Meet Rand Taylor

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rand Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rand, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

When we started Fuel Ox, we didn’t have a formal mission in mind—just a product and an opportunity. About 12 years ago, I was approached by a friend whose uncle had invented a fuel additive that was primarily used by one huge multi national company and the US Military. At the time, I had no experience with fuel additives; my career had been in Wall Street, trading equities, and in the entertainment industry. Honestly, I wasn’t that interested. But as a favor to my friend, I shared the product with some trucking companies and large-scale farmers I knew.

To our surprise, they loved it. They were impressed with the product’s ability to improve fuel efficiency and reduce costs. This unexpected positive feedback made me realize that there was a real demand for fuel solutions that delivered both performance and savings. That’s when my son, Alec, and I decided to start Fuel Ox. Alec had recently graduated from college and, disillusioned with corporate America, was looking for a more meaningful venture. Fuel Ox became that opportunity.

Initially, our mission was straightforward: to help companies improve fuel efficiency and profitability through innovative solutions delivered with integrity. But as we grew, we saw more potential. We noticed the fuel additive and industrial lubricant industries were dominated by outdated products and sales strategies. There was little emphasis on truly enhancing the customer experience—either by improving operational efficiency or by offering safer, more eco-friendly solutions.

That realization led us to expand our offerings beyond fuel additives. We began developing industrial products that not only enhance efficiency but are also environmentally friendly and safe for the people using them. This evolution inspired our current mission: bringing eco-friendly products to the industrial community that improve performance, while also promoting sustainability. It’s what we call “Profitable Sustainability,” a philosophy that balances profitability with environmental responsibility.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Industrial Sustainability Group (ISG), the parent company of Fuel Ox, is dedicated to bringing eco-friendly solutions to the industrial market that not only benefit the environment but also outperform traditional, less sustainable products. Our motto, “Profitable Sustainability,” reflects this commitment.

We began with Fuel Ox with Combustion Catalyst, a fuel additive that enhances fuel efficiency by 7-10% and significantly cuts emissions by up to 80%. Over time, we expanded our offerings to include plant-based lubricants, which are not only safer for the environment but also superior in performance when compared to the petrochemical-based alternatives widely used in various industries.

Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce a range of non-toxic cleaning solutions. These products continue our legacy of innovation by combining power and safety. We take great pride in being among the few companies globally that consistently deliver eco-friendly products that outperform conventional alternatives in industries like transportation, agriculture, and beyond. Moreover, all of our products are versatile, safe for both consumers and industrial applications, demonstrating that high performance doesn’t need to come at the cost of the planet’s health.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

We started our business in 2013 with just $2,000, using it to buy a small amount of product and create a single tri-fold brochure, while setting aside some money for gasoline to get out and meet potential customers. Every dollar of profit went right back into the business to restock product and eventually rent a modest office space for $200/month. As demand grew, it quickly became clear that our tiny 10’x12’ workspace was no longer sufficient.

Within six months, we moved into a larger office/production area, roughly 300 square feet, but we had to take out a $5,000 loan from a high-interest small business lender called Cheddar. We paid off the loan ahead of schedule and, about 18 months later, took out another $20,000 loan to fund our continued growth—again paying it off in half the expected time.

Finally, after 7 years, we were able to purchase a 6,000 square foot building, but rapid growth put pressure on our cash flow. To bridge the gap, we started factoring our larger receivables. After a year of factoring, we realized that while it helped with immediate cash needs, the costs were too high in the long run. Fortunately, after over 10 failed attempts (our large bank, even seeing our impressive growth, refused to fund us – even though they underwrote our mortgage!), we were finally able to secure conventional bank financing, freeing us from high-interest loans.

Now, 10 years since our inception, we’ve overcome the growing pains. We have stable financing in place to support our operations and have weathered the challenges that come with scaling a business. Our experience has given us a deeper appreciation for what it takes to grow from scratch and make it through tough financial hurdles. Now we look forward to our next, and much larger growth stage.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

To maintain high morale within our team, the key is to ensure that everyone feels valued and respected for their contributions. This goes beyond the typical corporate mantra of “we are a family.” Instead, it’s about genuinely involving employees in decision-making processes and encouraging their feedback to make operations better. Each person should believe that their opinions are important, and their efforts are recognized.

The core principle here is to foster an environment where nobody feels belittled or overlooked. When employees see that their input is actively solicited and considered, it creates a culture of collaboration and respect. By truly engaging with our team, we not only improve the quality of our operations and products but also build trust, which naturally boosts morale.

In summary, it’s not about just saying “we are a family,” but rather living by the values of inclusion, appreciation, and active participation in the workplace. That sense of purpose and belonging can significantly enhance motivation and teamwork.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fuelox.com
• Instagram: fuelox
• Facebook: facebook.com/fuelox
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/fuel-ox-llc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2JaZYApnhl6Xzg-FAGVNlw

Image Credits
All taken by Jessica Schwarcz-Taylor

https://canvasrebel.com/meet-rand-taylor/