The Priestley & Sons Heating Oil LLC of today represents the evolution of the Priestley Family businesses for moreFuel Oil Companies, Portland Oregon than 50 years. In 1955, two years after the birth of his first child, Chester “Chet the Jet” Priestley bought an old black tanker truck and began delivering heating oil to his friends and neighbors in his SE Portland neighborhood. Back in those days, most everyone had heating oil and Chet didn’t need to travel far to service his customers. Chet had formerly worked in his father’s moving business, Priestley & Sons Moving, throughout his school years at Franklin High School. His wife Darlene, who also attended Franklin HS, was his dispatcher and Office Mgr. Chet’s motto was “Fill ‘em and Bill ‘em, which caused some concern for Darlene, who was famous for her efforts to collect the money! Many a long-time customer will tell you about why they have been loyal to the Priestley are all these years. More than once, Chet was known to pull his pants over his pajamas to make a delivery to a customer who had run out late in the evening. Priestley’s practice of going the extra mile for their customers has earned them many loyal repeat customers over the years. In fact, much of their business today is still based on referrals. In the late 1980’s, Chet’s first son, Michael, joined him in the business. Chet Priestley Heating Oil operated in Southeast Portland, where he still lived, and Michael started AAA Heating Oil, servicing the rest of the Portland Metro Area, including the West side of town. The two operated their businesses out of their homes in Southeast and Lake Oswego, continuing to employ family members as dispatchers and office help. Over time, the old trucks had to make way for new ones and along with that, came a change of name to Priestley & Sons Heating Oil. By that time, Mike’s oldest son, Ben, had graduated from college and joined the business as a truck driver. With the business in capable hands, Chet was able to retire in 2001. He lives locally and enjoys seeing his sons and grandsons on a regular basis. More change came in 2005, as the family grew. Ben’s first son was born and Ben moved on to work in the corporate world. Mike hired his first “out-of-family” employees and worked hard to instill in them the values of this small family business. Customers first—be flexible and accommodating—appreciate the urgency of being out of heat, etc. Governmental zoning codes and regulations no longer allowed parking the oil trucks behind their homes to do evening deliveries the way Chet used to, so Mike moved the trucking part of the business to a commercial lot on NE Columbia Blvd. The new space gave more room for the trucking operation while allowing the Priestley’s to continue to operate efficiently out of their home. Being home- based gives the Priestley’s the ability to keep overhead low and catch those emergency messages left at all hours of the night! Mike and his wife, Jani Priestley, are involved in day-to-day operations; in fact, they are the ones answering the phones most days. They still enjoy the interaction with long-time customers and continue to be excited about each new customer as well! What do Mike and Jani most want you to know about them? They want their customers to feel appreciated and well cared-for. They want you to know that they are careful with your property, they are listening to your concerns and they are service minded. They get to know the specifics of your property and are sensitive to the possibility that there may be special needs with your particular oil tank’s situation. Most of all, the Priestley’s want you know that your business is appreciated a
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Reviews

12/28/2013

Terrible Customer Service!

Called for an estimate and the man who answered was terribly rude and inconsiderate. I would think that if they want business they would treat potential customers with kindness and respect! I would definitely NOT recommend this company to anyone. Called a few other local oil companies and they were all professional and respectful. Priestley may offer lower prices, but you get what you pay for. Disgusting.

01/12/2010

MY OIL COMPANY FOR 40 YEARS

t simply doesn't get any better than the Priestleys....they've been delivering oil at all hours and dealing with my flakiness forever. Last time I called at 11;30 PM on a Saturday night and was shocked to speak to a real person (Michael) who asked if I was out of oil, and if we were cold, I swear if I'd said yes, he'd have driven midnite oil to us himself ! Their truck arrived promptly the next day. I LOVE THE PRIESTLEYS

03/18/2008

Honest - No bait and Switch name game with different Prices

I recently needed heating oil. When I called Mr. Priestly, I was given an honest, fair, competitive price. As Mr. Priestly told me, they are not always the best price, but they are competitive and actually want your repeat business, not just your money now. As prices have recently risen across the board, I did what every consumer should do, shop for the best price. I was disappointed to find out in the Portland Area that some of the bigger companies had several different names with several different telephone numbers and to my surprise + different prices depending on which number I called - Upwards of 15% difference in their own prices. Theses companies are all about the money now. Call around, then call Mr. Priestly. Give Mr. Priestly a chance to be competitive, you might be surprised. Oh, and Mr. Priestly made it happen fast. I called in the afternoon, and he made it happen for me the same day. Service matters as much as price. I am a customer for life.

More Business Info

Where relationships still matter

Hours
Regular Hours
Mon - Fri:
Sat:
Extra Phones

Phone: 503-774-2205

Brands
diesel fuel, furnaces, gasoline, kerosene
Payment method
all major credit cards
Categories
Oils-Fuel-Wholesale & Manufacturers, Diesel Engines, Diesel Fuel, Farm Equipment, Farm Supplies, Fuel Oils