What Frontline Teams Teach Us About Leadership

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Read Executive Vice President – Energy & Specialty Solutions Lance Puckett’s latest LinkedIn article, as shown below, sharing how our frontline teams are helping propel us into the future while fulfilling our commitment to meet needs, support families and serve customers.

A great business strategy doesn’t start with an organizational chart, operating model or blueprint for execution. The greatest assets to any strategy are often the ones closest to the work — people. For more than 70 years, our frontline teams have been the foundation of our success — helping serve customers, solving challenges and driving our business forward every day. Whether they’re creating sustainable products in our refineries, operating a plant, supporting customers, driving a truck or working on a towboat, frontline employees see opportunities, identify challenges and understand what it takes to deliver high-quality results day after day. 

At Ergon, we’ve experienced significant growth, including within our Energy & Specialty Solutions business segment. Growth is exciting, but it also serves as a reminder that a business strategy doesn’t just succeed because of what’s written in a plan. It succeeds because of the people who bring that plan to life every day. They can identify opportunities and help keep our business moving forward. Effective leaders recognize the importance of those perspectives. They listen, learn and remove obstacles that may halt progress, ensuring frontline teams have the support they need to succeed.  

Across Ergon, our frontline teams shape the everyday employee experience and our culture. Crews come together to complete refinery turnarounds, test asphalt materials from regional labs and transfer products along our integrated transportation network, setting the tone for collaboration across our family of businesses. Teams also reinforce our values and demonstrate what it means to work safely, efficiently and with purpose. Their commitment builds engagement, provides a level of quality and service our customers expect, and promotes the culture of Ergon for generations to come. Employees want to know their contributions matter, that their voices are heard and that their leaders genuinely care about their Purposeful Growth. That’s the culture we promote at Ergon. When leaders genuinely create that environment, employees are more engaged, more motivated and more willing to go the extra mile for one another. 

At the end of the day, all of our initiatives begin with people. The stronger our frontline teams are, the stronger our business becomes. One of the greatest responsibilities of leaders is to listen to those who are on the frontline, invest in their success and never lose sight of the fact that they are the ones who make plans a reality. 

More Than a Sale: Relationships the Ergon Way

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As a family company, Ergon has always placed a high value on relationships. We view our employees and customers as part of our extended family, and that perspective influences how we work together, serve others and make decisions. In the article below, Chin Wei, Regional Product Manager for Ergon Asia, shares how this approach contributes to Ergon’s success and the success of our customers — and why the two go hand in hand.

By Chin Wei, Regional Product Manager, Ergon Asia

Building relationships is not simply a business strategy for us. It is part of who we are.

Yes, we want to provide products and services that give our customers a competitive advantage. That means anticipating their needs, staying informed about developments in manufacturing and infrastructure and sharing information that can help them succeed well into the future. But being a people-first organization means looking beyond the transaction to understand the people, businesses and communities affected by what we do.

Sometimes that happens through a technical conversation or a visit to a customer’s facility. Other times, it happens in more unique settings.

Business Powered by Relationships
Recently, Ergon hosted the first Formula HyVolt electric go-kart racing customer event in Singapore. While the event offered customers a chance to enjoy a little friendly competition, it also created a natural setting for conversations about global electrification.

Electric vehicles and other technologies powered by electricity depend on reliable electrical infrastructure. Transformer oils, including Ergon’s HyVolt Dielectric Fluids, play an important role in helping that infrastructure operate safely and efficiently.

For me, electric go-kart racing was the perfect way to start conversations about the importance of dependable dielectric fluids and where Ergon is headed.

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Formula HyVolt is one example of how our teams connect what is happening in the world — and what our customers enjoy — with the challenges they face and the solutions we can provide. Across our business segments, we look for opportunities to learn more about our customers, strengthen relationships and better understand how we can support them.

That is why a golf tournament is rarely just a golf tournament. It can also be an opportunity to spend time with customers and give back to a charitable organization. Attending a customer’s child’s event, celebrating a graduation or new family member or checking in during a difficult season may not be part of a sales agreement, but those moments matter. They help turn business connections into lasting relationships.

The same care shapes how we view the products and services we provide. When Ergon supplied HyVolt for Australia’s Project EnergyConnect, we were doing more than supplying dielectric fluid for transformers. Our product became part of a major transmission line project designed to strengthen Australia’s electrical grid, support the integration of renewable energy and help provide reliable power across the region.

Understanding that bigger purpose helps us serve customers more thoughtfully. A company may need dielectric fluid, asphalt, transportation or another product or service, but there are always people and communities behind that need.

Our mission is to meet needs, support families and serve customers. We can only do that well when we take the time to listen, connect and understand what people truly need. That commitment reflects our Core Value of Respectful Relationships and a belief that has guided Ergon for generations: Business may begin with a product or service, but lasting success is built through genuine care for people. That’s the Ergon way.

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A First for Ergon Asia: Interns Gain International Experience

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At Ergon, we are dedicated to investing in future leaders. Through interactive, hands-on engagement, we aim to provide opportunities that help students gain invaluable knowledge and develop expertise for their professional careers. 

Ergon Asia hosted the first class of interns in April 2026 as part of an eight-week internship program. This opportunity allowed two students to learn about our operations, processes and companies around the world. We appreciate our interns’ commitment to gaining real-world experience and connecting with industry professionals. 

An Opportunity Like No Other 

As Rhyan Plumlee, Vice President – Sales, noted, Ergon partners with Global Academic Ventures (GAV) to help bring study abroad opportunities to students around the world. GAV assists applicants by connecting them with companies, interviews and learning opportunities. They reached out to see if Ergon Asia would be interested in hosting interns.  

For Hope Rosen and Jozelyn Chen, Ergon Asia’s first two interns, it was an opportunity they simply couldn’t pass up. 

“Being one of the first interns here is really cool because everyone here is just so kind and so sweet,” Hope said gleefully. 

The New Jersey native and junior at Elon University, studying supply chain management and economic consulting, shared that the opportunity stood out from the beginning. “The employees were so welcoming, and it seemed like they had exciting projects in store for us. I feel like we’ve been able to work on a lot of interesting and insightful projects,” Hope said. 

Hailing from Long Island, New York, Jozelyn Chen, a senior at Bucknell University majoring in accounting with a minor in Chinese, shared similar sentiments. 

“Ergon was one of the only companies that asked me, ‘How did this impact your life? How did studying abroad previously impact your personal and professional career?’ Jozelyn shared. “Being the only company that asked me those questions, I felt a warm presence from them. They wanted to get to know me and work with me. But this was an interactive experience, too. I would get to work with a company and integrate myself within their operations, which was what I wanted.” 

And they did just that. 

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The first day started with in-depth research into Ergon’s history, operations and functions. 

“I learned how operations worked in the oil industry, especially transformer oils. I also learned about supply chain management, along with demand and forecasting,” Hope noted.

Then it was time to take it up a notch. 

“For demand planning, I was able to work on projects analyzing incoterms and free trade agreements (FTAs). Jozelyn and I worked on that together. Another thing I’ve been doing is creating a weekly newsletter, updating everyone on what’s currently happening in the supply chain,” she continued.  

Jozelyn loved having the opportunity to gain additional finance experience and expand her horizons outside her comfort zone. She also participated in acquisition target analysis and researching companies.

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Home Away From Home 

Thousands of miles from home, Ergon’s family-like culture created a familiar feeling. From sitting in on meetings and listening to the Ergon Asia team collaborate, Hope and Jozelyn said they were fully integrated into project planning, forecasting and team bonding activities. 

“A bunch of people from the office all went on a bike ride together at one of the parks, and then we went out for seafood afterward. It was fun getting to bond. When it was my birthday, everyone surprised me with a cake. When they say the Ergon culture is like family, I feel like it truly is because everyone just bonds together, and the environment is just so great,” Hope reflected. 

Jozelyn added, “It shows a lot of their dedication to helping us grow and helping us learn. They took the time to meet with me and talk through my projects and what they do. It was really helpful, too.” 

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Looking Ahead to the Future 

As their internship with Ergon Asia approached its final week, each took home an invaluable experience that will guide them in their career paths. 

“One thing that I’ll definitely apply to my career journey is finding an environment that mirrors Ergon,” Jozelyn said. “Also, working with so many of the financial aspects and interpreting and researching finances for Ergon broadened my horizons into looking beyond accounting and exploring what else I could do outside of typical industries.” 

“I’ve learned what type of leadership I want to look up to and what type of leader I would potentially want to become one day. I learned a lot more about global shipping and truly how current events impact everyday supply chain activities,” Hope added. 

After wrapping up their experience as Ergon Asia’s first interns, they shared a piece of advice for students interested in studying abroad: Take advantage of every opportunity, learn the ropes and connect with your team members. We remain committed to investing in future generations so they, too, can not only learn about our organization, but become leaders across several fields in our industry.

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Good luck, Hope and Jozelyn!

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Ergon Solutions, Inc. and SA Services, LLC Announce Exclusive Product Representation Agreement

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Flowood, Miss. — Ergon Solutions, Inc., a leading marketer of naphthenic and paraffinic specialty oils, and SA Services, LLC, a focused chemical distributor and packaging company, have entered into a Strategic Marketing Assistance Agreement to drive continued growth in the oilfield sector.

Under this agreement, SA Services will manage promotion, sales and field support for the following Ergon product lines — AuroraDRILL, VersaNEW and the Resinall R-Series in the North American market.

SA Services remains committed to delivering high-quality products and services and is confident this partnership will meaningfully expand its offerings to customers across the industry.

About SA Services, LLC
SA Services, LLC is a market-leading chemical distributor and packaging company headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas. Committed to adaptability and strategic solutions, SA Services delivers high-quality chemical products across distribution, packaging and logistics — moving chemicals forward for customers across the oilfield and industrial sectors.

About Ergon Solutions, Inc.
Ergon Solutions, Inc. is a subsidiary of Ergon, Inc. Founded in 1954, Ergon has grown from a small crude oil refiner into one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of naphthenic and paraffinic specialty oils, with products sold in more than 100 countries.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
Kathy.Potts@ergon.com
ergon.com | ergonspecialtyoils.com

Ergon to Increase Naphthenic Prices in North America

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FLOWOOD, Miss. — Ergon has announced an increase in pricing of naphthenic oils in the North American market effective Friday, April 17, 2026:

  • HyVolt Dielectric Fluids, HyGold Base Oils and HyPrene Process Oils will increase by $0.70 per gallon

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies that operate under three primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, and Integrated Services & Logistics.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
kathy.potts@ergon.com
ergon.com |  ergonspecialtyoils.com

Ergon to Increase Naphthenic Prices in North America

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FLOWOOD, Miss. — Ergon has announced an increase in pricing of naphthenic oils in the North American market effective Friday, April 10, 2026.

  • HyVolt Dielectric Fluids, HyGold Base Oils and HyPrene Process Oils will increase by $0.55 per gallon

We are closely monitoring developments within the Middle East and will provide pricing updates as needed in a timely manner.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies that operate under three primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, and Integrated Services & Logistics.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts
Vice President – Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
kathy.potts@ergon.com
ergon.com |  ergonspecialtyoils.com

Ergon México Joins Unidos for a Community Rally Day

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Doing Right, the Ergon Way 
By: José Leal, Vice President of Sales – Latin America

Imagine spending a Rally Day with your family and friends. Picture crossing the “Amazon River” together, navigating obstacles using only your suitcases — holding tightly to prevent the strong current from sweeping them away. Then envision solving a complex maze as a team in complete silence, communicating only through signs. Now imagine becoming a “Ninja,” jumping, crawling and running against the clock to secure valuable prizes.

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The only rule: Every single team member must participate — and have fun. This is certainly not a typical day at the office, but an unforgettable one for Ergon México.

Unidos is a nonprofit association in Mexico dedicated to promoting the full integration of people with special needs into the community through meaningful activities. Their mission is to foster a culture of empathy, respect and participation.

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From the moment the Rally Day event began, our Ergon México Community Reach Team was welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm. Participants were eager to take on every activity we had prepared. No challenge seemed impossible. As we developed strategies and completed each stage, we were deeply moved by the reflections and words of wisdom shared by the participants about what they had learned.

Their joy was genuine and heartfelt. The gratitude expressed toward the Ergon México Team and our families resonated profoundly with all of us. It was an experience that touched our hearts and reminded us why community engagement matters.

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Unidos hosted a Sensitivity Workshop for our team to better understand how to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals with special needs. This experience encouraged honest reflection, strengthened our awareness and reinforced our commitment to inclusion.

Giving back to our community — offering our time, the most valuable gift we can share — had a lasting impact on us and our families. Looking back on that day brings us right back to those moments when we lived out Ergon’s Core Values of Empowered Service and Respectful Relationships at their very best.

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Special thanks to the Ergon México Community Reach Team — Eva De Garay, Perla Peloche and Jazmin Bernardino — for their enthusiasm and dedication in organizing this meaningful initiative. We are already looking forward to the next one.

Ergon to Increase Naphthenic Prices in North America

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2026

FLOWOOD, Miss. — Ergon has announced an increase in pricing of naphthenic oils in the North American market effective Friday, March 27, 2026.

  • HyVolt Dielectric Fluids, HyGold Base Oils and HyPrene Process Oils will increase by $0.35 per gallon

We are closely monitoring developments within the Middle East and will provide pricing updates as needed in a timely manner.

About Ergon

Ergon is a group of privately held companies that operate under three primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, and Integrated Services & Logistics.

Contact Information
Kathy Potts Vice President – Marketing Communications
601-933-3000
kathy.potts@ergon.com
ergon.com |  ergonspecialtyoils.com

Mississippi Students Visit Ergon Asia Facility

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In December 2025, 11 University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) students and faculty boarded a plane for an unforgettable opportunity to tour Ergon Asia — gaining insights into the oil and gas industry and learning why engineering and supply chain professions are vital.

“It’s impactful to see how Ergon has successfully expanded its reach overseas. Observing its international presence gave me a new perspective on how interconnected global markets operate,” said Tyneah Buckley, a junior electrical engineering major at Ole Miss. She hails from the Magnolia State Capital — Jackson, Mississippi.

As part of Ergon’s commitment to invest in future leaders, our company partners with an international program, Global Academic Ventures, which coordinates educational industry tours around the world.

“We welcome opportunities to engage with schools and universities whenever there’s a strong educational purpose,” said Henry Chua, Operations Manager for Ergon Asia. “Our goal is to provide students with firsthand exposure into how international companies operate and to inspire them to consider the many career paths available in industries like ours.”

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Touring Ergon Asia
Amid the excitement of the curious group of students arriving at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, Phyllicia Ong, Marketing Specialist for Ergon Asia, reflected on their enthusiasm from the moment she and Henry picked them up to head to the facility.

“I distinctly remember a student speaking up and sharing what she knew of Ergon’s history and operations,” she said. “That set the tone for the tour. From the start, it was clear the students were eager to understand how a global business like Ergon operates, even thousands of miles from our Mississippi headquarters.”

After arriving at Ergon Asia, the students met the terminal team, viewed a mandatory safety video and attended presentations offering a comprehensive overview of operations, logistics and the supply chain processes that connect to our global network.

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“Seeing the students deeply engaged in the presentations and some furiously scribbling notes showed their genuine interest in what goes on behind the scenes,” Phyllicia said.

The tour then continued on foot.

“They saw where we blend and store the oil, and they met the terminal team. We also explained how we manage customer relationships, navigate international regulations and adapt to shifting market demands,” Henry added.

The experience was designed not only to highlight the technical side of our operations, but also how we strive to meet needs and serve customers with strategic decision-making every day.

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“The students were completely absorbed — taking in towering storage tanks, some with heating elements; the massive loading and unloading area for ships; and a sprawling, highly sophisticated network of pipes feeding products into storage,” Phyllicia added.

The Ole Miss Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship partners with Ergon through its family business initiatives. Tong Meng, Director of Programs at the center and study abroad faculty member, shared her excitement about students touring a third-generation Mississippi-based company.

“It was an eye-opening and transformative experience for many of them,” Tong said. “It showed that it’s not just companies from big cities on the coast that can have a global presence. This demonstrated that Mississippi-based companies like Ergon can compete, adapt and lead globally.”

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Building a Generation of Industry Leaders
Investing in youth education and our future talent pipeline doesn’t begin when someone joins the Ergon family — it starts much earlier.

“Our industry is dynamic, innovative and full of opportunities,” said Lance Puckett, Executive Vice President – Energy & Specialty Solutions. “I hope these students see how our work touches communities everywhere — fueled by collaboration and a commitment to continuous improvement. Those qualities will serve them well no matter where their careers take them. By engaging with future leaders, we’re investing in the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of energy and specialty solutions.”

“Real-world operations involve logistical, financial and operational challenges that add complexity beyond what textbooks can capture. Learning about this has kindled my interest in pursuing international career opportunities,” Tyneah said.

By providing hands-on experiences, we help students connect the dots between classroom learning and real-world application — providing them with an understanding that goes far beyond the textbook.

Ergon Sales and Supply Chain Advisory Amid Middle East Disruptions

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As security developments in the Middle East continue to affect key transportation corridors, Ergon is actively managing our global supply chain to maintain reliable service for customers worldwide.

Recent airspace restrictions and evolving maritime conditions, including uncertainty surrounding vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, have disrupted certain freight routes. At this time, there is limited visibility regarding the duration of these conditions or how vessel operators may respond once routes reopen. As a result, customers may experience schedule adjustments, extended transit times or selective rerouting of shipments in portions of the region.

Ergon’s global network remains fully operational, with shipments continuing from facilities across the Americas, Europe and Asia. All primary supply lines remain active and are supported by regional logistics teams working closely with shipping partners. We are closely monitoring developments, coordinating contingency plans with carriers and working directly with customers to review forecasts and prioritize deliveries where needed.

The safety of our employees, partners and their families remains our top priority. While conditions in parts of the region remain fluid, Ergon is taking proactive steps to protect supply continuity and minimize disruption to our customers.

About Ergon
Ergon is a group of privately held companies operating under three primary business segments: Energy & Specialty Solutions, Pavement & Coating Resources, and Integrated Services & Logistics.