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Willie Davis Jr. was already operating a successful company, Just Bucket Excavating Inc., when a fellow business owner approached him to suggest that the market needed a fuel delivery company for municipalities, public transportation, contractors and other private companies. More specifically, the market was ripe for one that is owned by African Americans.

Davis agreed, and he invested in Fleet Fuels with fellow owners who include Bryce Rawer, operations manager; Kiauna Floyd, secretary; and Richard Harris, business manager. Davis serves as president.

They formed the company last September with the goal of creating a business that not only benefits the BIPOC business community and provides employment opportunities for people of color, but also helps customers meet their goals for diversity, equity and inclusion.

鈥淚 believe we鈥檙e the only African American-owned fuel company in the state, and we are meeting a need,鈥� he said.

Fleet Fuels currently employs two truck drivers who deliver the fuel. Davis is preparing a third driver through Knife River鈥檚 new training center in Albany.

鈥淭he experience has been very good, and the director of the school (Kris Latimer) has been professional and presented open arms to people of color to joining the team,鈥� he said. 鈥淪cholarships have been provided to a couple of my apprentice workers and there has been constant contact to help with the process. Knife River is proving that they are a great supporter of the BIPOC community.鈥�

Davis said the Fleet Fuels鈥� short-term goal is to deliver between 300,000 to 500,000 gallons of fuel per year to municipalities, contractors and other private companies during the next two or three years.

Star Oil company has formed a partnership with Fleet Fuels that consists of training support, fuel deliveries and technical assistance. Star Oil is veteran owned and one of its goals is supporting minority companies in the greater Portland community.