Oil Company Owner Keeps Community Close

As president of the Westchester-based company Robison Oil, David Singer said he has “the best of both worlds” in owning a local business with the resources to stay ahead of its competitors.

"We are large enough to be able to invest in technology, systems, and training our employees, but we are small enough for me to be hands on and react quickly to the needs of our customers," said the Bedford Hills resident.

He was able to do that in 1998 when Robison Oil expanded from just offering heating oil to air conditioning, natural gas and bio-fuel. He had to quickly cross-train 40 technicians in Westchester, Fairfield and Putnam counties on how to repair and install the new systems.  

Singer was then able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each employee and determine their abilities to efficiently get the job done. He said it’s also imperative that his business stay tech-savvy to remain competitive in its market.

“A lot of companies can’t afford time and expenses to train employees. You end up with workers not learning anything new in the past 20 years,” he added.

Singer grew up in Ardsley and raised his family in Bedford, so he has made it his personal mission to give back to Westchester with help from Robison Oil. 

Just last November, for example, he and Robison Oil sponsored the annual Christmas tree lighting in Bedford Hills when it was about to be cancelled due to low community funding.  

"I received an e-mail saying the Christmas tree lighting was going to be cancelled and I replied, ‘I’ll pay for it.’ I had no idea what it would cost, but it’s one of my favorite things each year,” he added of the tree lighting.

The story of his good deed was later picked up by national publications, including CBS News.

Singer is involved in his community on a personal level as a board member for White Plains Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester. He also coaches basketball for the Bedford Recreation Center and helped sponsor the "Birds of Prey" exhibition at the Greenburgh Nature Center.

When he isn’t working or volunteering, Singer spends time with his wife Holly, twin boys Benjamin and Wyatt, and daughter Olivia.

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