Michael Hollows

Pacific Petroleum has been a fuel distribution and service business owned and operated by the Hollows family since 1969. Its favourable reputation has been built on having a small-company feel while still offering all the services only a big business can provide.

It was established as an Esso fuel distributor in Wandoan, central Queensland, before a retail outlet was opened in Ashgrove, Queensland. From there, the company expanded into New South Wales, acquiring the Esso distributorship in Lismore and later in Coffs Harbour and Grafton. A bulk-fuel distribution service was also launched at the rear of the Brisbane transport terminal at a similar time.

In 1990, Mobil Oil Australia bought Esso’s retail network, which resulted in a new company being formed—50 per cent owned by the Hollows family and 50 per cent owned by Mobil. Various business acquisitions across South-East Queensland ensured significant growth as Pacific Petroleum cemented itself as one of Mobil’s largest distributors in the country. A focus was placed on the metropolitan and commercial industrial market, as opposed to simply being a retail service for farming communities, which had been a focus in the past. In 2013, the company expanded into Mackay and Toowoomba, Queensland, which further grew its fuel circulation network across eastern Australia. The move was undertaken to meet the needs of agricultural, mining, industrial, and other customers in these regions as part of the company’s commitment to client service.

Michael Hollows is the second-generation family member running Pacific Petroleum. He currently works as the managing director, making decisions alongside his father, Ivan Hollows, who founded the business and holds the role of director. Michael’s sister, Kristy Staples, is also involved. She is the company secretary and looks after the human resources and administration function side of the business. Collectively, the key management team have more than 100 years of combined industry knowledge and experience, which enables them to clearly understand customers’ needs while being familiar with all kinds of market conditions.