history of Service

On March 15, 1951, after returning from service as a Marine, Harlon J. Kimbro, Sr. began his career selling tires, batteries, and accessories in Nashville, laying the foundation for what would become Kimbro Oil Company.

During the 1950s, the Pan-American Petroleum marketing system transitioned to the American Oil Company brand as part of a broader reorganization under Standard Oil of Indiana. This shift expanded branded fuel distribution across the Southeast and marked the beginning of Harlon’s long-standing relationship with the American Oil network.

As American Oil introduced the Amoco brand nationally, Harlon deepened his relationship within the company’s distribution network. These partnerships helped position the business for long-term growth in branded fuel distribution.

Following the success of the Amoco business, Harlon acquired his partner’s interest and officially established Kimbro Oil Company as an independent jobber, marking the formal beginning of the Kimbro legacy.

On June 1, 1975, William and Butch officially joined their father in the business, helping expand the company’s operations and vision. Their leadership, alongside the strength and support of the entire Kimbro family, helped usher in the next generation of growth.

Kimbro Oil expanded operations across Tennessee, establishing a strong state presence.

Harlon J. Kimbro, Sr. served as President of the Tennessee Oil Marketers Association (TOMA), reinforcing the company’s leadership within the industry.

In June 1986, Harlon J. Kimbro, Sr. passed away. His children carried forward not only the business, but his unwavering commitment to integrity, community, and service.

Kimbro Oil acquired M&M Oil Company, Wagner Oil Company, Ingram Oil Company, and Cameron Oil Company, expanding geographic reach and strengthening branded supplier relationships with Amoco, CITGO, Shell, and Phillips 66.

William Kimbro served as President of the Tennessee Oil Marketers Association (TOMA), continuing the family’s influence and leadership in the fuel industry.

William Kimbro served as Chairman of the Amoco National Jobber organization, representing independent fuel distributors nationwide.

Following the acquisition of six Aztec convenience stores in 2000, Tri Star Energy was formed. In 2001, the joint venture was formalized with Kimbro Oil Company becoming an owner alongside Shell and The Parman Corporation. Kimbro’s retail convenience store assets transitioned to Tri Star, allowing Kimbro Oil to focus on its core strengths in wholesale fuel and lubricants distribution.

Kimbro formed a strategic partnership with Petro-Canada Lubricants, expanding its high-performance lubricants portfolio and reinforcing its reputation for quality and reliability.

Kimbro acquired its lubricants bulk plant, expanding storage capacity and strengthening its wholesale lubricants distribution network.

The Pediatric Surgical Care Unit at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital was dedicated in honor of Harlon J. Kimbro, Sr., reflecting his deep commitment to community and compassionate care.

Tri Star Energy launched the Twice Daily convenience store brand and White Bison Coffee while expanding its footprint across the Southeast through strategic acquisitions, including Scot Market, Cone Oil Company, Huddleston Oil Company, Hollingsworth Oil Company (Sudden Service stores), Cox Oil (Little General Stores), Magness Oil Company in Arkansas, Southeastern Oil Company in Alabama, Herndon Oil Company (Southern Traders), Agee Oil Company, and Cumberland Oil Company. Today, Tri Star Energy operates a growing portfolio of retail brands including Twice Daily, White Bison Coffee, Sudden Service, Little General, and Honeysuckle Markets.

Kimbro launched its Reliability Lab, enhancing technical diagnostics, fuel quality assurance, and equipment performance, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence.

Kimbro entered into a U.S. partnership with Delta-Xero, a United Kingdom based filtration technology company. Through the agreement, Kimbro is helping bring Delta-Xero’s advanced fuel purification and reliability solutions to customers across the United States

Brooke Kimbro Vizard served as President of the Tennessee Fuel & Convenience Store Association (formerly TOMA) , marking continued multi-generational leadership within the industry.

Ownership expanded to include the third generation, reinforcing the family’s long-term stewardship and commitment to responsible growth.