70 Years of Growth for Santa Energy

Nov. 11, 2010 - PRLog -- Connecticut, Bridgeport – November 4, 2010 – Santa Energy made its first oil delivery 70 years ago.  Despite the ups and downs of the economy over the past seven decades, the company has grown consistently by expanding its definition of what a family business should be.

Today, Santa Energy is one of the area’s largest suppliers of heating oil to homes in Southern Connecticut and is also a leading supplier of petroleum, natural gas and electricity to businesses and institutions throughout New England.  Its roots, however, are more humble.  The business began in the fall of 1940 when Stephen and Madeline Santa purchased a fuel truck and began delivering kerosene to friends and neighbors in Stratford and Bridgeport.  

Tom Santa, the current CEO of Santa Energy and grandson of the founders, is proud of where his company has come from and where it is today.  “My grandparents were true entrepreneurs.  They had a dream and pursued it successfully.  They built a solid business which has served as the foundation for all of our subsequent growth, but their real brilliance came in turning the reigns of the business over to their four sons early in their careers.”

The second generation of Santas, George, Bud, Norm and John, dramatically changed the business.  Under their management, Santa Energy expanded residential sales, entered the commercial heating oil, diesel and gasoline business and launched Inland Fuel Terminals Inc., Santa Energy’s wholesale fuel operation.  

“My uncles learned from their parents and knew that for the business to continue successfully, it needed a solid transition plan in place,” explained Santa.  “This has allowed Santa Energy to remain a family business today and I am blessed to work with other family members.”  Tom Santa’s cousins, Ed Santa and Peter Russell as well as his brother John F. Santa are key members of the team.  “We each bring different skills to the business but each of us has the same background and commitment to Santa Energy.  And if a customer ever wants to speak to a Santa, we are available.”

As the third generation of Santas has led the business, Santa Energy expanded into the commercial natural gas and electricity businesses and transformed Santa from a local heating oil company into a major regional energy supplier.  Santa commented, “Sometimes family businesses can get so focused on themselves, that they forget the world is constantly changing and the choices are to innovate and grow or call it quits and sell the business.  We chose the former.”

“However, our growth is not solely due to those with the Santa surname,” commented Santa.  “While we are a family business, we have also hired experienced energy experts outside of the family who brought in new ideas and which helped grow Santa Energy.”  Santa went on to say, “From a mom & pop operation we have evolved to a team of dedicated professionals but our success is due to more than just the ability to hire best-in-class employees.”   Santa explained, “In a real sense, all of our employees are family and their dedication to the company and our customers is extraordinary.  They are the reason why we have so many loyal customers and I know they will continue to lead the way for Santa Energy.”  

Santa Energy also actively supports a wide range of community organizations from hospitals to little league ball teams, churches, environmental groups and more.  Tom Santa himself serves on a number of boards and was the Ringmaster for Bridgeport’s 2010 Barnum Festival but he is quick to shine the light on others, “Our employees, at every level of the organization, donate their time to organizations such as Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity and even use their job skills to install heating equipment in the homes of people in need.  Santa Energy began by serving its neighbors and I am pleased that our entire organization remains committed to supporting them.”

Santa summarized his opinion on why Santa Energy has been in business for 70 years.  “Santa Energy is a family business, but our success is due to treating employees and customers as family.”  Santa concluded, “I look forward to seeing the Santa Energy family grow for another 70 years.”  

Santa Energy Corporation is a third generation, family-owned energy company based in Bridgeport.  Santa Energy offers heating and motor fuels, oil, natural gas, electricity as well as heating and air conditioning service and equipment to homeowners, businesses and institutions throughout New England.

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For over 70 years, Santa Energy Corporation has been fulfilling the complete energy needs of its customers - supplying petroleum, natural gas and electricity to homeowners, businesses and institutions throughout New England.