Couch Oil Company was founded in the fall of 1949 by Carlton O. Couch.  From a simple beginning, he built his company based on his philosophy of honesty and integrity.  Carlton began delivering heating oil out of an Esso station on Hillsborough Road which was operated by his father, Oscar A. Couch. He would load his truck at the nearby Pure Oil Company (our existing facility) and serve his customers in Durham and Orange Counties.

In 1958, the Pure Oil Company asked Carlton to operate its plant on Hillsborough Road.  This began his 45 year affiliation with Pure Oil and led to numerous opportunities in the gasoline, oil and lubricant markets.  Although opportunities presented themselves for expansion, he always put the needs of his customers and employees at the top of his priority list.

As the company experienced difficult times during the 1973 gasoline crisis, Carlton purchased a number of service stations from Pure Oil, whose name had changed to Unocal.  Three of these stations are still part of Couch Oil's operation today.   At present, the company is affiliated with the Exxon Corporation, has added an LP gas division and still markets Unocal lubricants to the local area.

Over the years, Couch Oil has remained a family business. Carlton, himself. continued to operate the company until his death in 2003 at the age of 80.  His wife, Margaret, supported him through good and bad times and worked in the office until her death in 1992.  Likewise, both of Carlton's siblings have played vital roles in the company's operation; sister Frances Couch Dorrity retied in 2001 after serving over 35 years as bookkeeper.  Brother Bobby Couch, and employee of 40 years, manages the LP division. Son Steve Couch began working at Couch Oil in 1986 following graduation from western Carolina University and is now running the day-to-day operation.  In addition, Tim Thompson, Carlton's son-in-law, has been employed since early 2003 and handles outside sales.

For over 50 years, Couch Oil Company has continued the rich tradition of loyalty to customers and employees.  Customers can rest assured that everything possible will be done to provide services in an efficient, friendly, and professional manner.