It all began with a lawnmower and a lesson.
As a teenager, Chris asked his father, Ken Hagman—then President of E.O. Habhegger—for help buying a lawnmower for his budding lawn care business. Instead of handing him money, Ken offered an opportunity: “Come to work, and you can earn it yourself.” That lesson not only instilled a strong work ethic in Chris but also laid the foundation for what would become a life-long career with the company.
Chris’s early days at E.O. Habhegger were formative. He spent his Saturdays and school breaks in the shipping department, gaining hands-on experience and learning the business from the ground up. Earning the trust of the team, he took on greater responsibilities, from managing inventory to supporting daily operations. After graduating from college, Chris wasted no time—he took just three days off before stepping into a full-time role.
A Leader Who Transforms Challenges into Opportunities
Chris’s career at E.O. Habhegger reflects his commitment to innovation and efficiency. Beginning in purchasing, he steadily assumed more responsibility before transitioning into sales and marketing, where he helped shape the company’s growth strategies. His leadership and forward-thinking mindset ultimately led him to the role of President, where he continues to build on his father’s legacy while steering the business into the future.
One of his early accomplishments was overhauling the company’s inventory management system. “We used to count inventory by product code, which was incredibly time-consuming and inefficient,” he recalls. By restructuring the system to group items by shelf and introducing bin locations, he cut the process from five days to just one and a half, significantly improving warehouse operations and making navigation easier for employees.
Under Chris’s leadership, E.O. Habhegger has expanded strategically through key acquisitions. In 2017, the company acquired Gateway Petroleum Services, enhancing its service capabilities with a skilled team of expert fuel technicians. The 2023 acquisition of Matt’s Valley Petroleum further strengthened the Petroleum Services division, integrating its operations into Habhegger’s comprehensive offerings. Most recently, the company entered the commercial and industrial sectors with Gateway Industrial Solutions, reinforcing its commitment to providing customers with complete solutions, from high-quality equipment to expert maintenance services.
Looking ahead, Chris remains focused on guiding the company’s continued growth. Over the past six years, he has played a pivotal role in integrating new businesses and ensuring seamless operational transitions. His latest initiative—an ERP system rollout—aims to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and support E.O. Habhegger’s expanding reach, keeping it at the forefront of the petroleum and industrial equipment industry.
Thriving on Change, Innovation, and Collaboration
For Chris, the excitement of his role comes from the industry’s constant evolution. “No day is the same. There’s never a dull moment,” he shares. Whether tackling challenges with his team, exploring emerging technologies, or engaging with industry professionals, he embraces the dynamic nature of the business.
A core aspect of his work is problem-solving and driving improvements. Chris values collaboration and strategic thinking in finding solutions. He believes some of the best ideas come from open discussions and different perspectives, making teamwork essential to the company’s success.
Trade shows have played a vital role throughout his career, providing opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and stay ahead of industry advancements. “As long as the days can be, there’s always something new and interesting,” he says. These events have introduced him to cutting-edge technologies, fresh business strategies, and valuable industry connections that have helped shape E.O. Habhegger’s direction.
Chris recounts meeting a senior executive from a major international petroleum company on a flight home from England, who shared his company’s vision for scaling their U.S. network—a discussion that left a lasting impression as Chris continues to explore opportunities to modernize and expand E.O. Habhegger’s operations.
A Team-Centered Approach to Success
Chris attributes much of E.O. Habhegger’s success to the strength of its team. “Our team complements each other’s strengths,” he says. “If someone encounters a challenge they haven’t seen before, there’s always someone else ready to help.” This collaborative culture has not only contributed to the company’s growth but also created a workplace where employees feel supported and valued.
Encouraging input from employees at all levels is something Chris prioritizes. He understands that frontline workers often have the best insights into improving processes and believes that fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas leads to continuous improvement.
Advice for the Next Generation
For those entering the industry, Chris emphasizes the importance of curiosity and continuous learning. “Always ask questions and be willing to learn. If you don’t know the answer, find it—whether by asking, researching, or seeking guidance.” He believes that success comes from developing resourcefulness and learning from every experience.
He also encourages young professionals to take on challenges, knowing that growth often comes from stepping outside their comfort zones. Facing difficulties head-on, learning from mistakes, and staying adaptable are all key to long-term success in the industry.
Leading with Vision and Resilience
From his early days working in the shipping department to leading E.O. Habhegger’s growth through strategic acquisitions and operational improvements, Chris’s career has been built on hands-on experience, adaptability, and a drive for excellence. His deep understanding of the company’s operations has shaped his leadership approach, ensuring that every decision supports both long-term stability and future innovation.
As President, Chris remains focused on strengthening E.O. Habhegger for the years ahead. His latest initiative—an ERP system rollout—is designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency as the company continues to expand. By modernizing processes and maintaining the company’s strong customer-focused culture, Chris is committed to positioning E.O. Habhegger for continued success.
Outside of work, Chris and his wife, Theresa Hagman, who leads Human Resources at E.O. Habhegger, share the same dedication to the company and its people. After putting off vacations for over three years, they’re finally taking time this summer for a long-awaited family trip with their children—a well-earned break after years of hard work and commitment.