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R.L. Jordan Oil Company reflects on humble beginnings

 

FOOTHILLS—For its 75th anniversary, Hot Spot Convenience Stores is celebrating its legacy of business and community support that began in 1949.  

Freshly discharged from the US Army after serving in Japan, Robert L. Jordan opened his first location across from a cornfield in Macon County, North Carolina. From those humble beginnings, the company expanded to an additional location in Franklin and eventually a third in downtown Tryon. In Tryon, Robert met his future wife, Jean Capps. 

Understanding the importance of controlling costs, Jordan made a pivotal decision to purchase a tanker truck and manage deliveries to his locations himself, establishing a unique business model. 

Jordan approached country store owners, suggesting they sell gasoline. He provided tanks and pumps, and a 5-cent profit per gallon was shared between both parties. This led to the creation of his “Hy-Rocket” brand.  

“He was not afraid to get his hands dirty,” says his grandson David A. Jordan. “He would agree to install the tanks and pumps at his cost, deliver the gas, and get paid when the store owner sold the gas.” 

Jordan was a pioneer in offering self-service gasoline in the Carolinas and also pioneered “gasohol,” an early version of E10 fuel, by adding ethanol to its regular octane 87. During the energy crisis of the 1970s, Jordan transitioned away from wholesale distribution to focus solely on convenience store operations. 

Operating under the name “Hot Spot” since 1982, the R.L. Jordan Oil Company has grown steadily and now boasts 41 locations across North and South Carolina. 

“Hot Spot loves our employees, and we love the communities that have supported us for 75 years,” the Jordan family says as it celebrates this milestone. “Every year has brought new challenges, new opportunities, and the chance to grow our company and strengthen the bonds between our family and employees.”

Hot Spot earned recognition as the Best Employer in Spartanburg in 2024 due to its low employee turnover rate.  

“Thank you for making our company a success,” the family says.