Building a Business: The Story of Lindsay Oil Company

Our Roots: The Early Years

The roots of Lindsay Oil Company trace back to John B. Lindsay, born 1902. As a young boy in Seneca SC, he delivered telegrams around town, becoming a familiar face in the community. It was during this time that he earned the nickname “Boy” as the towns telegraph messenger.

In 1910, after meeting a local war veteran who had served as a Major, John was inspired to change his name to Major Sloan Lindsay. This new identity would become synonymous with the company’s early days and its commitment to service.

Major Lindsay

A Commitment to Service

Major Lindsay’s dedication to service extended far beyond his local community. At the age of 15, he lied about his age to enlist in World War I. Though the war ended before he could be deployed overseas, his early desire to serve laid the foundation for a lifetime of commitment to both business and country.

The Birth of Lindsay Oil Company

In 1926, Major Lindsay began his entrepreneurial journey by becoming a Gulf consignee under the Seneca division. By 1928 he had purchased the business outright, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become Lindsay Oil Company.

During World War II, Major Lindsay and a group of 12 local businessmen joined the Army. They petitioned to stay together and, thanks to their business expertise in logistics, finance and operations, were assigned to the Quartermaster Corps. This group would later become part of the Red Ball Express, an essential military supply line that supported General Patton after the D-Day invasion.

World War II and the Red Ball Express

Growth and Expansion: 1954 and Beyond

The company’s growth continued when, in 1954, it became a Phillips 66 Jobber, expanding its reach in the petroleum industry and laying the foundation for future growth.

A New Era: 1978 and the Coin Flip

In 1978, Lamar Bailes and Bill Brown, owners of the successful Linley Lumber Company in West Union, SC, acquired Lindsay Oil Company from a family member. A unique moment in Lindsay Oil’s history occurred when a coin flip determined the new leader of the company. Bill Brown, who “lost” the flip, took charge and led the company into an era of aggressive growth.

Bill’s leadership saw the company expand in the heating oil and gas sectors, utilizing acquisitions and strategic partnerships to grow the business. Through the innovative use of consignment, Lindsay Oil empowered small family-owned stores to compete effectively.

Under Bill’s leadership, Lindsay Oil grew to operate:

4 bulk plant locations
10 top-loading, 2,000-gallon tank wagons
2 tractor trailers

The fleet providing heating oil, farm diesel, and gasoline to communities across three counties.

Bill Brown

Military Service and Leadership

In addition to his business successes, Bill Brown had a distinguished military career. He served as a Colonel in the South Carolina National Guard and later retired with the rank of General, showing the same leadership in service to his country as he did in business.

The Next Generation: 2009 and Beyond

In 2009, William M. Brown II and Matthew C. Greene acquired Lindsay Oil Company, with William stepping in as President. Continuing the family’s tradition of service, William serves as a Colonel in the South Carolina National Guard and served overseas in Afghanistan.

Under William’s leadership, Lindsay Oil has continued to grow, with ongoing investments in modern technology and delivery systems. The company now operates:

5 bottom loading tank wagons
6 transport tankers
2 operational facilities: a bulk plant and a transportation yard.

We serve communities in Western North Carolina, Northern Georgia and the Upstate of South Carolina.

Matthew and Will

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Lindsay Oil Company, we’re proud of our history, but we remain focused on the future. Our commitment to delivering high quality fuel products, exceptional service, and cutting-edge technology ensures that we will continue to serve our communities for generations to come.