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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Fostering the Next Generation of Leaders

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From May through August 2026, 25 students from universities across the U.S. joined Ergon’s 2026 Corporate Internship Program at our Corporate Headquarters in Flowood, Mississippi. While we have long offered internship opportunities, this summer’s agenda expanded participants’ experiences by immersing them in multiple departments and teams through shared learning activities, professional development and service projects.  

This hands-on approach connects classroom knowledge with real-world applications to give students a broader perspective of Ergon and help them better understand how individual roles contribute to our organization’s overall success.  

“Our internship program is designed to foster professional growth and career explorations,” shared Ashley Smith, Corporate Recruitment Supervisor. “This gives interns the opportunity to absorb information from industry professionals, engage with the communities where we work and live and experience our family-oriented culture firsthand.” 

In addition to formal learning sessions like Refinery and Base Oils, Asphalt 101, Lean 101 and Operations Finance, interns took a deep dive into our operations through visits to several facilities. From exploring our state-of-the-art laboratory at Paragon Technical Services Inc. to touring our refinery in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and seeing maritime transportation in action at Magnolia Marine Transport Company they gained a firsthand understanding of the people, processes and operations that drive our organization forward. Interns also got to experience Ergon’s family atmosphere and people-first culture.  

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Building Connections and Giving Back 

While professional development was a key part of the program, the relationships interns built were what made the summer memorable. Through team-building activities and everyday interactions, students established bonds with one another, mentors and employees across the Ergon family, creating friendships and networking that extended beyond their assigned departments.  

“The group also had the opportunity to give back to the community by participating in a Day of Service benefiting the Mississippi Methodist Children’s Home, connecting their experience to our Core Value of Empowered Service,” Ashley added. Our culture is measured not only by what we do as an organization, but also by how we invest in people and communities. 

WATCH: Thank you, students! Click HERE to see the recap of our 2026 Corporate Internship Program!

 

Showcasing Growth Through Capstone Projects 

The summer concluded with each intern presenting a capstone projects to our Ergon employees, including Board members and members of the founding family. From operational improvements and cybersecurity initiatives to process enhancements and business insights, the projects highlighted the assignments and research students accomplished over four months.  

 More than a final project, the capstones served as a reflection of our family-first culture. Through mentorship and knowledge sharing, interns presented their work with greater confidence, stronger problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of how their contributions can make an impact. The 2026 Internship Program ended with each participant receiving a certificate of completion and a celebratory luncheon. 

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Youth Impact Across the Globe 

Our Corporate Headquarters was not the only Ergon location welcoming eager minds this summer. Through a partnership with Global Academic Ventures (GAV), Ergon Asia hosted their first interns in May 2026. Rhyan Plumlee, Vice President of Ergon Asia, said they have had five interns representing supply chain, finance and chemical engineering fields, with two additional students scheduled to begin internships in October. 

“Our interns truly become part of the team,” said Rhyan. “They jump into meaningful projects, work alongside employees across different functions and gain a full, hands-on understanding of our international business. Interns bring new curiosity and different perspectives to our work, while giving our Asia team the opportunity to reach, mentor and the help them grow.” 

Ergon Asia plans to continue partnering with local universities to create more opportunities for students across our facilities in Singapore and Indonesia.  

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For Ergon, our internship and Co-Op programs strengthen our future talent pipeline, introduces fresh perspectives and allows employees across the organization to invest in the next generation. Most importantly, it gives students an opportunity to experience Ergon’s global family identity, live out our mission and embrace our Core Values grounded in Respectful Relationships, Empowered Service, Selfless Leadership and Purposeful Growth. 

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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Run It Like You Own It

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After nearly 50 years at Ergon’s Knoxville terminal, Charlie Lynch reflects on the people, passion and responsibilities that defined his career. 

For five decades, Charles ‘Charlie’ Lynch has walked Ergon’s Knoxville terminal like someone tending to a home. 

He notices everything: a piece of paper near the loading rack. A handrail that needs a fresh coat of yellow paint. A strange sound coming from a pump in the middle of the night.  

Even after decades at the terminal — and years spent managing it — no job is too small for Lynch. 

“I’m not going to ask my guys to do something that I wouldn’t do or couldn’t do,” Lynch said. “If they’re busy and I need trucks loaded, I’m loading trucks.” 

That mindset has shaped both Lynch’s career and the culture of the Knoxville terminal itself — a small but busy terminal tucked along the Tennessee River that has consistently evolved alongside the industry. 

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Doing Whatever Needs Doing 

When Lynch first arrived at the Knoxville terminal in 1977, the operation looked much different than it does today. At the time, the facility was owned by the Krug family, who had started the company in 1954 — the same year Leslie Lampton Sr. founded Ergon. 

Lynch began as a terminal operator, loading trucks, filling tanks and helping maintain equipment during long weeks that often stretched into weekends. 

“You did everything,” Lynch said. “Whatever had to be done, we did.” 

Over the years, he learned every corner of the operation, from electrical work to heat tracing, general maintenance, loading operations and quality control. Eventually, he worked his way up from operator to assistant manager. In June 2007, Lynch took on the role of Terminal Manager — which he’s held ever since. 

His hands-on experience became one of the Knoxville terminal’s defining strengths. 

“If they call me in the middle of the night and tell me something’s wrong at panel seven or on a tank, I know exactly what they’re talking about,” Lynch said. “Experience is the world’s greatest teacher.” 

Today, the Knoxville terminal sits on roughly 16 acres and stores asphalt products delivered primarily by barge before being loaded onto trucks and shipped throughout the region. The facility includes 15 tanks with approximately 200,000 barrels of storage capacity. But ask Lynch what matters most about the operation, and his answer has little to do with numbers. 

“Obviously, we want to do right by our customers and their products,” said Lynch. “But our number one priority is safety. And if we’re staying safe, that naturally means we’re doing a good job for those customers.” 

Raising the Safety Standard 

Safety has long been a priority at the terminal, and that focus was further strengthened after Ergon acquired the facility in 2007.  

Lynch admits the transition initially brought uncertainty. Like many employees who have experienced acquisitions in the industry, he wondered what changes might come. But he trusted the judgment of former owner Jim Krug, who believed Ergon was the right fit. 

“When Mr. Lampton talked to him, that was it. Mr. Krug knew who to sell it to,” Lynch said. “And he sold it to the right person.” 

What followed was a transformation in training, safety systems and operational support that left a lasting impression on Lynch. 

“I was really impressed by Ergon’s commitment to safety and training,” said Lynch. “They brought in people from across the organization — I’d never seen such a comprehensive safety training program. I was all for it, because at the end of the day, we want everybody to go home like they came to work.” 

Over time, that philosophy became deeply embedded in the terminal’s culture. Lynch speaks about safety less as a requirement and more as a responsibility — something built through repetition, mentorship and ownership. 

“Safety is a way of life,” he said. “It’s not something you just think about. You have to live it.” 

Pride in the Details 

That same sense of ownership shows up everywhere around the Knoxville terminal. 

The facility is known for its clean appearance, bright yellow handrails and meticulous housekeeping — details Lynch insists matter just as much as production numbers.  

To Lynch, housekeeping is about more than appearance. A clean terminal signals discipline, professionalism and respect for the people who work there and visit the site every day. 

“We take a lot of pride in maintaining our facility,” said Lynch. “We do our best to keep it spotless. Doesn’t matter how old our terminal is or what we’re storing, I want it looking nice, and I want it to stay that way.” 

Relationships Matter 

The Knoxville terminal also maintains close relationships with local firefighters, police officers and emergency response teams. Lynch regularly invites them onsite for tours and training exercises so they understand the facility long before an emergency could ever happen. 

“We want them to know what they’re coming into,” said Lynch. “We prioritize safety, but if something were to happen, we want to make sure there’s no confusion on site.” 

Equally as important to Lynch are the relationships built with the truck drivers and customers who pass through the terminal each day. 

“Every truck driver that comes through that gate is my boss,” said Lynch. “If they don’t show up, I don’t have a job. It’s as simple as that.” 

Lynch knows many of them by name. He asks about their families and helps them when their trucks break down. To him, customer service is not separate from the work — it is the work. 

“Treat people good and they’ll come back,” said Lynch. “You show them you appreciate them, thank them for doing their job and be there to help them when they need help. It makes your life easier, and it’s just the right thing to do.” 

More Than a Workplace 

One of Lynch’s clearest memories from the transition to Ergon came shortly after the acquisition, when Mr. Lampton visited Knoxville and took employees and their spouses out to dinner. 

“Mr. Lampton really impressed me when he came up here and took all of us to the nicest restaurant in Knoxville,” said Lynch. “We had a great meal, and before he spoke, he went around to every table, introduced himself and spent time talking with all of us and our wives. He wanted everyone to feel included and informed, and that went a long way so early in the acquisition.” 

To Lynch, moments like that reinforced something he had already begun to believe — that despite the changes happening around the terminal, the company still valued relationships and people. 

“It just got better,” Lynch said of the transition. “It empowered us, and we felt more responsible to take ownership.” 

That mentality became one of the defining principles of Lynch’s career. 

“They told me to run it like I own it,” said Lynch. “And that’s what I’ve always tried to do.” 

Charlie’s Next Chapter 

After nearly five decades at the Knoxville terminal, Lynch now looks toward retirement with the same hands-on mindset that defined his career. When asked about his plans, Lynch already had everything figured out. 

“I’m really looking forward to spending time with my wife, first and foremost. Being home more often is going to be a blessing. And, I’ll enjoy playing with my street rods,” he said. “I buy and refurbish older models in a shop I built myself. That’ll be fun, and I’m excited to have the time to teach my grandkids about cars.” 

As Lynch prepares for retirement, he reflects on his time at the Knoxville terminal with gratitude.  

“I thank God for it,” said Lynch. “It gave me a good job to raise my kids and grandkids. And Mr. Lampton always treated me like I was somebody — not just a number.” 

The terminal changed over the years. The industry has changed, too. However, the mindset Charlie Lynch brought to the job never did: Take care of your people, take pride in the work and leave things better than you found them.  

The Advantage of Flexibility in Logistics

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Read Executive Vice President – Integrated Services & Logistics Joel Pastorek‘s latest LinkedIn article, as shown below, sharing why flexibility is so important in the logistics industry.

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It’s easy to overlook logistics when everything is working the way that it should. 

Most people don’t realize how much of daily life depends on it. Goods don’t simply show up where they’re needed. They are moved, stored, coordinated and delivered by people doing work that is often out of sight, but always required. 

But when it’s not working, you notice it quickly. Businesses, communities, families and individuals feel it when something they rely on doesn’t show up when it should.  

Efficiency has always been the focus in logistics, and for good reason. But at some point, efficiency alone isn’t enough. Systems have to be able to adjust when conditions change. That’s where flexibility starts to matter, and where it has to work alongside efficiency. 

And when it comes to customers, their needs shift. Markets move. Disruptions happen, sometimes without much warning. When they do, the questions become straightforward: Can your business still deliver, and can your customers count on you? 

Not in Theory — In Practice 

Flexibility shows up in how the work is built. 

Some companies don’t focus on flexibility until something breaks. A supplier changes, a route is disrupted or demand shifts faster than expected. At that point, flexibility isn’t a strategy, it determines whether you are viable and have another way forward. 

For logistics providers, that often comes down to how diversified and connected the network really is — not on paper, but in practice. 

For Ergon, that shows up in how our companies operate together. Storage, transportation and coordination aren’t separate efforts. They are tied to each other. 

Across terminals and through assets like trucks, rail, pipelines, barges and marine vessels, the focus stays the same: move product safely, on time and on spec. The equipment is only part of the equation. 

Behind the equipment is a whole operation of people managing the details — planning routes, making adjustments, coordinating across teams and making sure each step lines up with the next. It’s not always easy, but it’s what keeps things moving when conditions aren’t ideal. 

That structure creates options. When conditions change, you need them. 

More Than One Way to Deliver 

The same idea applies outside of logistics. 

Some businesses have a core focus, and that matters. But relying on a single path or way of operating can create risk. Diversification gives you more than one way to meet customer needs when conditions change. Diversification can come from various modes of transportation services, but it can also come from scale. Scale can allow you to pull resources from numerous locations on short notice in emergency situations. This became critical for our Ergon team in March as the Iran conflict caused panic buying and constrained rail availability. We were able to pull from our diverse locations to meet the needs of our customers in the regions most impacted by this market volatility.   

It was good to have those options, but having options isn’t enough on its own. 

Managing them well is what makes the difference. Clarity, coordination and accountability determine whether a network actually performs the way it should. Without that, added capability can turn into unnecessary complexity. 

When it’s working, customers don’t see the moving parts. What they see is consistency. They know what to expect, even when conditions aren’t steady. 

In those environments, consistency matters. 

What Holds 

Flexibility isn’t something you create in the moment. It’s built strategically ahead of time — in how systems are designed, how teams operate and how decisions are made. 

It’s also about the people like drivers, operators, dispatchers, planners and others who keep things moving every day. 

Their work is often behind the scenes, but the impact isn’t. 

If you have the opportunity, take a moment to thank someone in logistics. There’s a good chance their work played a role in something you relied on today. 

Stepping In During a Time of Need

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Our commitment to safety at Ergon extends beyond our own people. The crew of Magnolia Marine Transport Company’s (MMT) M/V Deborah Miles was awarded the American Waterways Operators’ HERO Award for their actions in response to a distress call on the upper Mississippi River. When a sailor lost control of his boat in heavy fog, quick decision making by the crew on the M/V Deborah Miles brought the sailor and vessel safely to dock.   

Scott Box, Captain of the M/V Deborah Miles, recalled that a call came through the dispatch while he was training Layton Martin, a Steersman for MMT. “There was fog on the water about 10 feet high, and we were northbound on the Mississippi. We heard a *pan-pan broadcast on Channel 16 [Coast Guard],” Captain Scott said.  

Because MMT’s vessel was near the reported location, Captain Scott and Layton quickly reacted. Layton immediately reduced the speed of the M/V Deborah Miles, and Captain Scott started coordination and communication with nearly 25 other towboats along the river to locate the distressed sailboat on radar. The boat, traveling from Minnesota into Mississippi, had already narrowly missed colliding with another towboat by only a few feet. Vessels nearby notified Captain Scott that the sailboat was drifting in their direction.  

“Not wanting to put my Steersman in a situation he’s never been in, I took over the helm,” Captain Scott said.  

Racing Against a Ticking Clock 

With little time to spare, the MMT crew developed two response plans.  

“Plan A was for me to go to the second deck to drop our *skiff so we could stop the sailboat from being at the mercy of the current,” Layton said.  

Before they could execute that plan, Captain Scott thought of a quicker, more efficient alternative — Plan B.   

“Our vessel was making way to the left side of our port side,” he explained. “I told the sailboat over Channel 16 that I was going to push my barges onto the Cora Island and stick my stern out to prevent his boat from drifting. I asked if he had a good line and he told me he did.”  

When the M/V Deborah Miles reached the island, the crew gained a clearer visual of the sailboat breaking through the fog. Captain Scott communicated over the radio that he would swing the stern out and bring it back in. This maneuver would create tension on the sailboat line, allowing the MMT crew to secure it safely against their vessel despite the strong current.  

“He threw the line to my crew, and they tied his sailboat off. I eased the stern in to make contact so it wouldn’t drift,” Captain Scott said. “When my guys checked on him, he was safe and uninjured.”  

However, the situation wasn’t fully resolved. The sailboat remained in danger because of how the current was pushing against the stern. Captain Scott instructed Layton to retake the helm and turn the tow so the sailboat’s bow faced the current for safest navigation.  

“So, I called the fleet boat working in the area,” Layton said. “He came down the lightboat, tied the sailboat to his vessel and brought him back up to dock at Cora Island.”  

A Hero’s Reward  

The MMT crew was awarded the American Waterways Operators’ HERO Award.   

“This was amazing that we all worked together,” Captain Scott said cheerfully. “I’m super proud of these guys for acting without hesitation during an all-hands-on-deck event.”  

Layton shared that sentiment: “We do weekly drills and safety meetings on different scenarios, which has prepared our crews to perform in situations like this, and that recognition belongs to MMT for placing safety before profits.”  

We also acknowledge and appreciate the support of the MMT office — Mike Carpenter, Kris Towers and Charles Thornton — for their alertness and coordination during this event. Thank you, team.  

 

*A pan-pan is an international radio emergency signal in aviation and maritime communications to indicate a situation of urgency for boats, ships, aircrafts and other vessels.  

*A skiff is a small, flat-bottomed boat with a sharp bow and square stern.   

The Story of Adoption: Creating a Lifeline of Love

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At Ergon, we are a family company. Through impactful service, community outreach and even casual conversations in the halls, we foster a culture that reflects what family means — support, connection and care. For many of us, those values are deeply personal and often shaped by real-life experiences, including adoption.

In this episode of Ergon Talks, The Story of Adoption: Creating a Lifeline of Love, we explore how adoption reflects the many ways families are formed and strengthened. In Part 1, host Stephanie Poole sits down with Dwayne Johnson and Hunter Ainsworth to share how adoption has impacted their lives and families in meaningful ways. In Part 2, the conversation continues with Lee Lampton, who reflects on our Founder, Leslie Lampton Sr., and the role family played in shaping the culture that defines Ergon today. This series highlights the realities many individuals and families face, offering a space to connect, learn and better understand the experiences that shape our people, our culture and our commitment to one another. Click HERE to listen.

You can also listen to Ergon Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

 

The Story of Adoption: Creating a Lifeline of Love Part 1

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

 

The Story of Adoption: Creating a Lifeline of Love Part 2

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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

Meet Ergon’s First Female Marine Pilot – Beverly Ahner

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From grocery hand to the helm of the boat, Beverly Ahner’s journey as part of Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply Inc. (EMIS) is a story of hard work, determination and the opportunities that can arise when someone is willing to step up and take on new challenges. Since joining Ergon in June 2022, Ahner has shown an incredible ability to grow and learn, making her a source of inspiration for her coworkers and community.

Ahner began her maritime career in an entry-level position at the EMIS grocery store in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She spent her days pulling orders, stocking shelves and filling pallets. Her willingness to learn and contribute led her to apply for a role in the dispatch office, where her dedication and adaptability stood out to her supervisors. “She was really quick with the training, took off with it — real fast learner with a really hard work ethic,” said Chris Maxwell, Vice President of Marine Operations.

While working in dispatch, she interacted with EMIS pilots regularly and became fascinated with their work, so much so that she expressed interest to her manager, who guided her on a new career path. “I never dreamed I would be doing something like this,” said Ahner, who spent time, even on her off days, learning the towboat business. When the opportunity to work as a deckhand on a crew boat came up, Ahner eagerly applied and quickly adapted to the role, gaining hands-on experience and eventually learning how to operate the boat. Even as she took on new responsibilities, Ahner continued to support her team in dispatch, demonstrating her commitment to collaboration and teamwork.

Her hard work eventually led to her earning a 100-ton master license, allowing her to pilot vessels weighing a minimum of 100 tons. The license required one year of service on the water, a 10-day training program covering navigation, mechanics and safety, and passing multiple challenging exams. Passing all the tests on the first attempt — a rare accomplishment — was a testament to Ahner’s perseverance and focus.

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Now, she’s earned the distinction of becoming Ergon’s first female marine pilot. She captains the M/V Big Valley, the boat where she learned the trade. “She’s earned this, and her coworkers are all big, big fans of her success,” Maxwell said. Not only is Ahner’s Ergon family proud, but her family is as well. “Many of my family members are in this business,” said Ahner. “They supported me every step of the way when I told them this was something I wanted to pursue.” Ahner also noted the feeling of accomplishment that’s validated by her children who sing her praises while in school: “My kids go to school and tell all their teachers, ‘My mama’s the first female pilot.’ Just to see them so happy about it is truly amazing.”

By celebrating Ahner’s achievement, Ergon hopes to highlight the many opportunities available in the marine industry and inspire others in the community to consider careers on the river. “We hope her story shows that the river is for everyone and that there are plenty of opportunities for people to create a career out here,” Maxwell said.

Ahner’s story is one of persistence and growth, supported by a workplace that values hard work and determination. “She’s a really good example of what Mr. Lampton would’ve called an Ergonaut,” Maxwell added. “She’s still young in her tenure, but she’s well on her way. She’s a success story that we’re all proud to see.”

Ergon is grateful to play a part in Ahner’s journey, and we look forward to seeing her continued success in the years ahead.