Highland Energy celebrates 90th Anniversary
HOHENWALD, TENNESSEE (August 14, 2026)
Highland Energy announces its 90-year anniversary of serving customers and communities across Tennessee. This year marks nine decades and four generations of family leadership, trusted partnerships and a steadfast commitment to service.
Founded in 1936 by E.M. Adcox, the company has grown from a small fuel distributorship into a diversified energy organization that includes wholesale fuel distribution, company-operated convenience stores, commercial fueling, fuel transportation through Fuel Transport, Inc., and partnerships with leading fuel brands including Shell, Exxon, BP and Marathon.
Today, under fourth-generation family leadership and the direction of CEO Seth Blanks, Highland Energy continues to build on that legacy while investing in innovation, its people and the future of the energy industry. Earlier this year, the company officially adopted the name Highland Energy, reflecting both its deep roots and its vision for the future.
"Reaching 90 years is an extraordinary milestone for any company, but especially for one that has remained family owned and values driven throughout its history," Blanks said. “I am honored and humbled to be part of such a legacy that continues to grow and evolve for the future.”
Through every chapter of its history, Highland has remained dedicated to the customers and relationships and that have been at the foundation of its success, says David Adcox, Chairman of the Board and the third generation to lead the company as CEO, learning the business from his father, James M. Adcox.
“I’m thankful that my father was able to mentor me before he passed and set the stage for our growth. When I think back to that beginning for me, it’s special because of the heritage of my grandfather and my dad,” Adcox says. “Going back all the way to the first generation of ownership, there was always a legacy of honesty and integrity. Highland has been known in the communities in which we live for a strong faith and heritage from our family that has carried on through the company.”
While the company has proven to be resilient with steady growth, entering the retail business in 1985 with the first Fast Stop Markets in Dickson, Tenn. was a significant milestone, Adcox says.
Many Adcox family members have contributed over the years. David’s wife Connie worked alongside him in human resources with assistance from their daughter Amanda (Adcox) Blanks. Their son Miles Adcox also worked in sales before pursuing his career in behavioral health, while son Russ Adcox led retail efforts before returning to his career in ministry. In 2007, Adcox’s son-in-law Seth Blanks joined the Highland family legacy and took the reins as CEO in 2020.
“We have excellent leadership here, and we couldn’t have grown the company without the leadership and dedication of everyone – all the people that have worked along the way here all these years, building the company into a strong financial company, but also one that gives back to the community,” Adcox says.
This commitment to giving back over the years has been accomplished through the Highland Charitable Foundation and the annual Links of Love Golf Classic. In its history, the Foundation has contributed more than $2.3 million to its neighbors and local nonprofit organizations in need, strengthening communities across middle and west Tennessee.
In recognizing and celebrating this 90th Anniversary, Highland Energy is honoring generations of employees, customers, dealers and community partners who made this milestone possible. Fast Stop Markets is currently holding a contest to reward its most loyal customers in recognition of this anniversary. Highland Energy employees will also be celebrating while focusing on the one constant – the company’s values of Family, Integrity, Respect, Excellence and Service.
"Ninety years is a remarkable achievement and it would not have been possible without the dedication of our employees, the loyalty of our customers, and the support of the communities we serve,” says CEO Seth Blanks. “This milestone is an opportunity to honor our past, but it is also a reminder that our best days are still ahead. We remain committed to investing in our people, serving our customers and communities with excellence, and continuing to expand and innovate for the future."
For more information about Highland Energy, go to HighlandEnergy.com. For questions, call 800-924-8514
or email info@highlandenergy.com.
Highland Energy is a Tennessee-based, fourth generation family-owned petroleum wholesaler, retailer and fuel transportation company. Highland owns and operates Fast Stop Markets, a convenience store chain in middle and west Tennessee. Sister company Fuel Transport, Inc. is its common carrier specializing in transporting petroleum products across Tennessee. Highland's wholesale partners include Shell, Exxon, BP and Marathon branded fuel. Pacific Pride commercial fueling locations are also part of the company's family of fuel products. In an ongoing effort to honor the company values of Family, Integrity, Respect, Excellence and Service, the Highland Charitable Foundation raises funds to aid local non-profits in the communities where the company serves. For more information, visit highlandenergy.com.