, the Roth children played vital roles as well. Their daughter Carla became General Manager in 1983, her husband Steve managed the Hazen and Beulah stores, and their daughter Wanda led the Subway locations. Their brother Darren worked summers before starting his career in Montana.
– Harvey Huber, former banker at Union State Bank
After 47 years of serving Hazen and beyond, Mel and Bea retired in 2009, spending winters in Arizona and summers close to home. The Subway franchise was sold in 2015, and in 2016, the Roth family closed a remarkable chapter, selling all other company assets.
But the legacy of Mel Roth Oil Company remains…a story that began with love, grew with purpose, and endures in the community they helped build.
