In 1925, Austin G. Forward, along with a partner, purchased the Welcome Garage in Standish, Michigan. Their wives opened up a small restaurant in the corner of the garage, which consisted of two tables and 8 stools.  Soon it became one of the best known service stops on the way north as Michigan's recreation industry was beginning to blossom.  In succeeding years, Austin Forward purchased his partner's share of the business and went on to develop a dealer network of Shell Stations in Arenac, Iosco, and Ogemaw counties.

In 1955, Austin N. Buttrick and Benjamin G. Buttrick, grandsons of the founder, purchased Forward Oil Company. The new owners immediately launched an expansion program.  Old stations were remodeled and ultramodern stations and food facilities were constructed.  Diversification moved the company into retailing tires, motor oil, ice, auto parts and a home and farm fuel delivery division.

As the expressway moved north in the late sixties and early seventies, Forward Corporation moved quickly to join the expressway age.  The company built the first service plazas in the north offering the traveler the convenience of one stop shopping for gasoline, food, and clean restrooms.  The first three were built in Standish, Alger, and West Branch. Having paved the way, we were followed by McDonalds, Burger King, and all the other fast food marketers in West Branch.  Our development continued along I-75 into Grayling, Gaylord and most recently on US-10 in Midland and Sanford.  Forward now markets in 13 counties from as far south as Birch Run, north to Gaylord, east to Tawas and west to Beaverton, and all of the Thumb. We service and deliver to over 40 retail outlets.

As self-serve pumps became available, Forward Corporation was first in the area of Michigan to adapt to this new and effective method of marketing.  More recently, modern convenience stores featuring pay at the pump, fast food, gift shops, laser driven car washes and motel facilities have become attractive new areas for development.

In 1986, a Quality Inn Hotel was added to the property in West Branch. It featured a conference center, a full service restaurant, a lounge, a 24 hour coffee shop and convenience store. Later in 1994, a 41 room Super 8 Motel was added to this property to pickup the overflow from the Quality Inn and to offer the public another choice in lodging.

Further diversification came to Forward Corporation in 1987 with the merger of McTaggart Wholesale. McTaggarts was founded by Lyle & Helen McTaggart of Sterling. They specialized in the warehousing and delivery of sundry items, such as inflatables, hats, gloves, batteries, toys, books, etc. They also ventures into screen printing and transfers onto shirts, caps and jackets. In 1980, Helen & Lyle sold their business to their son, Terry.  Terry McTaggart and his wife Robin Buttrick McTaggart worked together to build the business.  With the installation of the latest technology in screen printing and embroidery equipment and training, the business experienced tremendous growth.  By marketing their products through both in-house and outside independent reps, McTaggarts products are marketed throughout the United States.

As the quality of the graphics and garments rose, so did the level of their buyers. McTaggart's garments were being found on the shelves of up-scale market shops. It was time for a name change to reflect their arrival.  So in 1996, the name was changed to T.R. McTaggart's. The "T" and "R" stand for Trustworthy and Reliable.

Forward Corporation  also operates a thriving petroleum distributorship of fuels to farms, homes, and commercial accounts. In 1988, propane was added to the ever-growing list of products offered by the company.

In 1989, Forward Corporation purchased North Central Oil Company, a small Shell Jobbership with two stations in Gaylord and one in Grayling. This acquisition also moved Forward into the bulk lube oil business.

Forward Corporation now owns and operates numerous subway Sandwich Shops, Taco Bell Express Restaurants and markets jointly with McDonalds and Burger King in various communities.

The "Up North" theme clothing line created by T.R. McTaggart's carried over to the Quality Inn of West Branch. In 1999, it inspired a complete renovation of the Quality Inn's restaurant. The new LumberJack Food & Spirits captures the "Up North" spirit in its design and menu selections. The knotty pine walls and booths, a field stone fireplace, and minnow bucket chandeliers", along with the lodge decor and antiques all bring character and charm to the dining experience.

Forward Corporation is particularly proud of its employment record. Through diversity of products and services, Forward has been able to offer a variety of jobs and opportunity for advancement throughout the company. We expect our services to the public to grow at an even greater pace into the new millennium.