McDougall Energy Celebrates 75th Anniversary
By Angela Altass
McDougall Energy, a Northern Ontario success story, is celebrating 75 years in business. Continuing to honour its humble roots from Thessalon, Ontario, the trusted energy supplier has grown into a dynamic multi-branded fuel retailer, delivering to residential, commercial and retail fuel customers across Ontario. The business is preparing to celebrate this milestone with its team across its regions throughout the year.
McDougall Energy has displayed a commitment to giving back to the communities it operates within through donations and sponsorships to organizations, charities and teams. The company has been recognized for its community involvement by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce in the 2023 Outstanding Business Achievement Awards for Community Investment and was recognized as Company of the Year at the Northern Ontario Business Awards in 2023.
“As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are humbled by the unwavering support of our communities and the incredible dedication of our team,” says Darren McDougall, president, McDougall Energy. “Their hard work, passion, and commitment have been the driving force behind our success. When my grandfather started this business in 1949, the world looked very different. But, despite all the changes and challenges we’ve faced over the years, we’ve adapted, grown, and thrived and that’s all thanks to the hard work and dedication of our amazing team. We look forward to commemorating this milestone with them throughout the year and are honoured to give back to the communities that have been integral to our journey. We look forward to continuing our legacy of making a positive impact for many years to come.”
With 14 branches across Ontario and over 800 team members, McDougall Energy operates in residential, commercial and retail spaces with nearly 300 fleet units on the road delivering propane, heating oil, lubricants, diesel exhaust fluid, and fuels.
Established in 1949 by Allan and Lucy McDougall as McDougall Fuels, the business has grown considerably over the years through various acquisitions; the most recent being the acquisition of Dowler-Karn Limited’s fuel, propane and lubricant business in 2022.
Allan and Lucy’s son Bryan joined the business in 1968 and expanded the company into the home heating market. Bryan and his wife Joy took over ownership of McDougall Fuels in 1973 after Allan retired and the following year the company doubled in size by amalgamating with the Esso agency in Blind River. McDougall Fuels transitioned to third generation ownership in 1998 when Bryan and Joy’s children Darren, Jennifer and Chris took over the business.
It was in 2005 when McDougall entered into the retail and convenience store market by opening a corporately owned Esso gas station and convenience store in Sault Ste. Marie. Additional locations would later be opened in Thunder Bay (2006); Elliot Lake (2007); Sault Ste. Marie (2013); Blind River, Nairn Centre, Thunder Bay (2014-2016); London and Strathroy (2023). Today, McDougall Energy owns and operates 20 branded retail fuel locations across Ontario and supports a network of cardlock locations.
As McDougall Energy has grown through acquisitions, it has been able to expand its’ retail offerings to new regions, leveraging existing relationships and customer bases. McDougall Energy supplies fuel to a network to dealers across Ontario and is a marketer and distributor of Esso, Mobil, Shell, and Pump, as well as unbranded fuels and related products. It has a broker sales agreement with Alimentation Couche-Tard and the well-known Circle K brand.
McDougall Fuels rebranded as McDougall Energy Inc. in 2008 and the corporate head office was relocated to Sault Ste. Marie the following year. McDougall Energy established Pump, a proprietary retail station for the auto market in Ontario and British Columbia, in 2009-2010.
McDougall Energy is proud to be a platinum club member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. The business was first recognized in 2011 and has requalified each year, achieving platinum club status in 2018.
“Being named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies is a testament to our long-standing commitment to our customers and employees,” says McDougall. “We are honoured to receive this recognition, particularly in our 75th year of operation. Each year we requalify in the program, the award validates our efforts in sustainability, financial performance, strategic planning, and culture. We have a long history of delivering reliable energy solutions to customers throughout Canada and remain committed to connecting our customers to the energy solutions of today and tomorrow with reliable service and responsible business practices.”
The owners of McDougall Energy attribute the company’s success to a dynamic team who are dedicated to delivering customized solutions to meet customer needs, improve lives, and enrich communities. “Our business is built on our commitments of trust, care, ambition, excellence,” says McDougall. “These values and commitments are at the core of who we are and what we stand for. We are proud of the culture we have built and believe it has provided us with the strong foundation you need to continue operating a business, especially after 75 years.”
McDougall Energy looks to continue to adapt and evolve with the industry and plans to continue to diversify product offerings and brand connections. The company is committed to growing the retail fuel side of its business and remains focused on organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
McDougall acknowledges appreciation to the team members who contribute to the ongoing success of the organization as well as the partners, customers, and friends who have supported McDougall Energy over the years and he looks ahead with confidence for the future of the company.
“As we look ahead, we are committed to delivering exceptional energy solutions and adapting to the evolving needs of our customers,” says McDougall. “We are well positioned to lead the way in the energy industry and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Further information on McDougall Energy, including details on the company’s history, is available at www.mcdougallenergy.com.
