Celebrating International Women’s Day: An Interview with Margaret Kitchin

This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on Margaret Kitchin, our Area Sales Manager in Immingham. Margaret is an inspiring woman with over 40 years’ experience in the fuel industry! Her resilience, professionalism and commitment have helped her thrive over the years. From starting young to building a successful career through sheer determination, Margaret’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved when you push forward with confidence and integrity.

Starting Young & Learning on the Job

Margaret began her career in the fuel industry at just 19 years old, armed with little more than a background knowledge and a willingness to learn. “I was thrown in at the deep end – handed a customer list and told to look after them. But I took to it like a duck to water,” she recalls. Her journey was one of continuous learning, picking up vital skills in telesales, field sales, and eventually building a depot from the ground up. Through it all, Margaret adapted quickly, proving that with the right mindset, you can succeed even without formal training.

Facing Challenges as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry

As a woman in the fuel industry, Margaret faced unique challenges. However, she was never discouraged by the hurdles that came her way. “Being a woman in this industry has its challenges, but I never let it stop me,” she says. From handling farm dogs to entering male-dominated boardrooms, Margaret met every challenge head-on, showing that determination and professionalism know no gender. She also points out that, over time, the industry has evolved, becoming more accepting of women. “It’s a great industry for women. Once it’s in your blood, it’s in your blood,” she shares. Despite the traditional struggles, Margaret believes confidence and resilience are key to breaking barriers and thriving.

Mentoring and Supporting the Next Generation

Margaret’s commitment to success doesn’t stop with her own achievements. She has always made it a point to mentor others, particularly women entering the industry. “I did a lot of mentoring – taking younger women out, showing them how to meet customers and build relationships. That was really rewarding,” she says. Her approach to mentoring has helped create a pathway for other women to join and excel in the fuel industry, ensuring that the next generation of female professionals has the guidance and support they need to succeed. On International Women’s Day, we celebrate leaders like Margaret, whose dedication to supporting and uplifting women is shaping a more inclusive future for the industry.

Biggest Achievements: Building Success from the Ground Up

When asked about her biggest achievement, Margaret reflects on her journey of building a depot from scratch. “My biggest achievement was building a depot from nothing to five tankers, doing about 2 litres to 2.5 million litres a month,” she shares. She’s also proud of the time she took over a customer base from someone who had been with the company for over 30 years. “It was difficult because the customers didn’t know me, but I won them over and improved the margins,” Margaret says. This achievement is particularly special to her because it required overcoming doubts and building trust in a challenging environment. Never Stop Achieving Even after decades in the industry, Margaret is not one to rest on her laurels. “I’m always pushing, I don’t sit on my laurels. Every little bit counts in sales,” she says. Her commitment to continuous improvement shows that for Margaret, success isn’t a destination – it’s a journey. She constantly strives to do better, proving that there’s always room for growth and achievement, no matter how accomplished you are. We’re so grateful that Margaret was able to take the time to speak to us and share some of her amazing story. Margaret is just one of many women who help make OilMaxx a success and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store! Happy International Women’s Day, Margaret!