Bridgman Oil Co., Inc. Receives Chamber Award

Bridgman Oil Co, Inc. Receives Chamber Small Business Spotlight Award

Hutchinson, Kansas (March 5, 2008) - Congratulations, to Bridgman Oil Company, Inc. for being selected as the March 2008 Small Business Spotlight Award Recipient. 

In 1960 Elmer O. Bridgman started selling Standard oil products as a commissioned agent in Mount Hope, Kansas and transferred to Burrton in 1964 to expand his sales territory. In 1976 Standard Oil sold Elmer Bridgman the business, and he started Bridgman Oil Company, selling petroleum products. In 1977, the Hutchinson location was purchased and the office was established at 109 Clay Street. The Hutchinson office handles all the accounting functions and dispatching of trucks for the company. With three cardtrol locations: Hutchinson, Burrton and Pleasantview, the Hutchinson location is the primary storage facility for propane.

Bridgman Oil Company, Inc. employs seven; Elmer O. Bridgman, President, Brad Thompson, Vice President, Troy Thode, Refined Fuel Driver, Daniel Proffitt, Propane Driver, Sheila Stevens, Office Manager, Mike Tharp, Transport Driver, and Jake Ramsey, Propane Driver. According to Thompson, “In a small business, you are who your employees are. Our employees and our equipment create our image.”

Bridgman Oil Company, Inc. not only depends on their employees they also rely on their customers. Serving Reno, Harvey, Sedgwick, McPherson and Rice County, Hutchinson and Reno County is considered to be the heart of the business, said Thompson. “We deliver fuel to farmers, which accounts for 60% of our business, the other 40% is split between commercial/industrial accounts and propane.” Bridgman Oil Company, Inc. currently has a fleet of two propane trucks, three refined fuel trucks, one refined fuel semi, a transport trailer and a service truck.

Thompson attributes the success of their business to “taking care of our customers and retaining quality employees. We pride ourselves in selling the best value to our customers and in supporting our employees.”

When asked why being a Chamber member is important to them, Thompson stated, “Being a Chamber member gives us a little exposure, and we believe in supporting the people that support us. It’s important to be involved to help both the community and other small businesses.”

The Small Business Council selected Bridgman Oil Company, Inc. from nominations made by Chamber members. The award is given monthly to a Chamber business that exemplifies community spirit and superior business practices. Nominees must be a Chamber member in good standing, been in business for at least three years, and employ fewer than 25 people.

The Small Business Spotlight Award is proudly sponsored by First National Bank of Hutchinson and Hutchinson Credit Union.

RELEASED BY:
Holly Schmidt, Director of Communications/Special Events
hollys@hutchchamber.com