1959

Robert H. Foster started Foster Fuels as a Gulf Oil Dealership with one 1500-gallon oil delivery truck. Sales volume for the first year was 200,000 gallons of home heating oil.

1967

After eight years of doing business, R.H. partnered with E.G. MacLauchlan to become MacLauchlan & Foster Oil Company, Inc. and moved into their official corporate headquarters on Main Street in Machias, Maine. There were a total of 6 employees on staff.

Additionally, in order to meet the demands of more customers, propane was added to the product mix.

1971

R.H. was quite dedicated to the employees of the company. When the home heating fuel delivery business winded down at the end of the season, the delivery drivers were given the opportunity to continue working for the company in its blueberry fields. This allowed employees to remain employed in the off-season.

1979

The existing Machias Energy Services building was built and the company became known as R.H. Foster, Inc.

1981

In an effort to be continuously effective with a growing customer base, R.H. Foster, Inc. had its first major computer system upgrade.

1985

The company made a strategic business decision to expand its business with the acquisition of its first convenience store, Ellsworth Mobil Mart.

1988

Snow’s Corner Mobil in Orrington, one of the company’s busiest stores was purchased.

1989

R.H. Foster, Inc. recognized the need to have a centrally located facility, so a facility in Hampden was built. Today, this location houses Hampden Energy Services and serves as the company’s corporate headquarters.

1991

Dan Foster began the Hampden retail oil business with the purchase of Rawcliffe’s, Inc.

1995

Again, in efforts to open up other avenues for efficiency and industry advantage, a partnership was formed called Pine Tree Propane, LLC. This allowed R.H. Foster, Inc. direct access to a local propane bulk plant with rail access in Hermon.

1999

With significant growth established, the company partnered with Maine Mobil Ventures to form R.H. Foster Energy, LLC

2005

With a new president, Robert W. Foster, and a continued focus towards its customers, the company boasted 18 convenience stores with a new proprietary food offering, FRESHIES® , in 9 of its locations.

2006

Already having a well-established convenience store following, R.H. Foster Energy, LLC recognized a need to offer its residential products to customers in the Downeast region. The company fulfilled that need with the opening of the newest facility, Ellsworth Energy Services.