Foster Fuels is a family-owned-and-operated business headquartered in Campbell County, Virginia, and serving customers in all regions of the United States and internationally. Foster Fuels began serving Central and Southside Virginia when L.H. Foster arranged with Texaco to become the area’s first Texaco jobber. He worked diligently to fulfill the petroleum needs of the community. His two sons, L.H. Foster Jr. and Watt Robert “Bobby” Foster continued his work and expanded the family-run business by acquiring other jobbers. In 1960, they started a propane gas distributorship which became one of the largest and most successful in Virginia. Through innovation and a drive to exceed its customers exceptions, Foster Fuels has continued to be an industry-leader and set the bar in customer service.
Lou Hilton “LH” Foster Sr. & LW Roark Sr. start Brookneal Oil Company, delivering flour, ice, and five-gallon cans of lamp oil to the Brookneal area by ox-drawn cart. LH Foster Sr. was a WWI veteran.
LH and LW split the company. LH assumes the oil business and—with his wife, Queenie “Inez” Foster—they continue to grow the business. LH & Inez have a son, LH Jr. Brookneal Oil becomes a consignee with Texaco (first Texaco consignee in the area). One of the original trucks bought for the company is located in front of the Brookneal office today.
LH Sr. and Inez have another son, Watt “Bobby” Foster Sr. Both boys eventually join operations.
While attending Virginia Tech in 1942, L.H. Foster, Jr. enlisted for WWII through the university’s ROTC program. During his service he lost half of one of his legs but ultimately returned home to Virginia where he joined his father and started working for the company.
Bobby and Nancy have a son, Watt Jr., and the family business name changes to L.H. Foster & Son. The business is incorporated on September 12th. LH Sr. passes away, and LH Jr. and Watt Sr. run the company together.
Gasoline sells for $0.15/gallon. LH Jr. eventually takes over operations. His younger brother Bobby is involved with the family business also. LH Foster & Son continues to grow while Bobby attends the University of Richmond.
OPEC forms on September 14. Company name changes from LH Foster & Son, Inc. to LH Foster & Sons, Inc. Bobby buys a transport truck to pick up fuels in Richmond. The first delivery is made to James Bailey’s Cleaners on Main Street in Brookneal (now closed). Other local companies are bought to become part of Foster Fuels.
Bobby adds propane to Foster Fuels’ services. Deliveries now include kerosene, fuel oil, gasoline, and motor oil.
Watt R. Foster Jr. graduates from James Madison University and joins the Foster Fuels team.
Bobby (Watt Sr.) sells Foster Fuels to Watt Jr., his son. Bobby and Watt Jr. continue to run the company together like the sale never happened. Bobby remains President and participates in all important decisions. Watt Jr. does everything from driving a truck to service and work sales.
Propane is listed as an approved, alternative clean fuel in the 1990 Clean Air Act and—two years later, it is listed again as an alternative fuel in the Energy Policy Act of 1992; Persian Gulf War begins. Texaco fuels are dropped from inventory.
Watt Jr. and Watt Sr. establish a disaster relief division in response to Hurricane Isabel’s arrival in Virginia.
Hurricane Ivan slams Florida—Foster Fuels responds successfully for private companies.
Watt Jr. and Watt Sr. revitalize the propane gas division.
Watt Jr. and Watt Sr. expand the company with a new headquarters and facility to hold the growth. Foster Fuels purchases a local propane company to expand its propane division. Foster Fuels also expands propane into Danville, VA via another acquisition.
Foster Fuels responds to the Haiti Earthquake in January. Watt Jr. is deployed there with his men to oversee operations. Watt Jr. is away for two months while Watt Sr. continues to oversee operations in spite of his failing health.
The Mission Critical division successfully performs the largest federal disaster relief mission in history in response to Superstorm Sandy in the Northeast.
Foster Fuels’ Propane Division opens a new Hearth & Home location in Lovingston, Virginia.
Watt Robert “Bobby” Foster, Sr. passes away.
Foster Fuels Mission Critical responds to Hurricane Matthew after being activated by FEMA.
The Mission Critical division responds to three consecutive hurricanes; Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The response to Maria included sending 135 team members to Puerto Rico.
The Mission Critical division is activated for Hurricanes Florence and Michael by FEMA and private clients.
Hurricane Dorian hits and the Mission Critical division is activated by FEMA.
Foster Fuels opens a Propane Headquarters in Rustburg, Virginia.
Hurricane Laura hits the US coast causing destruction across the Louisiana and Texas borders. Foster Fuels’ Mission Critical Division responds to the relief efforts mitigating the risk and overcoming the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foster Fuels answered the calls for help from residents, businesses, and emergency crews among the Gulf Coast.
Foster Fuels begins helping companies achieve their sustainability goals with alternative fuels such as HVO. Their goal is to make renewable diesel fuel available throughout the U.S.
