Daphne, AL — October 20, 2025 — Vexxil Energy, the Gulf Coast’s only locally owned and operated fuel distributor, announced today its acquisition of Direct Fuel Transport (DFT) and McGuire Oil Company (MOCO). This transformational acquisition marks a major leap forward in Vexxil’s scale, reach, and ability to serve both proprietary and third-party customers as the carrier of choice in the South and beyond. Direct Fuel Transport, headquartered in Mobile, Alabama, has built a reputation over decades for exceptional on-time performance, operational reliability, and deep expertise in fuel transportation. With this acquisition, Vexxil now controls one of the region’s largest dedicated fuel transport fleets, unlocking same-day and next-day delivery capabilities across a broader footprint than ever before.

“This is a defining moment for Vexxil Energy,” said Joel Poe, CEO and President of Vexxil Energy. “Direct Fuel Transport doesn’t just add capacity—it brings with it a reputation for excellence and a culture built on accountability to the customer. For years, the DFT team has made a name for itself by showing up on time, every time, and honoring the promise that fuel will be there when it’s needed most. We’re proud to carry that legacy forward and build on it—because the brand they’ve built isn’t just respected, it’s trusted. And now, it becomes the foundation for how we deliver for the Gulf Coast and beyond.”

The acquisition enables Vexxil to immediately serve new markets as a common carrier, providing premium transport services for major retailers, regional operators, and national brands. With an expanded fleet and logistics network now under its direct control, Vexxil offers greater delivery precision, scalability, and resilience to support the Gulf Coast’s most critical industries—construction, utilities, manufacturing, logistics, forestry, retail, and the maritime industry that runs through the Gulf Coast’s ports and marinas.

“Twenty years ago, Jim and Ham McGuire sat me down to discuss a bold idea—starting a fuel transportation company that would guarantee on-time delivery for the customers they had faithfully served since 1969. They knew the Gulf Coast’s energy demand was only going to grow, and they were right. That’s how Direct Fuel Transport was born.

Today, that same vision lives on through Vexxil Energy and 68 Ventures. The need for energy across our region continues to rise, and I truly believe this partnership will help DFT become the regional carrier of choice. More than anything, I’m proud of the incredible team—owners, drivers, office staff, and support personnel—who helped build this company from the ground up. That’s who we are, and that’s who we’ll continue to be,” said John Britton, Founding Partner & General Manager of Direct Fuel Transport, who will remain with the company as Vice President of Operations. The most important part of this are the dozens of team members that made this possible—owners, office staff, drivers, and all the support personnel that believed in this vision and made it a reality. That’s who we are, and will continue to be.

McGuire Oil Company, established in 1969, brings with it a long-standing legacy of customer trust and a portfolio of guaranteed fuel supply contracts, providing a dependable base of contracted volume to anchor Vexxil’s growing operations.
“McGuire Oil has been serving this region since 1969, and that kind of staying power only comes from doing things the right way for customers, partners, and the community.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch the passion and vision Joel Poe is bringing to this next chapter. Vexxil’s focus, energy, and long-term plan have our employees genuinely excited about the future. Knowing the legacy of McGuire Oil will continue under a team so committed to excellence gives me full confidence in what’s ahead,” said Ham McGuire, President of McGuire Oil Company, Inc.

68 Ventures, a development and investment company based in Daphne, Alabama, is a proud partner in Vexxil Energy. With 68 Ventures’ partnership, Vexxil leverages shared operational, financial, and strategic resources to accelerate its mission.

“Our goal at 68 Ventures is to partner with operators like Joel and help him scale as quickly as possible by aiding his cause with our resources, relationships, and wisdom that can only be earned through experience. This acquisition is a perfect fit and will undoubtedly raise the bar in our market,” said Nathan Cox, Founder and Chairman of 68 Ventures. “Vexxil is redefining what it means to deliver fuel at scale, with reliability and purpose. This acquisition creates a transportation force on the Gulf Coast that simply didn’t exist before, and on a personal note—what an honor to be chosen by the ownership of McGuire Oil and Direct Fuel Transport to carry their legacy forward. Being trusted with the future of a family business is truly about the greatest compliment anyone can bestow upon you. Joel and his talented team joining forces with the incredible folks at DFT and MOCO will be a massive win for our customers.”

About Vexxil Energy
Vexxil Energy, based in Daphne, Alabama, is a vertically integrated energy company redefining fuel distribution across the Gulf Coast. Founded by Joel Poe and 68 Ventures, Vexxil supplies bulk transportation fuels, additives, fuel management services, and operates the region’s preferred fuel carrier fleet. Our mission is simple: Fuel, Delivered Better. Vexxil Energy is a 68 Ventures company. Learn more at vexxilenergy.com

SEEDS granted $58,000 in teacher grants directly into the classrooms of our Daphne students for the 2024-2025 academic year.   From hands-on STEAM labs and innovative literacy programs to creative arts, every dollar helped create a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive.  “We want to say thank you Nathan Cox and his team at 68 Ventures for investing in the education of students in Daphne,” said Beth Dunn, SEEDS Executive Director. “Without their support and investment that we receive through their Crawfish for the Classroom sponsorship, these grants would not be possible. SEEDS grants are making huge impacts in our Daphne classrooms, increasing the quality of education our students are receiving and expanding the opportunities that are available for them to learn and grow.”

68 Ventures and the Cox Family are humbled to honor Graham Roten, senior walk-on offensive lineman at The University of Alabama, as the first recipient of the 68 Ventures Scholarship. Selected by Coach DeBoer and his staff, Graham was chosen for the values he lives out, his love for the program, and his excellence in the classroom.

Founder & Chairman Nathan Cox, a former Tide walk-on, shared: “I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my entire life. I credit much of my success to being a terrible football player compared to my best friends and teammates at Alabama… Graham is a much better athlete than I ever was. Hearing his coaches talk about who he is as a person, his love for the program, and his academic performance makes him the perfect selection.”

Cox added: “Our purpose is to see all we can do with all we have been given… Graham embodies these commitments as well as the rest of our values. I can’t put into words how rewarding this is for me personally. My time at Alabama shaped the trajectory of my life—I will forever be grateful to be part of it.”

The 68 Ventures Scholarship will be awarded annually to a senior walk-on who represents the heart and soul of Alabama Football.

Mobile, AL [August 23, 2025] The 68 VENTURES ANNUAL GIFT was awarded to senior walk-ons who exemplifies the core values of South Alabama Football: honesty, respect, integrity and doing things the right way. These individuals have distinguished themselves as ultimate teammates—defined by unwavering dedication, selflessness, and relentless work ethic. Their passion for the game, deep love for The University of South Alabama, and daily impact on the team’s culture embody what it truly means to be a Jag. They may not have arrived as a top recruit, and will never play a down in the NFL, but they have earned the unwavering respect of their coaches and teammates alike. They are the heart and soul of the program.

68 Ventures and the Cox Family are humbled to honor Sam Williams and Keyshawn Woodyard, both senior walk-ons at the University of South Alabama, as the recipients of the 1st Annual 68 Ventures Annual Gift. They were selected by Coach Applewhite and his staff based off the values they exemplify, their love for the program, and their contributions to the team. 68 Ventures’ Founder and Chairman, Nathan Cox, was a walk-on at the University of Alabama from 2000-2003, so it was important to him to honor players that traveled a similar path. Cox stated, “I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my entire life. I credit much of my success, both in the classroom and later in my professional life, to being a terrible football player compared to my best friends and teammates in Alabama. It crushed me to lack the ability to contribute in the same ways they could, so I made up my mind to be the best I could be in other areas to compensate for it. These young men are much more accomplished athletes than I ever was, and after hearing their stories, they are without a doubt ideal selections for what we envisioned being represented by the 68 Ventures Annual Gift.” Cox went on to say, “Our purpose is to see all we can do with all we have been given, and our ethos is to do the right things for the right reasons. Both Sam and Keyshawn embody these commitments as well as the rest of our values – I really can’t put into words how rewarding it is for me on a personal level to get to do this. While I was never a factor on the field, my time as a student-athlete shaped the trajectory of my life. We are all fortunate to have Coach Applewhite and his staff molding their players into future leaders for our community and beyond.” In addition to Sam and Keyshawn receiving this gift, University of Alabama senior walk-on offensive lineman, Graham Roten, also received a 68 Ventures Annual Gift in recognition of his unwavering love for the program and outstanding performance in the classroom.

Congrats to our Chairman, Nathan Cox, on being selected for Leadership Alabama Class XXXV.

We see how he leads every day—at 68 Ventures, in our community, and across the state. Nathan shows up with purpose and a deep commitment to building a better Alabama.

Proud to have him representing the Gulf Coast alongside a powerhouse class of leaders.

This isn’t a conference. It’s a leadership revolution. And the ones who show up? They don’t come to be celebrated—they come to be sharpened. The 4th annual Chasing Greatness lands in Mobile on January 22, 2026 at the Mobile Convention Center

On the stage: Leaders who’ve been through it. Built it. Bled for it. And still lead with humility and purpose.

In the room: Haymakers. Dreamers. Doers. People who know that greatness starts with service—not ego. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens in the hard. In the honest. In the humble.

Bet on you.

Chase Greatness. Save the date. More details to come.

Bring your team—or come solo. Just don’t sit this one out. Questions or to reserve your table or seat, contact Kim Garrett at kgarrett@68ventures.com.

One of the highlights this quarter is the progress at Saltaire, a unique waterfront community in Panama City. Construction is nearing completion on this 25-lot project, with 16 of those lots offering direct access to Pretty Bayou. Residents will also enjoy convenient proximity to the Shoreline Circle Public Boat Ramp — a great amenity for boating and outdoor enthusiasts. We’re especially proud to have Kent’s Landscaping handling the landscaping on this project, showcasing the strength of our Operating Company network and our commitment to delivering high-quality communities. We look forward to turning over Saltaire to our builder partner in the coming months and keeping the momentum going across our pipeline.

Recognition honors exceptional companies raising the bar in workplace culture and employee experience. Daphne, Alabama — Inc. magazine has named 68 Ventures to its 2025 Best Workplaces list, spotlighting companies across the nation that are redefining what it means to create a meaningful, thriving workplace. This recognition reflects the heart of 68 Ventures—where people come first, culture drives performance, and impact is the mission.

This year’s list, featured on Inc.com, was developed in partnership with Quantum Workplace and is based on thousands of employee surveys evaluating everything from leadership and benefits to purpose and engagement. Companies were also assessed on the depth and quality of their perks, programs, and workplace philosophy. Out of thousands of applicants, 68 Ventures is one of only 514 companies selected. “We don’t claim to have it all figured out—but we show up every day, demand the best from one another, and stay committed to trying to do the right things for the right reasons,” said Nathan Cox, Chairman of 68 Ventures. “This recognition is humbling because it’s providing feedback that the culture we strive for and talk about truly exists. It is amazing what people can accomplish when no one cares who gets the credit and folks we have here embrace that mentality. It is always fun to watch them get more excited about the accomplishments of their teammates than their own. It is a special group here and they are damn sure the ones that deserve all the credit. The amount of talent I’m surrounded by and the quality of the new people we continue to add is humbling and testament to both who they are as well as what 68 Ventures stands for.” Headquartered in Daphne, Alabama, 68 Ventures is a development and investment company on a mission to inspire others to bet on themselves. Utilizing a platform of operating companies and strategic partnerships, 68 Ventures backs bold visions and honors legacies by empowering driven leaders in endeavors that make our communities the places our kids will want to return to one day. “The Inc. Best Workplaces program celebrates the organizations that prioritize employee well-being, engagement, and culture,” said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. “These companies don’t just say people matter—they show it through action, and that’s what sets them apart.”

To view the full list of 2025 honorees, visit Inc.com.

About 68 Ventures: 68 Ventures is the parent company of numerous operating businesses along the Gulf Coast and adjacent markets that focus on development, investment, construction, and various service related enterprises. Headquartered in Daphne, Alabama, 68 Ventures is a purpose-driven, culturally focused organization with a strong operational track record, making it the region’s largest single-family developer. 68 Ventures has deployed well over a billion dollars in capital and reached the ranks as one of the top 100 private home builders prior to exiting. For more information, visit 68ventures.com.

About Inc: Inc. is the premier media brand for entrepreneurs and business builders. Its mission is to inform, inspire, and accelerate the growth of the most dynamic businesses in the world. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC alongside Fast Company. For more, visit www.inc.com.

About Quantum Workplace: Quantum Workplace provides the tools and data companies need to build stronger cultures, boost engagement, and retain top talent. Their platform supports everything from engagement surveys to recognition, feedback, and performance tracking. Learn more at QuantumWorkplace.com.

Chasing Greatness 2025: Betting on Yourself and Raising the Bar

Now in its fourth year, Chasing Greatness has grown into a powerful platform — bringing together 500+ leaders across industries to learn, connect, and walk away with real tools to fuel their personal and professional growth. Created with a bold mission, Chasing Greatness pushes leaders out of their comfort zones and challenges them to bet on themselves — with fast-paced, high-impact speakers delivering insights on leadership, resilience, business strategy, risk-taking, and personal performance.

Nathan set the tone with a message of gratitude — and a challenge: “Chasing Greatness is about inspiring you to find the courage to bet on yourself. You are one decision away from everything changing.” He also reminded attendees of a core truth about success, quoting Stephen Schwarzman: “To be successful you have to put yourself in situations and places you have no right being in… through sheer will, you wear the world down, and it gives you what you want.”

This year’s lineup featured a powerhouse group of speakers, including:

• Mark Fernandes | Capitalism 2.0
• Ralph Reynolds | Living Tenaciously
• Todd Ehrlich | Evaluating Risk
• Liz Pharo | Generosity and Greatness
• Brad Israel | Leadership Across Arenas
• Coach Major Applewhite | Lessons from Athletics
• Wesley Britt | Navigating Business and Government
• Rep. Jerry Carl | Lessons from Public Service
• Jeff Salzenstein | Owning Your Zone of Excellence
• John McInnis | Building Iconic Brands

The impact:

• Built cross-industry connections among 500+ leaders
• Delivered actionable tools for leadership and growth
• Strengthened business and community relationships
• Inspired attendees to push past limits and chase their own definition of greatness

Chasing Greatness is more than an event — it’s a movement to see what’s possible when leaders bet on themselves. We’re already looking forward to raising the bar even higher next year. Save the date for the 2026 Chasing Greatness: Thursday, January 22^nd at the Mobile Convention Center

Our 68 Ventures Single Family Residential development team expands to Biloxi, MS.

Our latest development for D.R. Horton is Hidden Springs in Biloxi, MS. Hidden Springs will deliver 173 lots over two phases.

We are now actively developing deals in three states: Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, with other states in the works. Geographic expansion will have a big impact on whether we achieve our internal goals. We have added projects in Birmingham and Mississippi this year as well, so we are looking good.

Congratulations team!