"When in Need of Fuel - Think of Poole"
87 SE 7th Ave - PO Box 309    Ontario, OR 97914
Phone (541) 889-3128 or (800) 653-4125     FAX (541) 881-1465

THE POOLE MISSION

WE SHALL:

SHOW OUR PATRONS MORE RESPECT AND CONCERN THAN THEY EXPECTED.

SERVE OUR PATRONS QUICKLY & COURTEOUSLY.

OPERATE WITH SAFETY, CLEANLINESS & ENVIRONMENTAL CARE.

PROVIDE SUPERIOR QUALITY PRODUCTS.

Ken Poole and Ralph Poole, Owners

Company History

After working for Shell Oil Company for ten years, Norman Poole founded Poole Oil in May 1961 by purchasing the local consignees in Ontario, Oregon and Weiser, Idaho, and distributing fuel with three local tank wagon trucks.

In 1970 Norm purchased four retail stations and two bulk plants from Shell Oil, at that time Shell made Poole Oil a wholesale jobber.  In 1976 Poole Oil purchased its first truck/trailer for transporting fuel long distance.

Ralph Poole, Norms' oldest son, joined the company in 1979 and started operating the first three convenience stores.  In 1984 Ken Poole, Norm's younger son, joined the company.

In 1980 Poole Oil incorporated to become Norm Poole Oil, Inc.

In 1990 Norm Poole Oil, Inc. opened its first truck stop and acquired several convenience stores.

In 1996, Norm Poole Oil, Inc. purchased the Texaco contract from the La Grande, Oregon Texaco jobber and then converted that Texaco market to Shell.

The company restructured in 2000 and now leases its stores out to independent operations.

Presently, Norm Poole Oil, Inc. is involved in five cardlock sites and three bulk plants, which service numerous dealers, commercial and consumer accounts.

The company currently sells Shell and Sinclair branded fuels in Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho, carries a full line of Shell lubricating oils and grease products.  They are a Pacific Pride franchisee for all their cardlocks.

"WHEN IN NEED OF FUEL, THINK POOLE"

Norman Poole  

Norman Poole, founded Norm Poole Oil, Inc in 1961.  Norm graduated from Oregon State College, now Oregon State University in 1950.  Working for Shell Oil since leaving the military, Norm was offered a transfer to Detroit in 1961.  Norm and Marolyn decided to stay in the Pacific Northwest and in May 1961 Norm bought the local Shell Consignee in Ontario.  Norm was named Businessman of  the Year in 1983.  He is an avid supporter of Little League, Judo Boosters, and American Foreign Student Exchange.  Norm was also Chairperson of the Malheur County Juvenile Department, as well as belonging to Kiwanis and Chamber of Commerce.  In 1990 Norm turned the company over to his sons, Ralph and Ken.  Norm also has a daughter, Kathy, of Eugene and wife of 55 years, Marolyn.

Ralph Poole

Current President of Norm Poole Oil, Inc since 1990, Ralph worked in Portland, Oregon for two small companies following graduation from Oregon State University.  Ralph came to work for Poole Oil in 1979.  Ralph has been involved in various organizations and the city of Ontario over the years.  He has been a member of the local Optimist Club and served as president and in other offices.  He served on the local community college of Trustees for eight years and on their foundation board for six years.  Ralph has also served on Ontario city committees and helped coach both city and school sporting programs.  Ralph has been involved with several industry committees and organizations at the state and regional levels.  As all the Poole's are, Ralph is an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing in the Northwest.   Ralph is married to Nancy and they have two daughters, Sara and Lisa.

Ken Poole

Current sales manager of Norm Poole Oil, Ken is in charge of sales and operations.  Ken was Poole's first transport driver in 1975, and after several years with the U.S. Forest Service as a smokejumper, he returned to the family business full-time in 1984. Ken has been active in civic organizations.  He is a past president of the Ontario Rotary Club and  served as president of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in 1995.  Ken's involvement also include time on the Malheur County Fair Board, Ontario Little League Board, St. Peter School Board and youth coaching.  Ken is married to Noreen and they have a son, Andy and a daughter , Kailey.