Propane tanks are built to last, but they don’t last forever. Over time, wear and corrosion make replacement necessary. This process raises an important question: what happens to all those old tanks once they’re taken out of service? As recycling and material recovery improve across various industries, the propane sector is exploring whether recycled metals… Continue reading Safer Tanks Through Recycling Innovation
Propane prices rise and fall throughout the year, and timing those changes can make a big difference in your bottom line. For many propane businesses, bulk purchasing isn’t just about stocking up; it’s about strategy. Buying at the right time can mean lower costs, stronger profit margins, and more stable pricing for your customers. But… Continue reading Timing Purchases for Maximum Savings
Every propane business owner knows that demand changes from one season to another, but not everyone looks closely enough at how those shifts differ across the various sub-markets within this sector. The propane industry isn’t just one big market; rather, it’s a network of smaller, specialized markets that each behave differently. Residential heating, agriculture, commercial… Continue reading Finding Growth Inside Propane Sub-Markets
Propane is one of the most versatile energy sources in the world. It powers homes, fuels farms, runs businesses, and supports industries of all kinds. But even though propane is used everywhere, not every customer uses it the same way. A family heating their home has very different needs than a farmer fueling equipment or… Continue reading Serving Every Type of Customer
In today’s digital world, having a strong online presence is essential for any business, and propane companies are no exception. One powerful tool that can significantly enhance visibility and customer engagement is Google My Business (GMB). This free platform allows businesses to easily manage their online information and engage with customers across Google’s many services.… Continue reading Maximizing Your Business Potential
Forming strategic partnerships with local heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors can be a significant growth avenue for propane businesses. This guide explores how such collaborations can be structured for mutual benefit and what they might bring to your business. Identifying Potential HVAC Partners The first step in building a strategic partnership is identifying… Continue reading Partnering with HVAC Contractors: A Path to Growth
In the propane business, managing both customer expectations and company finances can be challenging – especially in a market where energy prices shift from season to season. Customers want stable, predictable bills while propane retailers need strategies that safeguard profit margins and ensure consistent cash flow. Achieving both goals requires thoughtful planning and programs that… Continue reading Helping Customers While Protecting Margins
Rooftop bars and restaurants are becoming some of the most popular spots for customers looking for unique dining experiences. People are drawn to open-air seating, city views, and a lively atmosphere that sets these venues apart from traditional indoor dining. But behind the scenes, these spaces face challenges that indoor locations do not, especially when… Continue reading Rooftop Venues Rely on Propane for Comfort and Service
Running a propane business means working under strict safety and regulatory standards. These rules exist for good reason – to protect people, property, and the environment – but even the most careful companies can occasionally face a citation or fine. Whether it’s a paperwork error, an inspection misunderstanding, or a compliance delay, receiving a violation… Continue reading Handling Propane Fines with Professionalism
Getting licensed is one of the biggest hurdles in running or expanding a propane business. Whether you’re opening a new branch, adding new delivery routes, or renewing permits, the process can take time, and time means money. Delays in paperwork, inspections, or state reviews can slow your operations and cause unnecessary frustration. That’s why finding… Continue reading How to Fast-Track the License Approval Process
Local energy fairs bring together homeowners, businesses, and energy professionals to explore new ideas about power, safety, and sustainability. For propane businesses, these events are more than just gatherings; they’re opportunities to connect directly with the community, educate the public, and highlight propane’s role as a clean, dependable energy source. When approached strategically, energy fairs… Continue reading Local Energy Fairs Boost Propane Awareness
In today’s competitive energy market, propane companies face new challenges in standing out, attracting customers, and keeping them loyal. Many propane businesses rely on word-of-mouth referrals and long-standing relationships, but times are changing. Customers now search for services online, compare prices on their phones, and expect faster communication. This shift doesn’t mean abandoning traditional methods;… Continue reading Marketing Tactics That Help Companies Progress
For decades, propane marketers relied on price and supply as their main competitive advantages. Whoever had the lowest rate or the fastest delivery time usually secured the sale. But as customer expectations evolve and operational costs rise, the industry is entering a new phase — one where exceptional service defines success more than gallons delivered.… Continue reading Competing Through Service, Not Just Supply
When the cold season hits, propane businesses face one of their biggest yearly challenges – keeping up with demand while keeping customers happy. Everyone seems to need fuel at once, and even the most organized operation can find itself stretched thin. Long wait times, delivery delays, and stressed-out staff can quickly turn into frustration for… Continue reading How to Manage Wait Times Without Losing Customers
Every propane business wants to grow, but fast expansion without structure can easily create confusion, missed deliveries, or uneven customer service. That’s why many successful companies prefer phased rollouts. A phased rollout means expanding your service, technology, or product line step by step instead of all at once. This method allows your team to test… Continue reading Structured Rollouts Drive Propane Business Growth
For decades, propane marketers relied on price and supply as their main competitive advantages. Whoever had the lowest rate or the fastest delivery time usually secured the sale. But as customer expectations evolve and operational costs rise, the industry is entering a new phase — one where exceptional service defines success more than gallons delivered.… Continue reading Competing Through Service, Not Just Supply
The propane market continues to evolve in ways that challenge traditional business models. Industry leaders are now referring to a noticeable “Lefty Shift” — a movement where weather patterns, customer consumption habits, and price dynamics are drifting away from the predictable norms many businesses once relied on. For propane marketers, understanding and adapting to this… Continue reading Shifting Patterns in Propane Demand
Each year, propane marketers across the country send out Duty to Warn mailings — an essential part of risk management and customer education. But what often begins as a compliance requirement can actually become a strategic opportunity to build stronger customer relationships. Here’s how… A Modern Approach to Duty to Warn Traditionally, Duty to Warn… Continue reading Strengthening Customer Trust Through Smarter Safety Communication
Propane companies across the nation face the same question from every community they serve: why does one provider charge more than another? For many business owners, setting a higher price feels risky, especially when competitors advertise lower rates. Yet, premium pricing isn’t always a disadvantage. When it’s supported by value, quality, and reliability, it can… Continue reading How Can You Justify Premium Pricing for Propane?
Running a successful propane business requires balancing customer needs, operational costs, and supplier relationships. While owners must focus primarily on deliveries, safety, and customer service, one area that often goes overlooked is vendor agreements. The right deals with your various suppliers can have a major effect on your bottom line, thereby improving cash flow and… Continue reading Vendor Deals Strengthen Cash Flow
Every propane company has something that makes it stand out – something that customers notice, employees feel, and competitors respect. Sometimes, though, it can be difficult to explain exactly what that is. That’s where a “one word” value exercise can help. It’s a simple but powerful way to uncover the true core of your business. By identifying one word that captures what your company stands for, you give your team and your customers a clear sense of who you are and what you believe in. The propane industry is built on trust, reliability, and service. But beyond those common traits, every business has its own character. Some are known for…
On October 21, 2025, a devastating explosion in Bowne Township, Michigan, shook the propane industry. A home on Freeport Avenue near 100th Street was completely leveled after a propane tank exploded, sending two people to the hospital with serious burn injuries. The Freeport Fire Department confirmed that the blast triggered a fire that destroyed the… Continue reading How Digital Documentation Protects Propane Companies From Legal Risks
