Fred Fehsenfeld, Sr. (1924-2018)
Fehsenfeld used his Purdue University mechanical engineering degree to begin his career as a process engineer at Rock Island Refining. Ever the problem solver and innovator, he taught himself how to manufacture asphalt and built a production facility in 1960. His entrepreneurial spirit led the transformation of the original company from 100 employees operating gas stations and home heating oil sales in Indiana and Michigan into The Heritage Group, a 6,500-employee company with operations across North America, Europe, and China.
Fehsenfeld continually brainstormed ways to improve the U.S. economy. His “Critical Commerce Corridors” initiative is aimed at adding capacity to America’s transportation network to improve the safe and efficient movement of goods. It’s a concept brought to life as the National Highway Freight Network in the 2012 and 2015 federal surface transportation laws.
He also established the Fehsenfeld Family Head of Environmental & Ecological Engineering and Purdue Energy Fund.
