Eric Cantwell: Cantwell's Roadmap for Consumer’s Coop Success

Eric Cantwell, CEO and GM of Consumer’s Coop Oil Company, has had a career full of excitement, learning, and personal growth. Beginning in 2014 with Coca-Cola, Cantwell quickly gained valuable experience that enhanced his social skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership education, and financial analysis capabilities. His next career move in 2016 to CHS Inc. further solidified these skills, preparing him for future leadership roles.

Cantwell then transitioned into the role of Energy Manager at Tri Energy Cooperative in Bismarck, ND. Here, he consolidated his previous knowledge and excelled in customer relations, pricing strategies, market hedging, inventory control, sales, and team management. These varied responsibilities allowed him to grow professionally and laid the foundation for his next big career move. In 2021, Cantwell had the opportunity to interview for and accept the position of CEO/GM at Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company. During his tenure, he has solidified and expanded his strengths while addressing areas for improvement. Leveraging his skills, he developed an exceptional leadership team and fostered a positive company culture. Cantwell’s journey, marked by both successes and challenges, has been instrumental in shaping his career and bringing him to his current position.

Since joining Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company, Cantwell has overseen significant growth and development. The company has successfully acquired eighteen convenience stores, undertaken a major renovation at one of its rental properties, and developed a foodservice program within its convenience stores. These efforts have been consistently directed towards enhancing customer satisfaction, reflecting Cantwell’s commitment to improving the company’s operations and services.

Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company is guided by core values that include maintaining discipline, taking initiative, leading by example, serving as a valuable asset to the community, and committing to continuous learning. These principles are embodied by the company’s employees, who play a crucial role in advancing its mission in various capacities. Cantwell emphasizes the importance of these values in fostering a positive and productive company culture.

Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company specializes in the delivery of bulk refined fuels, propane, lubricants, and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Additionally, the company operates twenty convenience stores and manages eleven rental properties across Wisconsin. This diverse range of services and products ensures that the company meets the varied needs of its customers.

To ensure high-quality products, Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company collaborates with multiple companies. In partnership with CHS Inc., the company provides top-tier gasoline, premium diesel, and lubricants. CHS Inc.’s rigorous internal testing and the company’s own annual product evaluations guarantee the best products in the market. Food quality is equally important, and the company works with various suppliers to offer the finest products in its stores. Thorough vetting of each supplier’s processes and regular quality checks throughout the year maintain high standards.

Cantwell identifies pricing and supply volatility as significant challenges in the oil industry. The growing emphasis on renewable products and electric vehicles (EVs) also presents challenges and opportunities. Federal and state governments are implementing regulatory changes and incentives favoring renewable energy and EVs. As an energy cooperative, it is crucial for Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company to monitor these developments and be prepared to adapt accordingly, ensuring that it continues to meet its patrons’ needs and remains their preferred choice.

Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company addresses environmental concerns by ensuring its systems are maintained in optimal operating condition. The company regularly collects soil samples from all its locations, proactively monitoring and maintaining environmental integrity and operational standards. This approach reflects Cantwell’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Managing market fluctuations has become more challenging since COVID-19. Cantwell notes that the market is now influenced by a broader range of factors, including political events. To address price volatility, the company monitors the market multiple times per day and consults expert analyses weekly. Tracking historical trends enables the company to make well-informed decisions regarding securing contracts and allocations at the most opportune moments.

Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company’s risk management strategy involves several key practices: establishing clear objectives, leveraging expertise, daily pricing forecasts, adequate storage, and diversification. Defining annual goals helps stabilize costs and ensure consistent supply availability. The team is well-versed in the business strategy, aligning their efforts with risk management goals. Monitoring pricing forecasts daily keeps the company informed of market trends. Maintaining sufficient storage facilities allows for effective supply management. Diversifying sourcing mitigates risk and enhances product availability.

Safety is a core initiative at Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company. The company conducts monthly safety meetings in each department and engages a third-party provider to perform quarterly inspections of its facilities. This ensures that the environments remain secure and compliant for both patrons and employees, reflecting Cantwell’s dedication to safety and operational excellence.

Renewable energy presents both challenges and opportunities for Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company. The company is closely monitoring developments in renewable diesel and renewable propane, preparing to integrate these products when the timing is appropriate. Although the current infrastructure can handle these products, Cantwell believes it is premature to introduce them at this time. However, when implemented, renewable diesel and propane will enhance the company’s offerings, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of its patrons.

Cantwell’s vision for Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company is centered on growth and expansion. Over the next five years, the company plans to broaden its delivery market for refined fuels and propane, extend its convenience store presence to new communities across Wisconsin, and remodel several of its existing convenience stores. This vision reflects Cantwell’s commitment to driving the company forward and ensuring its continued success.

In conclusion, Eric Cantwell’s journey to becoming CEO/GM at Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and leadership skills. Under his guidance, the company has evolved and thrived, maintaining high standards and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Cantwell’s vision for the future promises continued growth and success for Consumer’s Cooperative Oil Company.