Island Energy fuels the home fires
By Michaela Kennedy

Sara Sprague and Paul Sprague.Photo by Michaela Kennedy

Island Energy is the only locallyowned

full-service oil delivery company on the island. Residents know when they call their neighbor from down the street will soon show up at their house with an oil delivery.

"Even people who aren't my customers have called for emergency oil," owner Paul Sprague says. Those who turn to Sprague for help usually become regular customers. He answers the telephone and delivers the oil himself, 24 hours a day. "How many CEOs of the big companies will give you such personalized service?" Sprague challenges, adding that his level of service is "far greater" than those companies that have in-house service.

Many people wonder how a small, family-owned business can offer affordable prices and better service than full service oil companies. Sprague exudes confidence in his ability to stay competitive, faring well in a market with the big guys.

Sprague explains that oil companies do not buy bulk quantities of product with volume discounts. "I invest in futures contracts, as do the larger companies," he says. A big company may buy millions of gallons, and he may buy hundreds of thousands. Nevertheless, they pay the same price. "There's no price break in the stock market."

In addition, Island Energy is the only company in town that carries diesel fuel, and will fill any vehicle, passenger or off-road, with simply a telephone call.

Self-made, Sprague is no stranger to business vision. "Paul is one of the most intuitively adept entrepreneurs you'll ever meet," lauds his sister Sara Sprague, who works as the executive assistant for Island Energy. He launched the Jamestown/Newport Ferry Service in 1993, and also ran a construction company.

Brother and sister grew up on the island, and they display a direct interest in supporting the welfare of the town. "It's not just Island Energy. It's local business"that they agree is important. "It's keeping the money in the community."

Sprague has found his niche at last with his third entrepreneurial effort as the resident oil delivery man. He realized his calling while working for an oil company and Jamestown was his sales territory. That company was eventually bought out by a large conglomerate, and Sprague jumped at the chance to fill a need in the area.

Island Energy was then born as a partnership four years ago. After the first two years, Sprague bought out his partner.

The company is building at a steady rate, and the local enterprise is beginning to expand off-island into North Kingstown. "The key to growing a business is to go at a pace where you can still provide excellent service," says Sprague.

Island Energy operates as a full-service heating oil company. When it comes to burner service, Sprague prefers to recommend local technicians. He mentions Elliott's Heating Service as one of the local support companies that has helped him cultivate the business. "Elliott Brown provides 24 hour emergency burner service" he notes, adding that the resident expertise available helps Sprague maintain a high caliber of service.

Mentioning the story of an elderly man for whom he kept the oil tank filled one cold and expensive winter, Sprague shows that his heart is in the business. "For us, it's all about service. We're here for the community."