Celebrating 40 Years of Business

Celebrating 40 years as a successful, diversified pertroleum business, Campbell & Sons Oil Company continues a family tradition started by founder Claude H. Campbell. Before becoming a Texaco distributor, Claude pumped gas and changed oil for customers at his gas station on Drake Avenue. With a commitment to honest business principles, a dedication to hard work, attention to customer and employee needs, and a focus on growing his business, Claude eventually expanded into selling and distributing gasoline on a consignment basis. His success did not go unnoticed by Texaco, and he was offered a distributorship in Huntsville in 1969.

Business with a Handshake

Once known as C.H. Campbell Oil Company, Campbell & Sons is today the number one seller of gasoline in the Huntsville/Madison County area, and one of the largest gasoline jobbers in the state. The company distributes over 40 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel annually to customers throughout North Alabama through Texaco, Conoco, Chevron and C & S retail facilities.

Claude's work ethic, management style, and business savvy are today carried on by his sons, all of whom were required to start in the family business on the bottom rung before climbing the ladder to management positions and, eventually, ownership. Claude's oldest son, LaBronn, entered the business in 1975. Tony joined the company in 1977, and Alan followed suit in 1984. All three brothers took over management positions in the company before their father's retirement in 1988. LaBronn retired February 1, 2000.

"We still do business with a handshake," says Tony Campbell. "We stand by our word, and we stand together. In all our expansion plans, if even one brother is against a business venture, then we are all against it. Alan and I manage this company as a team."

Growing the Petroleum Business

Campbell & Sons has experienced constant growth throughout its history, with significant activity during the 1990s. The company provides gasoline and other petroleum products throughout Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan counties to over 80 Texaco, Conoco, C & S, and Chevron branded gasoline convenience stores. In addition, Campbell & Sons Lubricants, based in Decatur, supplies customers across North Alabama with motor oils, industrial lubricants, and greases.

"A lot of our growth can be attributed to the strong brand recognition that customers have with the Texaco, Conoco, and Chevron brand," Tony Campbell says. "But our growth is also a product of our dedication to providing the best service and the highest-quality product to our customers at a fair price, and to identifying business opportunities that expand our services in the market."

"We are proud of our success in Huntsville and North Alabama," Tony Campbell says. "And we will continue to provide our customers with the best product at the best price in locations that are safe, clean, and convenient."