LONG BEACH, Wash. – In 1966, Wilbur Jacobson, a local entrepreneur and businessman, started a franchise selling Petrolane Gas, the largest propane distributor at the time.

Forty-four years later, the small propane franchise has grown into Active Enterprises Inc., providing a range of products from gas services and equipment to RV supplies and an RV dump station.

In recent months, Active Enterprises Inc. has undergone a facelift. The bright green indoor/outdoor carpeting that lined the store has been removed and a new showroom with wood flooring and comfortable seating areas shows off gas fireplaces and other appliances to customers.

While much has changed since its founding, the Jacobson name behind the company has stayed the same.

Now in its third generation, Clark Jacobson, 28, took the reins earlier this year from his father, who is Wilbur’s son, Dale Jacobson.

Like his son, Dale Jacobson started managing the family business at the age of 28 and in 1987 with his wife Jean, incorporated the propane franchise into Active Enterprises Inc.

Clark Jacobson, who has worked with the business for five years, remembered growing up going on house calls with his dad, with the important job of holding the flashlight. He graduated from Ilwaco High School in 2000 and at the time, running the family business wasn’t a part of the plans.

“Never even crossed my mind,” said Clark Jacobson. But, after graduating from South Puget Sound Community College, he missed the area. He came back to the Peninsula and began working for his father.

Jacobson’s wife, Devann, helps manage the company as well.