In the rugged, wide-open spaces of North Central Montana, a business is more than just a place of commerce; it is a lifeline. From the biting winters on the Rocky Mountain Front to the agricultural hubs of the Golden Triangle, the ability to heat a home, fuel a tractor, or keep a vehicle on the road is the bedrock of community survival. For nearly a century, one family name has been synonymous with that reliability: Breen.
The story of Breen Oil Company is a quintessential Montana epic, tracing a path from the horse-and-buggy era of the early 1900s to the high-tech energy demands of 2025. It is a narrative of family succession, strategic pivots, and an unwavering commitment to provide the “basic necessities” of life.
The company’s roots reach back to approximately 1905, when the business was owned by Harry Adams. Operating along the railroad tracks, Adams’ trade reflected the pioneer era: he dealt in coal for heat, ice for refrigeration, and “Great Falls Select” beer for the hardworking locals.
In 1937, the Breen family legacy officially began when Jerry Breen’s grandfather purchased the business from Adams. In those days, logistics were grueling; ice was cut from frozen waters in winter and stored in sawdust-filled houses to be sold during the sweltering summers. It was a business built on grit and foresight— qualities that would define the company for generations.
They pressed on, and in 1969, Jerry’s father expanded their reach by purchasing a tire shop from Vern Murrs. This move laid the groundwork for what is now the Breen Oil & Tire Factory in Choteau. When Jerry’s grandfather passed away in 1969, his father bought the business from the estate. Jerry himself entered the partnership in 1980, eventually buying his father out in 1985 during a significant transition in the oil sector.
Under Jerry’s leadership, Breen Oil transformed into a multi-faceted energy provider. The 1980s and 90s saw rapid growth: the company became a consignee for Petrolane’s propane, opened its convenience store in 1989, and acquired a major plant in Great Falls.
The turn of the millennium brought further consolidation. After acquiring interests from Energy West and Amerigas, the company moved to the prominent Moltzan building on the NW Bypass in Great Falls. This allowed them to serve a staggering geographic footprint, stretching from the gates of Glacier National Park to the military-driven needs of Grass Range.
What keeps a leader in the same industry for over four decades? For Jerry Breen, it is the “new wrinkle,” the daily challenges and the opportunity to solve problems for his neighbors. This dedication was proven in 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while much of the world ground to a halt, Breen Oil was recognized as an “essential” service and never closed for a single day.
Today the legacy continues to refresh itself. Liam Breen, Jerry’s son, who had worked for the company since he was a kid, joined the business in 2021, purchasing 30% interest in the business, representing the fourth generation of leadership. Influenced by family history and supported by a community that values local ownership, Liam’s arrival ensures the company remains rooted in Montana values while looking toward the future of energy.
Breen Oil Company continues to try and provide a fair and reliable service to its customers. Whether it is residential propane and propane service, bulk fuel for a commercial fleet, tire supply and service, or HVAC install and repair, the company remains dedicated to quality. They purchased Lewistown Propane and Fertilizer in 2022.
Jerry Breen notes that the industry has, in many ways, come “full circle.” While they now utilize digital logistics and modern convenience stores, they are essentially doing what Harry Adams did 120 years ago: providing the community with the energy and goods needed to survive the Montana elements. From the railroad tracks of the 1900s to the digital age of 2025, Breen Oil stands as a monument to the power of family, adaptability, and local service.
Breen Oil Company (Great Falls) 2201 NW Bypass Breen Oil Company (Choteau) 505 Main Ave South Breen Tire (Choteau) 302 Main Ave N.