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About Downs EnergyCompany OverviewOne of Corona’s oldest family-owned operations, Downs Energy is a familiar name for any area business that depends on heavy equipment or has a fleet of vehicles to operate. The firm’s founder, Elvin Downs, was extremely active in the Corona community. A member of the City Planning Commission for over a decade, he also served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and has the distinction of being one of the only presidents to serve for three consecutive terms. In 1940 Elvin took over Standard Oil Co.’s (Now Chevron) Corona Plant on Joy Street, across from the old Sunkist processing plant. He was Standard’s first wholesale distributor in Corona, and sold oil and fuel products to businesses in the surrounding communities. Contemporary customers include corporations such as 3M, Hamner Towing, Lakeview Professional Service, Titan Transportation and the City of Corona itself.
Sharon Downs Messner and Mike Downs, both Corona High School Graduates, followed in their parents footsteps and joined the company in the ‘80’s and currently carry the company torch, that has been passed down to the 3rd generation. Today the company’s three-fold operation includes sales of ConocoPhillips Brand Lubricants (which are sold by the case, pail, drum, and bulk), bulk gasoline and diesel fuel, and a cardlock program. The latter venture began as an outgrowth of the key lock concept: selling fuel through the cardlock program - similar to an automatic teller machine at a bank - allows a business to track and control purchases made by their employees. Downs Energy is also a member of the Commercial Fueling Network, which allows Downs Energy customers to use the Downs Fuel Card at over 3,500 locations nationwide. Downs, which opened its first commercial fueling location over 20 year ago now, operates four such sites, two in Corona: the Magnolia Avenue headquarters and one on the corner of Railroad Street and Airport Circle, the third location is in Lake Elsinore, and the forth in Temecula. Customer service has been a hallmark of the company for all three generations, “In the commercial fueling business, you are in the business of building relationships with your customers and you want to be able to take care of their needs”, says Mike Downs, President of the Corona based company. MISSION
Our focus is on the customer, saving their time and effort, providing convenience, quality products and services, all at competitive prices. VALUESThe Downs Companies are committed to the following values:
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LocationsCorona - Main Office
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It seems Downs Energy was destined to be a family affair from the start. After his son John graduated from Corona High School, he honed his skills in the oil industry as a driver for Standard Oil Co. before joining his father’s firm in 1962. Elvin’s nephew, Richard, also signed on and the trio worked together until the elder Downs passed away in 1975, after more than 50 years in the oil business. John and his wife Catherine then took over the helm and moved the company to its new headquarters located just off the I-15 freeway at Magnolia Avenue. The husband and wife team launched a key lock operation to sell fuel round the clock to trucking companies in 1976. 
The Downs Companies primary mission is to excel in the distribution of petroleum products, for commercial, industrial, and retail applications, in Southern California. An established part of Corona and the Inland Empire since 1940, the Downs Companies maintain their customer satisfaction and loyalty by a total commitment to customer convenience.
