93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
Columbia-based MFA Oil is now the nation’s ninth-largest propane retailer. They’ve just acquired Griffin Oil and Propane in southeast Missouri’s Bootheel. MFA Oil chief executive officer Jon Ihler says propane is very important, especially in rural communities.
“Home heat, hot water, cooking, appliances, right. The necessities, right. It’s almost looked at as the utility. And we take that business very seriously, and it’s definitely an area for us right now that we want to grow,” Ihler tells 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Round Table.”
MFA’s purchase of Griffin Oil and Propane includes offices in Portageville and Deering, as well as trucks, tanks and employees. MFA Oil now has about 1,800 employees.
MFA Oil continues to grow and now operates 71 Break Time convenience stores and 22 Big O Tire franchises. Mr. Ihler emphasizes the importance of growth and opportunities.
“What excites me is the fact that we are in a position of growth and we can handle that growth very well. And again, I think that benefits members of the company,” says Ihler.
Big O Tire continues to grow in Missouri and Arkansas: there are two locations in Columbia: one on the Business Loop and the other on Peachtree.
Columbia has 16 Break Time stores, and there are seven in Jefferson City.
Mr. Ihler is also positive about the future of agriculture in both Missouri and Boone County. You can listen to the full interview here.
