John “Jack” E. Olsta, who founded tank trailer equipment specialist The Jack Olsta Co., died April 27. He was 81 years old.
Olsta, who grew up New York and New Jersey, entered the tank trailer industry in 1967 as a salesman for then-family-owned tank manufacturer The Heil Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In the early 1970s, he accepted a new position in Huntsville, Texas, where he remained for the next 46 years, including 22 with Heil as a “fierce customer advocate with a steeled work ethic,” the family reported in his obituary.
Olsta started The Jack Olsta Co. in 1987 and continued to traverse the Gulf Coast, providing support and solutions to customers. “Single-unit fleet or major oil, they were all the same to Jack—people in need of assistance [and] customers who became valued friends,” the family said. Olsta retired in 2007 but continued to spend time at the office. “His late arrivals, walks through the office to stir things, followed by a lunch together have been missed by many,” his family added. “Jack’s corporate vision developed into an industry-leading community- and life-changing organization, touching the lives of over 100 local families.”
Olsta is survived by Ann C. Olsta, his wife of 59 years; daughters Susan and Kristine; his son, John E. Olsta Jr., The Jack Olsta Co. CEO; and six grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor Olsta’s love of youth, baseball, and a shared sense of community responsibility, the family requests donations go to the Aaron Judge All Rise Foundation.