The History of Propst Brothers
For nearly 90 years, Propst Brothers has been serving businesses, farms, fleets, municipalities, and homeowners across Cabarrus County and the surrounding areas with dependable fuel delivery and trusted customer service.
What started in 1937 with a single Esso tanker and a commitment to doing business the right way has grown into a third-generation family-owned company built on reliability, fair pricing, and long-term relationships.
From the very beginning, founder J.W. Propst, Jr. believed that taking care of customers mattered most. That philosophy became the foundation of Propst Brothers and continues to guide the company today.
As the region has grown and evolved over the decades, so has Propst Brothers. Through industry changes, economic shifts, and the rapid growth of Concord and the Charlotte area, the company has remained focused on one thing: providing dependable service customers can count on.
A Legacy Built on Service
In 1937, J.W. Propst, Jr. founded Propst Brothers with a single Esso tanker and a dedication to reliable fuel delivery throughout Cabarrus County. He directed the business until his death in 1964, when he passed the reins to his son, Joe Propst. At a time when personal service and reputation meant everything, the company quickly built strong relationships throughout the community.
Over the years, those relationships helped Propst Brothers continue to grow. In 1979, the company expanded into retail operations by purchasing its first convenience store, growing beyond traditional fuel delivery services while continuing to strengthen its presence in the region.
Following Joe Propst’s passing in 1990, leadership transitioned to his brother, Jimmy Propst. Jimmy carried forward the company’s values and commitment to customer service, helping guide the business through another important chapter of growth and change.
In 2014, Propst Brothers sold its convenience stores to refocus on its core fuel and service operations. That renewed focus allowed the company to continue investing in the areas where it could serve customers best — commercial fuel delivery, construction fueling, fleet fueling, heating fuels, tank solutions, and lubricants.
In 2023, leadership transitioned to Trent Propst as Chairman and CEO, continuing the company’s third-generation stewardship while positioning Propst Brothers for the future.
Serving a Growing Region
Today, Propst Brothers proudly serves a wide range of customers throughout Cabarrus County and surrounding North Carolina communities as a third-generation family-owned fuel distributor.
From construction sites and commercial fleets to farms, municipalities, and residential heating customers, the company continues to provide reliable fuel solutions backed by responsive local service.
Based in Concord, NC, Propst Brothers continues to support customers throughout Cabarrus County and surrounding areas with dependable fuel delivery and personalized service, which include:
- Clear diesel fuel delivery
- Dyed diesel fuel delivery
- Gasoline delivery
- Commercial fuel delivery
- Construction site fuel delivery
- Generator and reefer trailer fuel delivery
- Heating oil delivery
- Kerosene delivery
- Fleet fueling
- Tank rentals
- Lubricants and greases
As one of the region’s long-standing fuel distributors, Propst Brothers understands that fuel is more than just a product. It keeps businesses productive, equipment operating, projects moving, and families comfortable.
Looking Ahead
While the fuel industry has changed significantly since 1937, the values behind Propst Brothers have remained remarkably consistent. The company continues to believe in:
- Dependable service
- Fair pricing
- Honest communication
- Long-term customer relationships
- Supporting the local community
Nearly a century later, the mission remains the same: serve customers well, do the job right, and build relationships that last.
