Our Founding
Buckner Oil Co. Inc. was established by W.B. Buckner (Bruce) and his wife Darlene in 1988. At that time, Bruce worked as a railroad engineer for Norfolk Southern out of Asheville, while Darlene was a full-time mother for their two boys—Tyler, 14, and Blake, 12.
Original Office Space
Our first office was in Bruce and Darlene's home on Bull Creek Road in Marshall, where calls were taken in the kitchen and Bruce handled all deliveries. Our bulk plant consisted of a #2 fuel tank and K-1 Kerosene tank on Highway 213, a half mile from their home. One truck was used for home deliveries during Bruce's off hours from the railroad.
Quick Growth
In the following years, a part-time driver was hired to work evenings and weekends to handle our continuing growth. Within five years, the first full-time driver was hired and our customer base and fleet began to expand rapidly. A secretary was hired, and a full-size shop was built behind Bruce and Darlene's home. The shop accommodated up to four delivery trucks and stored fuel tanks and accessories for resale.