|
Since 1929, Metro Energy of Boston, MA is dedicated to providing each customer with expert, honest, courteous heating oil service every time.
The 50th anniversary of Metro Energy took Toros “Tony” Markarian some-what by surprise. “ Where did all these years go?” he asked with a laugh.
In 1929, Markarian’s father began delivering ice and coal with one truck in South Boston, Mass. Though Markarian used to go out after school with his father, he was not truly expecting to take on the business and turn it into the full service Oilheat company it is today.
“I didn’t even plan on getting into this business, he said, but when he got out of the Navy in 1946, his father told him he was going to have to do something for a living. So, Markarian built the business with his brother, Michael, who passed away in 1982.
Of course, the company and the industry have both changed over the past half-century. For example, using computers to schedule and track deliveries, Markarian is able to use one less truck to deliver the same number of gallons.
“I find that its gotten a little more competitive,” said Markarian of Oilheat business. “If you’re not healthy and if you don’t stay healthy, you won’t last in this business to long.”
These days, however, Markarian finds that he now has time to enjoy the rewards of his success. He said he can take the time to walk to work, and enjoy the familiar sights of the neighborhood. That wasn’t always the case.
“We didn’t know what a Sunday or a holiday was,” he said.
With the acquisition of several other businesses in 1987, the company changed its name from M&T Oil Co. to Metro Energy. The new name is a more accurate reflection of the area serviced by the operation, which reaches into the greater Boston area. But a sign sporting the former name of the company remains on a prominent corner of the building, and folks in the neighborhood still refer to Metro Energy as M&T. It’s something of a landmark. Markarian quotes an old song about Southie, as his hometown is know, about how they will break you but never forsake you. Its words appear to be true.
And for Markarian, an important part of being involved in the community means helping out the people in it. The front window of Metro Energy’s office is full of trophies from the neighborhood teams Markarian and the company sponsor-local church basketball leagues, the Boston Youth Soccer League, and a three consecutive championship Little League team. The company is also a supporter of Boys and Girls Club.
“We’re very well established here,” he said. “I grew up here and I know a lot of people by their first.”
For the anniversary of Metro Energy, Markarian is planning to commemorate the occasion some-time next spring. That should coincide with renovations scheduled for the building, being done as part of Boston’s Main Streets program, a city-wide refurbishment project. It means Metro Energy’s offices will expand a little, and the front of the building will get a makeover. But perhaps the old M&T sign can stay…
And with two sons and a daughter working with him, Markarian feel confident that the business he started will last little longer-maybe another 50 years.
“I figure there’s another generation there.” He said.
Call Tom or Brenda today at 617-268-4662, or browse our website for more information regarding our
heating maintenance service, and heating and cooling products. If you have any other questions or comments, please contact us.
|
