Our Leadership

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.

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 rapidly expand its market share.

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 2001-2004. 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,

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 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 Arguindegui Oil Companies into a dynamic, multifaceted business.

The Arguindegui family has a rich tradition of community service.  They have always been an active member of the communities where they do business. Alfonso Arguindegui has continued that legacy through numerous charitable and educational projects and programs. Through his personal efforts and the company’s financial support, many of Laredo’s non-profits have benefited from the Arguindegui generosity and selfless commitment to others.

Alfonso has previously served and is currently active in the following organizations:

• Executive Director of the Laredo Development Foundation
• Past Executive Director of the Texas Food and Fuel Association
• Board Member for the Chamber of Commerce of Laredo, Texas
• Board Member of the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo
• Board Member of IBC Commerce Bank
• Past member of the Advisory Board of BBVA Compass Bank
• Member of Young Presidents’ Organization

Alfonso Arguindegui enjoys time with family. He is an ageless athlete, participating in a host of activities such as yoga, cross-fit, and cycling.

Carlos H. “Charlie” Arguindegui Jr. currently serves as Executive Vice President for Arguindegui Oil Companies. Charlie Jr. manages the day to day operations for the entire wholesale enterprise.

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 pre-cursor 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, 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 Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Laredo. Along with his family and Arguindegui Oil, Charlie plays a significant role in the endowment at TAMIU for STEM students.