Episode 164: Interview With Rand Taylor, CEO Of Fuel Ox.

When Rand Taylor left a two-decade career on Wall Street, he didn’t plan to launch a fuel additive company. But an unexpected opportunity—and a shared vision with his son—sparked the creation of Fuel Ox, a New Jersey–based innovator in eco-friendly fuel treatments. “One of the most important things about being successful in life is having an open mind and recognizing opportunities when they’re presented to you,” Taylor says. “Fuel Ox is a perfect example of that. We weren’t looking for it—it found us.”

Founded in 2014, Fuel Ox has grown from a kitchen-table startup to a global brand, now available through more than 250 retailers including marinas, yacht clubs, and automotive supply chains. Its industry-first products improve performance and efficiency in boats, trucks, and other fuel-powered equipment while dramatically reducing emissions. Flagship formulas like Fuel Ox® with Combustion Catalyst and Fuel Ox Marine® with Combustion Catalyst use microscopic metals to make fuel combust about 30 percent earlier, resulting in a more thorough burn. “That eliminates 70 to 80 percent of unburnt fuel, which means better efficiency, less pollution, and lower maintenance costs,” Taylor explains.

Unlike typical additives, Fuel Ox products serve as true fuel enhancers. They work in both diesel and gasoline, cleaning injectors, lubricating engine components, boosting octane by up to two points, and stabilizing fuel for long-term storage. For marine applications, specialized treatments like Fuel Ox Marine® Winter Shock keep fuel stable for up to two years, protecting engines during seasonal downtime. “No one else in the commercial space is doing what we do,” Taylor says. “We bring more value than anything else in our class.”

Environmental stewardship is at the heart of the company’s mission. Fuel Ox formulas are bio-based, eco-friendly, and NSF- and USDA-certified. By cutting harmful emissions by more than 50 percent, the products help fleets, boaters, and everyday drivers reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing performance.

For Taylor, the venture is about more than just innovation—it’s family. He launched the business with his eldest son Alec, who left a corporate job to join him, and later welcomed his second son Grant into the fold. “It’s very rewarding to work with my boys,” Taylor says. “We talk about the business all the time, and everyone plays a role in making it grow.”

Today, Fuel Ox distributes worldwide, serving customers from small marinas to large industrial fleets. And while Taylor admits they’re still learning every day, his focus remains clear: “If you can bring great value to people and the planet, you’ve got something worth building.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o_GuAuj8Qk

🎧 To hear the full conversation with Rand Taylor tune in to his episode on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience, streaming now.