S.A. White Oil Company Business Spotlight

Since its inception in 1926, the S.A. White Oil Company, a family-owned venture, has served as both a beacon of resiliency and innovation in the gas industry and an institution in Marietta. Founded by Mr. and Mrs. S.A. White, the company began as a modest general store with a gas station and has since grown into a thriving enterprise. As the demand for gasoline surged with the popularity of automobiles, S.A. White Oil became a Sinclair distributor, making Sinclair the sole brand for the company. When Sinclair exited the region and was absorbed by BP, S.A. White Oil seized the opportunity to diversify and expand into different avenues. This flexibility and responsiveness to shifting market dynamics propelled the company towards further growth.

The sudden and tragic loss of Mr. S.A. White in an explosion at Atherton’s Drugstore on October 31, 1963, resulted in his wife assuming full ownership of the company. Although her son-in-law, Wally Gresh, had started managing the day-to-day operations in 1955, Mrs. White later sold him 49% of her ownership stake, thus, ensuring that 51% of the company remained with the women in the family. This legacy persists today, positioning S.A. White Oil as one of the longest-standing women-owned businesses and an exemplification of strong and resilient leadership. Under the direction of her daughter, Suse Ann, and Wally Gresh, the company redirected its focus towards the home heating and installation business, quickly expanding beyond its initial ambitions of operating a modest grocery store and Sinclair gas pumps. Subsequently, the S.A. White Oil Company acquired several gas stations and laid the groundwork for the company we know today by becoming the first Georgia-based distributor for Fina, a brand linked with Petrofina, a Belgian oil company. Despite these numerous changes, the company remained consistent in its service and distinctly Marietta.

Today, at the helm of the company is Kim Gresh, the granddaughter of S.A. White, a remarkable individual with an unwavering and unapologetic dedication to her hometown of Marietta. S.A. White Oil is a critical provider of gasoline and diesel fuel to municipalities, including the city of Marietta, and major corporations like Lockheed Martin and C.W. Matthews. In addition to its base in the Atlanta area, S.A. White Oil extends its reach into South Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, providing fuel from well-known brands such as ARCO, Chevron, CITGO, Marathon, Texaco, and Valero. Using their fleet of 38 trucks the company ensures a seamless supply chain by purchasing gasoline directly from terminals and providing direct delivery to their customers. In 2002, Ms. Gresh started Mobilized Fuels to provide truck-to-truck fueling for their customers. Their comprehensive offerings also include bulk storage of diesel and gasoline, along with auxiliary services like hazmat training for the City of Marietta Fire Department.

Like all businesses, S.A. White Oil has faced adversity. During the 2008 financial crisis, several of its customers declared bankruptcy. However, the company's strategic diversification and preparedness helped it to weather these obstacles. By identifying growth opportunities within Atlanta's burgeoning construction sector, S.A. White Oil became a key partner for diesel fuel needs on construction sites. The company's talent acquisition and retention strategies have also helped it overcome workforce challenges, particularly those related to competitors actively poaching its drivers.

The trajectory of S.A. White Oil symbolizes the enduring spirit and adaptability of family-owned businesses. Starting from humble beginnings, the company has emerged as a thriving enterprise serving a diverse range of clients. Its journey is characterized by strategic diversification, relentless commitment to customer service, and a strong ability to overcome adversity, all of which have contributed to its longevity and success.

Apart from her time at the University of Miami, Kim has been a lifelong resident of Marietta, reflecting a deep commitment to the community. Her involvement with local nonprofits and civic organizations, such as the WellStar Foundation, the Earl Smith Strand Theatre, and a host of others, underscores her passion for local initiatives and community service. By continuing to manage the family business while giving back to her community, Kim is both a testament to, and a driver of the enduring legacy of S.A. White Oil.