Some of Jack Stafstrom’s earliest memories on the job involve putting on his snowpants during a winter storm—not to go sledding, but to help his father, Greg Stafstrom, deliver heating fuel.
“I remember being a younger kid and hopping out of the oil truck with my snowpants on so I could climb on the snowbanks and help pull the hose to the fill pipe. I also remember being out in West Hartford and going down South Main Street in a snowstorm. We were the only oil truck on the road that day but those people that we were bringing fuel to were very appreciative. We were out in those conditions bringing the people the fuel they needed to stay warm and safe,” Jack Stafstrom said. He is now the current dispatch manager at his family’s business, Springbrook Ice and Fuel Service in New Britain, Connecticut.
When it comes to the business, family memories are deeply intertwined with personal ones for both father and son. It’s not just what they do, but a real part of who they are. Greg Stafstrom began working at Springbrook Ice and Fuel Service as a senior in high school, and after graduating from college, he went on to purchase the business.
“We continue to offer that personal service,” Greg Stafstrom said. “We’re not a utility. You know—we are the ones answering the phones after hours. We are the ones responding to emergency service calls within an hour’s time. We are the ones out there on Christmas Day when you wake up and find you have no heat in your house. Our customer service means everything to us. If you need us, we’ll be there.”
The father and son duo were interviewed for the latest episode of the podcast Mission Possible, produced by Connecticut Energy Marketers Association. (CEMA) The purpose of the podcast is to highlight how the home heating fuel industry in Connecticut and the region has evolved since its inception and how the customer service the industry provides is beyond compare.
“Our company has been around for more than 100 years and while our fuel has changed, our customer service has not changed,” Greg Stafstrom said. “The sulfur content of the fuel we sell now has dramatically changed as well as the efficiency of the equipment. It’s really an exciting time to be in the home heating fuel industry.”
In addition, the ultra-low sulfur heating oil is also mixed with biodiesel fuel made from 100% renewable sources that would otherwise be wasted, like soybean oil, canola oil, used cooking oils, animal fats and more.
“I think for the most part, people when they hear oil, you know, think that it’s messy,” Jack said. “The good news is we can change the story. We are selling a cleaner product that’s better for the environment. And one day, we can also get to net zero using these kinds of fuels for a brighter future.”
With this product, the father/son team predict huge market growth for the industry especially when customers realize how expensive it is to convert to other electric heat sources.
“This whole innovation in renewable fuels is going to carry our industry for another generation or more,” Greg added. “In addition, we can still provide that hometown personal service. A company like ours is very connected to the community. We do an awful lot to support the community, nonprofit organizations, and our employees volunteer their time, talent, and treasure. This is just such an exciting time to turn the corner and have a product that will be able to sustain this industry and help the environment.”
You can watch the podcast on YouTube and listen to it on many podcasting platforms including Spotify.
Show notes:
Mission Possible: Delivering Cleaner Fuel Today highlights our members and how their businesses have changed over the years by delivering cleaner, greener fuel. We also talk about federal and state electrification efforts, the good work our members do for their communities, and how they care about their customers. CEMA stands for Connecticut Energy Marketers Association. The show is hosted by Shelly Sindland, CEMA’s director of communications.