PHOTO: The Blanchard’s Cash Fuel family of employees proudly serves area communities. In front, from left, Allison, Marilyn, Jessica, Bobbi, Nicole, Chad and Brian; in back, Kevin, Arthur, Don Sr., Rick, Mike, Don Jr., Dan and Derrick. Jake was not available for the photo. (Submitted photo)
By Kira Spellman
A quiet celebration is stirring in Turner. From its location on Conant Road off Route 4, Blanchard’s Cash Fuel appreciatively celebrates its 25th anniversary in business, crediting its success to its many loyal customers and steadfast, dedicated staff.
There is usually an annual community barbecue held at the office; however, this year, for the safety of all, avoiding large gatherings seemed a safer and responsible decision. Blanchard’s continues to thank its community by consistently filling its customers fuel service needs and assisting those with unique challenges.
Blanchard’s Cash Fuel has been a family owned and operated fuel oil and propane delivery service since 1995. Residential oil delivery is available to customers in Turner and surrounding towns as far away as Bethel, Buckfield, Sumner, Jay, Greene, Auburn, Lewiston and Gray, to name just a few; propane delivery and installations are available to commercial customers.
Prior to opening in 1995, Don Blanchard Sr. and wife Marilyn, parents of the company, acquired oil for their Turner home through a co-op in Dixfield. The co-op went out of business and was acquired by an oil company. Deals offered to Blanchard Sr. by the new company were less than stellar, prompting a living room chat with his wife.
“I think I’m going to buy my own oil truck and deliver oil,” he told her. Despite some disbelief that this dream might ever take form, the oil truck was purchased, and the Blanchards began their business from the living room. Don and Marilyn have built a steady, faithful customer base. By 2000, the Blanchards had outgrown the business-at-home model, purchased land at Conant Road and built their first office space with two bulk oil tanks.
“We went from customer names on index cards to office software, from cash and check only, to credit card payments. Times change!” recalled Marilyn Blanchard.
Then came the purchase of more trucks and additional bulk oil tanks. Propane service was added in 2002. With new growth, their kids came on board — Jessica, Don Jr. (known in the community as DJ), son Derrick and wife Allison, and niece Bobbi Kim Holbrook. Key member employees in the office and in all aspects of service solidified a winning team.
The family credits its success to the “amazing team of employees who have stayed faithful to us during the harshest winters and also through the lighter business seasons,” said Don Sr. “Our drivers go with the flow, no matter what changes.”
“Our office never quits,” noted Jessica, adding that during high demand winters and the recent coronavirus shutdown, “the office staff started early and stayed late. We didn’t go home until the phones stopped ringing.”
“I cannot express enough the gratitude I feel for all who work here. We would not be a success without them,” Marilyn Blanchard added.
“They just always step up,” her husband confirmed.
Many of their customers have been with Blanchard’s since the earliest days. “That means so much.They have been with us all this time. Our customers support us, and that is why we give back,” Marilyn Blanchard explained. “We are exceedingly grateful always.”
The company’s contributions benefit the local RCAM (Rural Community Action Ministry), which helps the community with vital basic needs.
“We help support them financially and let them do what they do well,” she continued. “We also respond to requests from our local schools and other programs. That’s how we give back. We take care of each other.”
