Read Executive Vice President – Integrated Services & Logistics Joel Pastorek‘s latest LinkedIn article, as shown below, sharing the role that Ergon’s culture plays in our success.
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I recently had the opportunity to meet with members of our Ergon Oil Purchasing (EOP) and Ergon Midstream Teams. The meeting reminded me that at the heart of our company are the people who make it all happen — men and women whose dedication and collaboration define Ergon’s culture and drive our success. While our industry evolves and our operations grow increasingly complex, one thing remains constant: the strength and consistency of our culture.
Chris Eldridge, Operations Manager – EOP, began his journey at Ergon right out of college as a Maintenance Engineer. Since then, he has held several roles within our Integrated Services & Logistics and Pavement & Coating Resources business segments. Today, he manages all logistics for the upstream and midstream operations of both Ergon refineries, overseeing transportation and scheduling while working closely with our Commercial Team to ensure uninterrupted refinery operations.
“Most people don’t realize how much collaboration and logistics go into keeping the oil and gas industry running smoothly,” Eldridge said. “It’s not just drilling and refining — it’s coordinating transportation, storage, scheduling and regulatory compliance. A single delay in one part of the chain can affect multiple operations.”
Behind these operations is a team of people who rely on one another daily. It’s this shared sense of responsibility and teamwork that keeps our operations running efficiently, allowing Ergon to meet the needs of our customers and partners.
This sentiment is echoed by Darden Bourne, Senior Crude Trader – EOP, who believes Ergon’s culture will carry the company through any future changes. “I can’t guess exactly what the future will look like, but we know things will change,” Bourne said. “Not only will there be changes in our industry, but every new generation of employees will bring a new set of skills. However, Ergon’s values run deep. And it’s our teamwork and shared commitment that allow us to adapt and thrive, no matter where technology or the market take us.”
Aaron Fleming, Vice President of Commercial – Ergon Midstream, offered his perspective on what makes Ergon unique. After more than 14 years in commercial and operations roles across the industry, he joined Ergon through our EnLink Ohio River Valley (now Ergon Midstream) acquisition in 2023. “Throughout my career, I was always impressed by Ergon’s emphasis on people,” Fleming said. “I saw early on that the family culture set Ergon apart from peers, and I’m grateful to be part of that today.”
The common thread among these stories is clear: while our industry evolves, the consistency of Ergon’s culture remains steadfast. It is the dedication, collaboration and drive of our employees — eager to make a difference for customers, communities and each other — that enable us to navigate change successfully.
“When I started, the company was much smaller, and I couldn’t have imagined the level of growth, expansion and operational complexity we’ve achieved,” Eldridge reflected. “Seeing how far we’ve come and being part of that journey has been both surprising and rewarding.”
At Ergon, no matter how complex our operations or how fast the industry moves, our culture is the constant that guides us. It is our shared values, teamwork and commitment to excellence that ensure we continue to thrive together, today and into the future.
