FRANKLIN
Willing to change with the times and grow along with them, Parker Oil Company on Carrsville Highway has recently acquired Modern Oil Corporation’s home heating oil and commercial accounts.

“We were looking to expand,” said Brian Atwood, propane operation manager for the company.

“It fit really well. They [Modern Oil] serve the same areas we serve.”

Trucks will eventually be restickered with the Parker Oil logo, and the transition is made easier, Atwood said, because, “We know everybody.

“We’re so looking forward to serving our Modern Oil customers as we have our Parker Oil clients for many years to come.”

The demand for propane is greater now than it has ever been, he said, noting that there are no new houses being built that use oil for heating. The reasons for increased use are that propane is cleaner, environmentally friendly and cheaper, Atwood said, adding that switching from oil to propane also can come with tax credits.

“We open a lot more to our customers,” he said, and pointing out that propane can be used for gas log fireplaces, gas ranges, dryers, grills and energy-efficient hot water heaters.

Parker Oil Co. was started in 1935 by Lewis W. Parker Sr. of South Hill. The heating oil business was continued by his sons, Charles and Lewis Jr. Charlie Parker is the third-generation member to lead Parker Oil. It was he, said Atwood, who diversified by getting the company into the sales, service and installation of propane.

Today, Parker Oil has extensive holdings in Virginia, with 12 locations ranging from South Boston on Route 58 to Appomattox on Route 460 and up to Richmond from Hopewell. Over 250 people are employed.

Modern Oil did not sell its convenience stores, by the way, but Parker Oil already has its own line, the Red Barn.

Atwood has achieved 20-plus years experience in the propane business, including his time with Parker Oil.

About six months out of college, he got into a management trainee program with Southern States, and has grown in the business ever since. Atwood got his start with Parker Oil about 10 years when he was recruited — as he said with a smile — by Charlie Parker himself. They would see each other at meetings of the State Board of Propane and the Virginia Propane Gas Association.

The men got to talking and Parker made “a great offer.”

“I couldn’t ask for a better place to work,” Atwood said.”We’re like family.”

A resident of Suffolk, he’s served as past president of the Virginia Propane Association and last leader of the Tidewater Propane Gas Association.

Parker Oil and Propane is located at 2365 Carrsville Highway. Call 562-3400 or visit www.parkeroilcompany.com for more information.