About The Wills Group
    The Wills Group family of companies was built on the idea that the right people can make all the difference in the success of an organization. It is their efforts that have powered the many innovations that have brought The Wills Group and its associated companies - Southern Maryland Oil, Delmarva Oil, SMO Motor Fuels and Dash-In Convenience Stores - to the level of success we enjoy today.

Since 1926 we have been fortunate in maintaining a team effort from all our associates. As evidence of that, we are proud of the fact that each of our operations and subsidiaries maintain their positions as the number one marketers in each of their respective areas.

Here's a brief history of how far we've come in our three-quarters of a century of service.

The Wills Group: A History Of Firsts

1926 Two engineers, Jim Wills and Harold Swann, got together and acquired the LaPlata Oil and Mechanicsville Oil Companies. Thus began Southern Maryland Oil (SMO). It's interesting to note the Company handled only three principle products; kerosene, one grade of gasoline and a motor oil called "Texaco Golden."

1937 With the invention of the gun type burner, fuel oil came into its own, creating an ever increasing market for home heating. It was during this year that the company began deliveries on an automatic basis. Automatic at this time meant deliveries of once a week or once every two weeks. This was the first such automatic service available to customers in the Southern Maryland area.

1942 In March 1942 construction of the Patuxent Naval Air Station began. Not only were we the first principal fuel supplier, but because of the number of homes being built we began delivering fuel to these homes.

1953 Ours was the first company in the State of Maryland to incorporate a Profit Sharing Plan whereby the employees received, through a deferred plan, a portion of the profits at year-end for retirement purposes.

1954 We created another first for the area by inaugurating an Oil Burner Service Department, aided by two way radio communication for even faster service.

1964 Our company again was the first in the State of Maryland as we entered into an agreement and began development of the area's first central oil system.

1966 We created the Installation Department to give customers an all-in-one source for fuel, equipment, installation and service.

1972 We developed the first full branded self-service station in the State of Maryland.

1991 The first with the introduction of Price Protection Guarantee to heating oil customers.

1994 We were the first to offer a major new product innovation: Q-Gard Premium Heating Oil. The "Q" stands for quality, the "Gard" is what helps your system run better, last longer, and protect the environment.

1996 We celebrated 70 years of service to Southern Maryland.

1998 Industry first with comprehensive service contracts, Loyalty Credits and a five-hour Emergency Service Guarantee.