Cousins Jared Bartle and Julia Miller have recently been promoted to President and Vice President of the Blue Ox Energy Company, walking in their fathers’ footsteps. Pictured is Jared Bartle, former Vice President David Martin, and Julia Miller. (Submitted Photo)

OXFORD – Last week Vice President of Blueox Energy and Neighborhood Markets David Martin retired after serving the business for 40 years. Since then, a new president and vice president have taken over, but the apple won't fall far from the tree.

Jared Bartle, son of the companies former President Neil Bartle, will be taking over as president of the company. Julia Miller, daughter of David Martin, will be taking over the position of vice president.

According to Director of Human Resources Megan Carnachan the company was started by Neil Bartle and David Emerson. Bartle was president until his daughter passed away a few years ago. At that time David Martin, who is Neil's brother-in-law, was already working in the business. Martin was slated to take over as vice president, and he's remained in that position for the last five years.

With Martin retiring, the decision to fill the open positions with individuals who grew up around the company seemed to be a no brainer.