Open For Business: Tri Gas & Oil

Back in the 50’s a Caroline County farmer stumbled onto a great idea that has turned into a very prosperous business, two generations later.

Nash McMahan’s granddad just wanted to be able to have enough fuel on-hand to heat his chicken houses, but a nearby business encouraged him to take it a step further.

“They wanted to supply their own chicken houses with their own fuel supply. He came back and started filling his own poultry houses and others in the area started realizing what he was doing and asked if he could supply them to,” says McMahan.

It was a business venture that really took off.

Today, Tri Gas & Oil now serves over 20,000 customers all over the region.

“Today, we are a multi-faceted business. We operate taking care of commercial, agricultural and residential all throughout Delmarva. We’re also on the Western Shore with an Annapolis office,” shares McMahan.

Tri Gas & Oil employs about 150 workers in different roles delivering propane, kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuels.

They operate an HVAC company called Comfort Plus Services.

Since they are essential, the company has come up with new ways to keep themselves and their customers safe during this time.

“Most of our customers have been very comfortable with us coming to make a delivery to a tank. One of the things we do require is when the driver expects to see a customer they have to wear a face mask,” shares company chairman, Keith McMahan.

The company has implemented other measures to keep workers and customers safe, but Nash says that’s just part of their business model and what he loves about the company.

“It really gives us a sense of comfort and peace that we’re able to give back to the communities that we’re allowed to serve,” beams Nash.