Jim Robinson Sr. and A.E. Robinson Named 2026 Piscataquis Chamber Business of the Year!
Business of the Year Celebration to be held Mon., October 26th, 5pm
The Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Jim Robinson Sr. and A.E. Robinson Oil Company as the Chamber’s 2026 Business of the Year, recognizing decades of business leadership, community service and generosity throughout Piscataquis County.
With a little help from Jim’s sons, Jamie and Mark, the Chamber was able to keep this year’s award a surprise. Chamber Executive Director Kerry Glover and several members of the Chamber Board of Directors gathered at the A.E. Robinson office in Dover-Foxcroft, where Jim was surprised with the announcement.
“Jim represents exactly what this award is meant to recognize,” said Glover. “He has built an incredibly successful family business, but just as important is what he has given back along the way. Jim and A.E. Robinson have supported our communities for decades, often quietly and without looking for recognition. His impact on Piscataquis County reaches far beyond the business he built.”
A.E. Robinson’s roots date back to 1950, when Jim’s father, Alfred E. Robinson, started the company with one delivery truck and one service truck. Jim purchased the company from his father in 1970 and, together with his brothers, continued building the family business.
Today, A
.E. Robinson provides heating oil, propane, diesel, gasoline, heating and cooling services, plumbing and more, while operating convenience stores and service locations throughout the region. More than 75 years after its beginning, A.E. Robinson remains a family-run business. Jim’s children—Jennifer Robinson Cleaves, James “Jamie” Robinson Jr., and Mark Robinson—have all played a role in carrying the family business forward, alongside other members of the Robinson family and a dedicated team of employees who have been an important part of the company’s growth and success.
While the company’s growth is impressive, Jim’s impact extends far beyond the business itself.
For decades, Jim and the Robinson family have quietly supported local schools, youth programs, public safety organizations, nonprofits and community projects. Their contributions include significant support for the Jim Robinson Field House at Foxcroft Academy, donations to local fire departments and support for numerous organizations and causes throughout the region.
Jim has often shared his belief in giving back to the community that supported his success—a philosophy that has become an important part of the A.E. Robinson legacy.
“Jim represents exactly what this award is meant to recognize,” said Glover. “He has built an incredibly successful family business, but just as important is what he has given back along the way. Jim and A.E. Robinson have supported our communities for decades, often quietly and without looking for recognition. His impact on Piscataquis County reaches far beyond the business he built.”
The Chamber also recognizes the employees of A.E. Robinson who have helped make the company what it is today. Generations of local employees have contributed to its success and helped maintain the personal service and community connection the company is known for.
Jim Robinson Sr. and A.E. Robinson will be formally recognized as the 2026 Business of the Year at the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce and Piscataquis County Economic Development Council Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration on Monday, October 26, at Central Hall in Dover-Foxcroft.
The Piscataquis Chamber congratulates Jim, the Robinson family and the entire A.E. Robinson team on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their longstanding commitment to the people and communities of Piscataquis County.
Click to watch A.E. Robinson Oil Co. share about Community Service
The event is open to the public, and registration is required. Event Registration can be found HERE. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event should contact the director at 207-564-7533.