Our History: Quality Service and Value-Priced Products for Three Generations

In 1947, C. William (Bill) Woodford settled in rural Elkins, WV as a marketer for a small Gulf Oil and Tire distributor. He had no idea that the business would eventually grow from serving just six counties to spanning seven states.

Bill took control of the business in 1962, buying the bulk plant and equipment in stages. By this time, the business had grown to a multi-branded petroleum wholesaler, selling Chevron, Texaco, Exxon, Marathon, Citgo, Mystik and all products related to the service station business.

Bill's son, C. Curtis (Curt) Woodford, grew up learning the business from his father. He joined the company full-time in 1975 after graduating from college and has continued to operate and grow Woodford Oil into a company based on honesty and reliability.

Bill passed away in 1997 but his business continued to thrive under Curt’s direction. He remodeled and modernized Woodford Oil's original bulk plant in 1999, installing new tanks and equipment and making Woodford Oil as competitive as larger distributors.

Todd Woodford, the third generation of Woodfords, joined the company in 2003. He quickly rose through the ranks to become vice president and chief operating officer. His insight and leadership skills invigorated Woodford Oil as it prepared for expansion.

In 2005, Woodford Oil acquired the petroleum assets of J.D. Kiser, Inc. This family-owned distributorship, founded in 1941, was the leading supplier of fuels and lubricants to commercial and industrial customers throughout eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia. The acquisition not only complemented Woodford Oil’s existing fuel operation, but also established Woodford Oil as a major distributor of lubricants throughout the Appalachian region.

In the fall of 2006, Woodford Oil purchased the Hess Oil Company of Elkins, WV. Hess Oil, owned and operated by the Brown family, distributed the Exxon, Marathon, and BP brands to many dealers as well as serving the petroleum needs of commercial and residential customers throughout West Virginia.

In the fall of 2008, Woodford Oil acquired Beckley Oil’s petroleum operation in Marlinton, WV. This acquisition gave Woodford Oil the opportunity to expand its distribution area.

Today, Woodford Oil is known for providing reliable, convenient service and value-priced products throughout West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and Pennsylvania.