It all began in October 1945 when Milo Cockerham operated Parkview Service Station on South Main Street in Galax where he sol ... d Gulf Oil products. In 1956, Mr. Cockerham purchased the local Gulf Oil Distributorship. Here he offered heating oil, kerosene, gasoline, and Gulfpride motor oils to consumers, dealers, farmers, and commercial customers. His high ethics and honesty from his humble beginnings are still a cornerstone of the business. Over the years, the business has expanded into a diversified energy provider, convenience stores, food, and hospitality. Today the company continues to operate as locally owned having second and third generation family members involved in the business. Company currently operates 8 convenience store, Hampton Inn, and Pizza Inn/TCBY locations plus provides propane and petroleum products to residential and commercial customers. read more