The Beginning of Kocolene -- Company History

In August, 1938, Mrs. Carrie M. Myers laid down a large portion of her life savings and picked up the entire capital stock of a very young oil company. Her money got her exactly two service stations, one in Seymour, the other in Columbus, Indiana, and an old, used tank truck. Both stations were so new, success or failure was an even money proposition. This was the setting for success.

From this beginning, Kocolene has grown to be one of the most respected independent oil companies in the Midwest. Kocolene expanded its operation over the years to 99 locations in nine states. Sales grew to over $150,000,000 annually and the workforce grew to near 600.

The name "Kocolene" came about in 1943 in an effort to create a new image for the company. The name of the company at that time was Keiser Oil Company. "Kocolene" was the result of taking the prefix "Koco" from Keiser Oil Company and adding the suffix “lene" because the company was in the gasoline/kerosene business.

The company's expansion over the next several years presented new and different questions of law, procedures, taxes, etc. and by coping with these questions, the company gained a certain maturity which was a great benefit in the years ahead. With all Kocolene locations staffed by salaried managers and its own trained field managers, the operations are under the singular control of the company's management. Kocolene is still a closely-held family corporation stressing teamwork and good communications. Future trends will dictate the changes necessary for success and Kocolene prides itself on its willingness to accept change as an element of growth.

Today, the company's headquarters is located in Seymour, Indiana at 2060 1st Avenue.