For more than a century, Lard Oil Company has quietly built one of Louisiana’s most deep-rooted energy businesses, evolving from a traditional fuel distributor into a full-service petroleum distributor, convenience store operator and reliability solutions enterprise. These all carry a culture of safety and customer reliability.
Top Executive: Johnny Milazzo, CEO
Phone: 800.738.7738
Address: 914 FLORIDA AVE SW, DENHAM SPRINGS, LA 70726
Website: lardoil.com
Today, that evolution is accelerating, driven by energy expansion in the Gulf South and a deepening partnership with ExxonMobil. Lard Oil’s footprint reflects the economic engine of Louisiana itself. The company operates convenience stores, supports distribution networks and supplies lubricants, fuels and reliability services to commercial, industrial, automotive, and marine customers across Louisiana, Mississippi and into Florida’s Panhandle.
“That growth is no accident,” said Mike Ezell, director of commercial, industrial and marine business. “Louisiana remains one of the most resilient energy markets in the country and we’re
fortunate to operate here. For more than four decades it has been one of the most stable and fastest-growing markets I’ve seen, driven largely by petrochemical, energy and marine activity.”
Lard Oil’s recent growth has centered in the Southwest Louisiana and Greater New Orleans Area, where liquefied natural gas development is reshaping demand.
“LNG really drove the move into that market,” Ezell said. “We needed to be there in a bigger way to support our growth and the businesses around it.”
At the same time, Lard Oil has expanded its marine distribution network, now covering Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the panhandle of Florida. The segment represents a significant opportunity for the company’s future.
“I expect we’re going to see a lot of growth in the marine industry for us,” Ezell said. “It’s an expansion for us and we’re continuing to build that presence.”
A defining feature of Lard Oil’s history is its longstanding alignment with ExxonMobil, a relationship that dates back to 1922.
“They’ve always been a part of who we are,” Ezell said. “We work in tandem as partners. We are its conduit to the customer and the market.”
That partnership extends beyond petroleum products into technology, data and operational strategy, helping Lard Oil stay competitive in an evolving energy landscape. To support growth, the company is investing heavily in logistics, workforce and advanced services.
“We’re planning years out,” Ezell said. “We’re looking at 2028 and 2029 in terms of infrastructure, staffing and equipment.”
That includes hiring engineers, expanding logistics technology and assets as well as investing in the most reliable and efficient oil purification systems to extend product life and reduce waste. The company is also leaning into automation and AI to improve efficiency. Ezell expects continued growth across traditional energy sectors, with emerging demand tied to data centers and infrastructure development.
“I think we’re just hitting the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “There’s a lot more to come. Through larger economic investment, you see demand growth in our automotive, commercial, and convenience store business as well.”
Through it all, the company’s foundation remains unchanged.
“We work for the customer,” Ezell said. “But at the end of the day, our success is a story about our people. It takes a lot of committed and driven people to do what we do every day. The real heart of it is our people and our passion. That passion comes from having an emotional connection to our coworkers, partners and clients.”
