Company History

Supreme Petroleum, Inc. is a 2nd generation company based in Suffolk, Virginia.  The company was founded in 1970 by James "Jim" Russell as a family owned and operated business.  It began as a one gasoline station operation and quickly grew to a multi-store chain and a wholesale gasoline distributor. The family business continued rapid growth with the acquisition of Darden Oil Company in 1985 enabling the company to diversify into the home heating oil business and expand its main service areas west.

Jim had two sons that joined the family business.  His oldest son, James "Bo" Russell, Jr. joined the company in 1989 and in 1992, William C. Russell, also known as Corey, joined the ranks.  The company continued on its course of sustainable growth through key real estate acquisitions and diversification into the restaurant, home heating and air conditioning service business.

In 1999, the company launched its own brand of gasoline, "Supreme", to provide company operated and dealer operated sites with a more competitive alternative to the "major" brand dominated markets.  The brand continues to grow in the Tidewater, Virginia market.

Today, the company is a distributor of Shell, Crown, Pure, and Supreme branded fuels and heating oils.  Although we divested the home heating oil business in the early 2000’s, we continue to operate convenience stores, wholesale fuels to a dealer network, and provide fuel transportation and delivery services through a fleet of tanker trailers and tractors. We continue to focus primarily in the Hampton Roads, Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina markets. 

Supreme Petroleum continues to grow by the dedication of its owners and employees while providing the high level of personal service that its customers have come to expect.

Mission Statement

Supreme Petroleum, Inc. is a company that was established on the basis of good family values.  We strive to maintain these values by promoting safety, honesty, and good work ethics to our family of employees and customers.  We believe that providing a good working environment will in turn make us a more desirable place of employment.  We also recognize that as a service oriented business we have an obligation to the community and environment in which we operate to provide safe conditions, friendly customer service, and support of those seeking to better the community in which we work and live.

Community Involvement

charities

  • We participate as a company to the United Way of South Hampton Roads.
  • Participate in the Shamrock Sell-A-Thon fundraising campaign for the March of Dimes Foundation.
  • Participate in the "Operation Smile" fundraising campaign.
  • Members of our local Chamber of Commerce.
  • Sponsor and donate to many special events and community development programs such as the:
    Suffolk Peanut Festival
    Ruritan Shrimp Festival
  • Sponsor local athletic clubs such as the:
    Suffolk Youth Athletic Association
    Nansemond Suffolk Academy Sports Association
  • Numerous other local small fundraisers