30 Best Companies of the Year 2024
Business Fortune
Atlantic Petroleum is a powerhouse in the industry, excelling in the distribution of renewable fuels and dominating the market with their exceptional marketing of oil products, lubricants, petrochemicals, and top of the line products and services.
The company offers a diverse range of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuels, marine and aviation fuels, kerosene, specialty chemicals, natural gas as well as a comprehensive selection of oil products and related services. Atlantic Petroleum's passion lies in its customers, and the company is committed to ensuring that its customers receive maximum value. Customers can rest assured that the products they receive meet the highest industry standards.
Excerpts from an Interview with the CEO and President
Q. What was the series of events that led to the founding of Atlantic Petroleum?
I was assigned various technical, operational, and leadership roles as a drilling engineer.
Deep down, I have an entrepreneurial spirit that always tells me that I can accomplish anything I dare to achieve. I am passionate about providing innovative products and solutions for oil and various industries. Then, I began to harbor the vision of building a solution-driven enterprise, powering industrial customers with solutions.
Initially, the plan was to bring oil and minerals from specific international sources to the United States. These products would then be refined by our partners. A portion of the finished products would be sent back to Africa and other developing areas where they are in high demand, while the remaining petrochemical derivatives would be used by industries in the United States. Because of government regulations, international unrest, logistics, and financial obstacles, I had to change the business model to focus on domestic operations.
It seemed like I was bound to fail in the energy industry because most people working in it come from long lines of experience, making it hard for someone like me, an immigrant with brief background in the US energy industry, to succeed. This motivated me even more to start Atlantic Petroleum, doing whatever was necessary, within legal and ethical boundaries.
I was afraid of failing during the oil industry's economic downturn, which could have resulted in sudden layoffs.
I've always felt that I haven't reached my full potential and need to challenge myself more. This led to the creation of Atlantic Petroleum.
Q. How has Atlantic Petroleum grown since its inception? According to you, what were the most important factors that directly contributed to the company’s growth?
In 2019, Atlantic achieved a significant milestone by becoming an authorized distributor for Marathon's lubricant products. After that, the company grew quickly by adding more products, like Exxon and Chevron Phillips, to its portfolios. Atlantic Petroleum grew steadily during its first five years, and by the beginning of 2023, it had several employees responsible for managing its operations in multiple regions. By the end of 2023, the company’s revenues had topped the 1,000% mark and had a 53% increase in market share
Our partnership with Marathon Petroleum has been truly exceptional. Marathon's line of Endurance lubricants is renowned for its unmatched high-quality performance, even in the most demanding operating conditions. Thanks to our services, our customers can always count on reliable and uninterrupted performance, 24/7/365.
Q. What challenges has Atlantic Petroleum encountered over the years that have shaped the company into what it is today?
I encountered numerous challenges while establishing Atlantic Petroleum, such as securing financing, building vendor relationships, prospecting for new customers, recruiting qualified support staff, and pursuing new business opportunities. Additionally, I worked tirelessly as the sole leader, navigated credit arrangements with refiners and oil companies, developed a comprehensive marketing strategy, and established sales goals. Moreover, I ensured insurance coverage, leased office space, implemented rigorous controls and accounting systems, and prioritized legal compliance and safety standards. Overcoming these obstacles was crucial to the success of Atlantic Petroleum.
Q. What sets Atlantic Petroleum apart from its rivals? How does this difference benefit its clients?
We focus on superior customer service as a nationwide, diversified energy company. While we sell commodities, as do many companies, how you service your customers makes a difference.
This industry is very competitive, so we do whatever we can to ensure an excellent customer experience.
We cover a wide service area and are licensed to do business in 48 states. I am dedicated to building solid relationships with our partners and customers. We strive to continuously improve by finding best practices that make our organization more effective, improve our quality, increase our market share, and strengthen our brand.
Q. Could you provide information about Atlantic Petroleum's diverse range of petroleum products and the various industries it serves?
Our company offers operational solutions to multiple industries, including aviation, marine, utilities, construction, transportation, power, manufacturing, agriculture, and government agencies. Our innovative solutions and programs are precisely calibrated to meet customers' needs, empowering them to achieve their business and operational goals confidently.
At Atlantic Petroleum, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a diverse range of quality products, services, and integrated petroleum management programs, making us a one-stop energy shop. We are committed to exceeding customers’ expectations, ensuring they feel valued and important.
Q. Can you share some client success stories?
During and in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, one of the most devastating storms to ever hit the Texas Gulf Coast, millions of Texans were left without electricity. We were instrumental in fueling the city of Houston's critical infrastructure and generators with diesel and gasoline. Atlantic coordinated with public officials at the local and state levels, as well as with customers, all of whom played crucial roles in these significant response events.
During the record-setting hurricane season of 2020, we responded with fuel and related supplies to those impacted. When COVID-19 hit, we promptly adjusted to meet the demand for hand sanitizer, face masks, bleach, sanitation wipes, and other essential products crucial for combating the pandemic.
Atlantic Petroleum has consistently provided fuel and vital services precisely where they have been most crucial, ensuring that customers have access to fuel while recovering after the severe cold spell.
Q. How has your amazing team contributed to the success of Atlantic Petroleum?
Operating efficiently and at scale during fluctuations in commodity prices has been crucial to Atlantic's success in navigating through various economic expansions and contractions throughout the years.
Our team has a unique entrepreneurial spirit and can adapt quickly to ever-changing market environments. Our main priority is to provide our loyal customers with everything they need: quality products, flexible programs, and services to ensure they can perform at their best.
We always kept a positive mindset and surrounded ourselves with similar people, which is a personal preference and a strategic choice for our business.
I create strategies to improve my area of responsibility, motivate staff, and collaborate effectively with others to achieve agreed-upon goals and objectives. Every task in the company is measured, and everyone understands what is expected and how their performance will be evaluated.
Q. Would you like us to highlight something important happening in your company that we may have missed asking about?
Atlantic Petroleum is actively engaged in the Houston community through various initiatives. These include donations to local charities, partnerships with community organizations, employee volunteering, and funding for community projects such as:
Jude’s Children's Research Hospital
Houston Food Bank
Junior Achievement
Susan G. Komen Foundation
March of Dimes
We hope to continue positively impacting our community through corporate volunteering, donations, partnering, fundraising, and event-based giving activities.
In 2019, Atlantic achieved a significant milestone by becoming an authorized distributor for Marathon's lubricant products. After that, the company grew quickly by adding more products, like Exxon and Chevron Phillips, to its portfolios. Atlantic Petroleum grew steadily during its first five years, and by the beginning of 2023, it had several employees responsible for managing its operations in multiple regions. By the end of 2023, the company’s revenues had topped the 1,000% mark and had a 53% increase in market share.
Anthony Ndah is the Founder, President & CEO of Atlantic Petroleum. Under his leadership, Atlantic has become a preeminent energy product and petrochemical distribution chain. The company received several awards, including Inc5000’s fastest-growing private Companies in 2019, Financial Times North America’s Fastest-Growing Companies in 2020, and the NMSDC Emerging-10 Awards in 2022. It was also honored in the Forbes Next 1000 list in 2021 and became the subject of biographical records in the 2024 Marquis Who’s Who in America.