Crystal Flash moves fuels to homes, businesses, fleets and farms.
We deliver propane, premium diesel and other fuel products. But our products don’t define us as much as our service does.
We stay true to our values and strive to take our reputation to the next level.
Our Purpose: To bring the energy that powers your success.
Our Core Values:
- Integrity in everything we do.
- Safety for people and the environment.
- Customer service in a caring, professional way.
- Open communications, teamwork and diversity.
- Pride in Crystal Flash.
We have offices located throughout Michigan. We are active in the communities where we live and work and are proud to give back through several areas of philanthropic support. You might see us at the county fair or fundraiser events. As a local business and neighbor, we love to connect with our customers.
Our Story
History
1932 - Open for Business
John E. Fehsenfeld founded us in 1932 with one old truck and a rented fuel storage facility in Indianapolis, IN.
1936 - Moved to Grand Rapids
John’s oldest son Frank, moved to Grand Rapids, MI in 1936 to operate a wholesale petroleum distributorship.
1938 - Retail Gasoline
In 1938, John and his brother Jack Jr. entered the retail fuel market with a small filling station in Ionia called F&J’s.
1940 - Home Heat
In 1940, we entered the home heating business, selling heating oil for $0.06 a gallon.
1970 - Arctic Air
The second coldest January in 50 years kept fuel oil drivers working seven days a week making sure our customers’ needs were met.
1975 - Self-Serve Gasoline
Crystal Flash in Paw Paw became the first in Michigan to offer self-serve gasoline.
1982 - Used Oil Collection
We opened a Used Oil Collection Department which we kept until 2011 when we sold our Environmental Services division to Heritage Crystal Clean.
1988 - Propane
We entered the propane business with a single 30,000-gallon tank and a few 500-gallon tanks.
1989 - Fleet Fueling
We expanded into commercial fleet fueling and made a commitment to the natural environment by upgrading underground storage tanks, years ahead of EPA requirements.
2002 - Sold Gas Stations
We remained in the retail gasoline business until 2002, when we sold 32 gas stations to Speedway.
2010 - Carrier of the Year
For the fifth consecutive year, we were named “Carrier of the Year” in safety performance by Marathon Petroleum LLC.
2012 - Expanding Our Footprint
Between 2012 and 2013, we acquired six Michigan fuel companies to better service our customers.
2013 - Polar Vortex
The winter of 2013 was brutal. Due to prudent forecasting, we were able to honor all of our contract prices despite nationwide supply shortages.
2014 - Continued Growth
We acquired two Michigan fuel companies, Owens Petroleum, Inc. in Albion and the Home Heat Division of Brenner Oil Group.
2016 - 100% Employee-Owned
We established an ESOP and became a 100% employee-owned company.
2017 - Expanding in the South
As part of our continued growth plan, we acquired Lenawee Farm Bureau Oil Cooperative Inc. in southeast Michigan and Richardson Oil and Knapp Energy, Inc. in southwest Michigan.
2018 - Expansion in the Southeast
We acquired Harris Oil in southeast Michigan.
2019 - Growth in West Michigan
Our growth continues with the addition of Kohley Superior Propane in West Michigan.
2020 - Michigan ESOP Company of the Year
The Michigan Chapter of The ESOP Association presented us with its highest award for employee-owned businesses.
2021 - Growth in the Midwest
We acquired family-owned fuels and propane transport provider J-M Transports, our first acquisition outside the state of Michigan. Our new Midwest Transportation Office is now established.
2022 - 90 Years
We celebrated our 90th anniversary and are looking forward to serving our customers for decades to come!