Blog

Each year, Crystal Flash supports over 140 different organizations and causes across the communities we serve — where our employee-owners live and work. Being a Michigan-based company, getting involved in our local communities is personal. One of Crystal Flash’s main areas of philanthropic/community support is Agriculture & Rural Life Development, so, when our employee-owners heard…

Omar Buchanan joined the Crystal Flash Commercial Business Team in October 2021 as Lubricants Warehouse Assistant/Driver. In May 2022, Omar was promoted to Lubricants Manager. A 2012 graduate of Western Michigan University (Business Management), Omar came to CF with a strong background in transportation and customer service, having previously driven a box truck for a…

The Michigan Public Service Commission just unveiled its new energy assistance webpage designed to bring together, in one place, ways Michigan energy utility and telecommunications customers can find financial assistance to help them keep the lights and heat on and stay connected. The website, michigan.gov/mpsc/gethelp, includes information and links to state and utility company programs…

Kathryn Nicholson joined Crystal Flash in 2005 as a Customer Service Representative. Early in her tenure, she also worked on special projects for several other departments, including Human Resources, Marketing, Accounting and more. As her career with CF evolved, Kathryn eventually moved into a key role in the Safety Department. Years of experience and leadership…

Jim Tefft joined Crystal Flash in September 1982 as a truck driver in CF’s burgeoning used oil collection business. As the business became more established and grew, Jim was promoted to manager over the division. Another promotion came along shortly thereafter, putting Jim over CF’s lubricants business as well. As his role within Crystal Flash…

The Michigan Oilheat Equipment Rebate program has funds available from the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA). Michigan oilheat customers are eligible to receive a $600 rebate when installing a higher-efficiency system and $400 rebate for a new heating oil storage tank, either at the same time as the system replacement or separately. Rebate must be…

Rob Hudson has the special distinction of being two-time member of Team Crystal Flash. After an 8-year “first term” at CF in the 2000s, Rob departed for an opportunity with an Authorized Shell Oil Distributor, a role he held for 10 years. Rob’s next career move took him to Florida, where he worked as a…

Energy Star propane water heaters save consumers from 13% to 20% in annual energy costs when compared to standard electric models. Using propane can also cut your home’s carbon emissions from water heating nearly in half compared to an electric model. The Michigan Propane Commission has launched a new rebate program that provides consumers a…

The community of Elk Rapids is rediscovering a crown jewel in their own backyard. You see, Elk Rapids Marina, located on Elk Lake and conveniently nestled between Traverse City, Kalkaska, Suttons Bay and Charlevoix, is in the midst of a modern-day renaissance. About Elk Rapids Marina Elk Rapids Marina is a full-service marina and watercraft…

Andy Valler joined CF’s Commercial Sales Team in 2018 when Crystal Flash acquired Knapp Energy. Andy is a Commercial Account Representative covering the South-Central Region, a territory that includes US-131 east to Jackson and from Lansing south to the Indiana border. Crystal Flash provides diesel, gasoline, propane and lubricants to a wide variety of customers…