Founder
Founder of Arguindegui Oil and Patriarch of the Arguindegui Family.
The Company was founded in October 1942, when Peter R. Arguindegui, Sr. was awarded the Continental Oil Company Commission Agency to serve Laredo, Texas, and the surrounding area. Peter Sr. was experienced in the functions of a Commission Agent, having already served as manager of the local Mobil Agency for twenty years. He, together with the help of his wife, Marina Arguindegui, and a few employees, quickly gained a reputation for a strong work ethic and honest dealing. Although it was wartime, the Company began to prosper.
During Peter Sr.’s tenure, the Company reached significant business and community milestones. The success of Peter Sr.’s efforts made it possible for the second Arguindegui generation to achieve higher education, economic growth, success, and prosperity – all achieved through dedication to hard work, family, and community
Chairman Emeritus
The late Peter Arguindegui Jr. joined his father’s company soon after completing his tour of duty in the U.S. Military. Peter, a 1953 graduate of Texas A&M University, brought new energy and a savvy business sense to Arguindegui Oil. He quickly moved the company to new heights with a steady growth plan and a vision for the future. Under his leadership, the company grew in volume, profits, and stakeholder value. He stepped down as President and CEO, opening the door to the next generation of Arguindegui leadership.
Peter Arguindegui served his community in a vast array of capacities. He was president of the Laredo Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, Laredo Country Club, and the Border Olympics Inc. He also portrayed George Washington in Laredo’s most honored celebration, Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association. Mr. Arguindegui served for 16 years on the Laredo City Council, served on the boards of the Laredo National Bank, Union National Bank, Mercy Hospital and on the Conoco National Advisory Council. Mr Arguindegui served AOC Holding Company as Chairman Emeritus from 2012 to 2014.
Mr. Peter, as he was affectionately known, passed away in 2014. His legacy lives on through his children and many philanthropic endowments.
Past Executive Vice President
The Late Carlos Arguindegui joined AOC in 1960 after a short stint with Anderson Clayton in their Mexico City operations. Carlos graduated from Texas A&M University in 1955 and then joined the United States Army. After completing his military service and his tenure at Anderson Clayton, Carlos returned to Laredo and joined a rapidly growing Arguindegui enterprise. With his wealth of knowledge and expertise in sales and marketing, Arguindegui Oil continued to expand its market share rapidly.
Carlos served as Executive Vice President, and under his leadership, the company’s wholesale fuels, lubricants, and chemicals division became the premier distributor of Conoco lubricants in South Texas. He became a respected member of the ConocoPhillips Lubricants National Distributor Advisory Board, serving from 2001 to 2004. Carlos was an active member of the Noon Lions Club, St. Augustine Parent Teacher Association, and a member of the Laredo Jaycees.
Mr. Charlie, as he was affectionately known, passed away in 2021.
CEO & Chairman
Mr. Alfonso Arguindegui currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of AOC Holding Company, overseeing all divisions under the AOC Holding Company Inc. umbrella. Alfonso began his career as the head of the Retail Convenience Store Division upon completing his education in 1988. He became Chairman / CEO on January 1, 2010, succeeding the company’s late Chairman Emeritus, Peter Arguindegui, Jr.
A product of Laredo’s United High School, Alfonso earned a degree in Business Administration from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas. He joined Arguindegui Oil’s Retail Division, Pump-N-Shop, in 1988, where he expanded the retail footprint from seven convenience stores to eleven locations. During his tenure in this capacity, Alfonso earned numerous awards, including the DuPont Management Business Scholarship. In 2002, he attended the Minority Business Executive Program at Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College as part of that scholarship program.
In 2004, his late father, Peter Arguindegui Jr., tapped Alfonso to lead the company into the future. He assumed the duties of Chairman and CEO, a position he holds to this day. His broad vision, forward-thinking, and determination to create a superior multi-faceted company have proven to be successful. Alfonso has diversified ARG Petro into a dynamic, multifaceted business.
Alfonso Arguindegui enjoys time with family. He is an ageless athlete, participating in a host of activities such as yoga, cross-fit, and cycling.
Vice Chairman
Carlos H. “Charlie” Arguindegui Jr. currently serves as Vice Chairman.
Charlie Arguindegui Jr. graduated from San Agustin High School in 1980 and pursued a degree in civil engineering at Texas A&M University. While at Texas A&M, Charlie switched his major to business as a precursor to returning to the family business. Upon returning to Laredo in 1985, Charlie joined Arguindegui Oil Company’s wholesale fuel and lubricant division. Under the direction of his father, Charlie Arguindegui Sr., Charlie Jr. developed the company’s fuel and oil business into an industry leader. Having worked in all facets of the operation, from warehousing to loading to dispatch, Charlie Arguindegui Jr. was uniquely positioned to become the Whole Operations Manager in 1995. He quickly added additional products and product lines to bolster their business offering. Charlie Jr. helped the organization evolve into a profitable bulk lubricants distributor.
Additionally, as wholesale operations manager, Charlie expanded Arguindegui Oil Company’s reach and then worked with his cousin, Alfonso, to grow the company’s footprint. Through Charlie’s leadership, Arguindegui Oil moved into the Rio Grande Valley, West Texas, Central Texas, and the Gulf Coast.
In 2010, Charlie Arguindegui Jr. became Vice President for Arguindegui Companies. His father, Charlie Arguindegui Sr., retired from AOC in 2012. Charlie Arguindegui Jr. succeeded his father as the Executive Vice President for Arguindegui Companies. Charlie Jr’s extensive real-world knowledge of the industry has allowed the company to flourish as it ventures into new areas. Since his father’s retirement, Arguindegui Oil Companies has grown into a multi-faceted firm that has a real estate division, a building/construction company, and, most recently, launched an international venture.
Active in the industry, Charlie has been a contributor to industry articles in SIGMA’s magazine IGM, Independent Gasoline Marketing, as well as local publications. Charlie Arguindegui Jr. has resisted public limelight, deferring that role to his cousin and lifelong friend Alfonso Arguindegui. Still, Charlie is very much involved in the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Laredo. Along with his family and ARG Petro, Charlie plays a significant role in the endowment at TAMIU for STEM students.
President
Illan serves as the President of the company and embodies the spirit of a 4th-generation leader. In his role, he is accountable for delivering strong results, executing the business plan, and ensuring the leadership team remains focused and aligned. He is committed to building a high-performance culture rooted in legacy, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
As the eldest of three siblings, Illan naturally assumed roles of responsibility—a trait that blossomed during his tenure as the commander of his ROTC unit (E-1) at Texas A&M College Station and as the leader of his high school varsity tennis team, clinching four consecutive district titles.
After graduating from Texas A&M College Station with a bachelor’s degree in renewable natural resources and a minor in business administration, Illan embarked on a journey to expand business ventures, notably spearheading the growth of the Orangetheory Fitness franchise in South Texas. His achievements include successfully launching four locations across different cities—Laredo, McAllen, Corpus Christi, and Mission—alongside establishing two Smoothie King franchises in the Rio Grande Valley.
Committed to making a positive impact beyond business, Illan is actively involved in the Laredo community, serving as a board member for the Laredo Boys and Girls Club and the Laredo Economic Advisory Committee.
Chief Strategy Officer
Robert Eggleston serves as Chief Strategy Officer at ARG Petro, bringing over 35 years of experience in the fuel, logistics, and convenience retail industry. A seasoned executive with deep expertise in fuel procurement, environmental compliance, logistics, marketing, and retail operations, Robert leads the company’s strategic initiatives with a focus on growth, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Throughout his career, Robert has held key leadership roles at industry-leading organizations, including Fina Oil & Chemical Company, Alon USA, Town & Country Food Stores, LLC, Susser Holdings, and Toot N’ Totum Convenience Stores, LLC. In 2013, he co-founded Penta Operating, LLC in Midland, Texas, where he owned and operated retail convenience stores and a proprietary fuel transport company known as Penta Petro. His entrepreneurial background provides him with a unique, operationally grounded perspective on strategic leadership.
Before joining ARG Petro in 2025, Robert served as Principal with RMEI Consulting, advising fuel marketers and operators across the region. He is widely recognized for his discipline, hands-on leadership style, data-driven decision-making, and ability to align strategy with execution.
Robert has served on several influential boards over his career, including:
Robert holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an MBA from LeTourneau University. Originally from Big Spring, Texas, he now lives in Burleson, Texas, with his wife, Kari. They have three children and nine grandchildren.
Chief Operating Officer
Joshua Harrison joined ARG Petro in 2025, bringing more than two decades of expertise in business development, operations, and strategy across diverse industries.
Before joining ARG Petro, Josh served as Director of Business Development at Oso Perforating, where he spearheaded company growth across the U.S. and Canada. He collaborated closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Logistics teams, not only expanding market presence but also strengthening operational processes. Josh played a key role in designing and implementing field training programs that improved safety, consistency, and efficiency during product rollouts. His ability to bridge sales with operations has made him highly effective in building strong client relationships, negotiating multimillion-dollar projects, and ensuring seamless execution.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Josh brings an entrepreneurial mindset with hands-on experience in real estate investments, fundraising, and small business startups. He thrives on solving complex operational challenges, applying innovative thinking to streamline processes and drive sustainable growth.
Josh earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Lubbock Christian University in 2005, after beginning his studies at Abilene Christian University in 2001. He also invests his time in faith-driven service as an active board member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys coaching youth sports, hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his wife, Abbie, and their three sons.
Chief Financial Officer
Erin Betts joined ARG Petro in 2023, bringing a proven background in strategy, mergers and acquisitions, efficiency improvements, and controls across multiple industries, and is both financially and operationally minded.
Prior to joining ARG Petro, Mr. Betts was the Vice President of Finance for Burckhardt Compression’s US operations. While there, he helped lead the organization to a return to profitability. Before that, he held various financial leadership roles within Forum Energy Technologies and financial and operational roles within Purolator Advanced Filtration.
He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from N.C. State University in 1992 and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 1997. Erin is a Certified Public Accountant.
Chief Risk Officer
Carlos Perez is the Risk Manager for ARG Petro. In his role, he is responsible for health, safety, and environmental issues facing the company and leads the Human Resources department. Carlos directs programs involving hazardous materials, environmental management, industrial hygiene, fire safety, and sustainability.
Mr. Perez brings over 33 years of professional safety and health consulting and managerial experience to a wide variety of customers and clients. Carlos has been with ARG Petro for over 20 years.
Chief Business Development Officer
Stan Wood brings over 20 years of experience in professional sales management and leadership, with a strong track record of driving organizational success through team development, collaboration, and a results-driven approach.
With extensive expertise across multiple oil and gas markets, Stan has built his career on new business development, contract negotiation, and strategic planning. He is recognized for building high-performing sales teams, fostering innovation, and consistently delivering growth and top-tier production for the organizations he serves.
At ARG Petro, Stan applies his passion for leadership and sales excellence to support the company’s continued growth and long-term success.
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