Since 1922, Buckley Oil Company has provided quality solvents and lubricants at a good price with the best possible service
Written by Militza Richard & Produced by Sean Bakke
Headquartered in Dallas, TX, Buckley Oil Company has provided quality solvents and lubricants to a variety of industries for more than 80 years. Founded by R.E. Buckley in 1922, the company stayed with the Buckley family for three generations, passing to Jack Buckley who relocated the company to its current Dallas headquarters, and then to Tom Buckley, who managed the company until 1993.
R. E. Dodson acquired ownership and control of the company on Nov. 3, 1993. Dodson, who has been active in the lubricant and solvent business in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1966, kept the original company name, seeing Buckley Oil Company as a strong family-owned business in need of someone to carry on the tradition.
The Dodson family has done just that. R.E. and his son, R.E. (Dodd) Dodson II have grown and improved upon the company’s offerings. In 1996, the company acquired TransChemical, Inc. of Wichita Falls, TX. TransChemical, which had been serving northwest Texas for 34 years, became Buckley Oil Company’s Wichita Fall plant, which has 200,000 gallons of storage and has opened new marketing areas.
In 2007, the company became a three-generation business when R.E.’s grandson Robert Rice joined the company as a salesman. Rice has followed in the footsteps of his successful grandfather, helping to bring the company to the next level. He even attended the same college as both Dodsons – R.E., Dodd, and Robert Rice all graduated from Texas Christian University in 1961, 1992, and 2007 respectively.
MINERAL WELLS FACILITY
With a strong history and three generations of Dodsons at the helm, Buckley Oil Company plans continued growth in the North Texas/Oklahoma market. “Our intent is to stay independent and to be competitive on a regional basis,” explains General Manger Mark Riggs.
The new Mineral Wells Facility is a key component in the company’s plan to continue to grow and improve its offerings and services. “The new facility will allow us to do more blending and packaging for a wide variety of customers,” says Riggs.
“It will allow us to better take care of our west customers,” adds owner R.E. Dodson. “It will give us more ability to serve our customers with additional inventory.”
With the addition of the Mineral Wells plant, the company is well positioned for growth as the economy turns around. “We’ve been able to hold our own pretty well during the economic slump,” says Dodson. “If we are okay in this environment, we think we can continue to grow as the environment continues to improve.”
Although Dodson admits revenues have been down this year, he says the company has been able to
retain profit margins and pass savings on to customers.
The company is still hiring and remains focused on the customer. “We have been blessed to be able to withstand the economy and continue to give the level of service our customers expect,” Dodson says.
With loyal customers, including large volume customers such as Berryman Products, Zep Manufacturing, BJ Chemical Service, Quicksilver Resources, Chevron Phillips, Bodycote Thermal Processing, Gulfstream Aerospace and Technical Chemical to name a few, Buckley Oil Company continues to operate at a steady pace.
FOLLOWING LEGISLATION
Understanding and following regulatory legislation and rule changes is vital as the company continues to grow. Quality Control Director Linda Henry oversees all regulatory work.
“The rules will change, and we have to change with them,” says Riggs. “You have to play by the rules. It’s the only way you survive 80-plus years like we have.” The company is also a member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors and credits the association’s Responsible Distribution Process program with helping it manage risks.
Credit for Buckley Oil Company’s success also goes to “the hard work of all employees and their dedication to Buckley,” says Dodson. The company provides continuous training for its employees including safety, product and sales training as well as healthcare, life insurance and 401K.
“We are blessed with people that care and have made a career out of working at Buckley,” says Riggs. He has been with the company for 23 years, and says there are many who have been with the firm for over 15 years.
Riggs and Dodson take pride in their flat management structure where everyone is given a voice and say the company’s local structure allows them to get things done more quickly than their counterparts with a wider geographical base.
In 2007, the company was named as a Cornerstone Company by the Dallas Historical Society along with only 58 other companies, further emphasizing the company’s ties to the region. “We were honored to be recognized,” says Dodson. “We believe our longevity has helped the community, our customers and our employees.” Buckley Oil has also been recognized multiple times as one of the 100 largest chemical distributors by Purchasing Magazine.
FACTS AT A GLANCE:
Company Name: Buckley Oil Company
President: R.E. Dodson
General Manager: Mark Riggs
Operations: Distributor of lubricants, solvents and petrochemicals
Established: 1922
Employees: 36
Revenue: $25 million
www.buckleyoil.com
View Digital Corporate Profile of BuckleyOil in SupplyChain Digital December 2009