Blog Archives - Propane Insider

Balancing Vision and Presence: A Leader’s Guide to Mindful Progress

Leaders often find themselves caught between planning for the future and managing present responsibilities. While strategic foresight is essential, it’s equally important to remain grounded in the current moment. This balance ensures that leaders not only steer their organizations toward long-term goals but also foster a productive and engaged work environment today. Embracing the Present… Continue reading Balancing Vision and Presence: A Leader’s Guide to Mindful Progress

Strong Values Fuel Stronger Businesses

Running a propane business today isn’t just about keeping up with deliveries and service calls. It’s also about staying true to what matters most. For many business owners, that means looking to their core values for direction in daily decisions. Whether it’s how you treat your employees, how you serve your customers, or how you… Continue reading Strong Values Fuel Stronger Businesses

Radio Waves, Podcasts, and Propane Sales – What’s the Connection?

Every propane business depends on community trust. When people know who you are and what you stand for, they’re more likely to call you when they need a tank refill, a new install, or service support. But if you’re only relying on traditional ads or word-of-mouth referrals, you might be missing a great chance to… Continue reading Radio Waves, Podcasts, and Propane Sales – What’s the Connection?

From Oil to Opportunity: Making the Switch Easy for New Customers

The competition between propane and fuel oil has been going on for decades, especially in colder regions where both fuels are used for home heating. As a propane provider, you can gain new customers by showing the advantages of switching from fuel oil to propane. However, the way you do it matters. If you come… Continue reading From Oil to Opportunity: Making the Switch Easy for New Customers

When Growth Doesn’t Mean More Customers—Just Better Service

Many propane companies focus their time and energy on finding new customers. But often, the most significant growth opportunity is right before you – the customers you currently serve. These customers already know your brand, trust your team, and rely on your services. That puts you in a strong position to increase your revenue without… Continue reading When Growth Doesn’t Mean More Customers—Just Better Service

Propane Growth Isn’t a Sprint – It’s a Five-Year Climb

Running a propane company means making daily decisions – route changes, service calls, deliveries – but how often do you stop to think about your company as it would be five years down the road? While it’s tempting to focus only on the next quarter or busy season, propane businesses that build long-term stability take… Continue reading Propane Growth Isn’t a Sprint – It’s a Five-Year Climb

Tiny Homes, Big Opportunity: Are You Fueling the Movement?

The popularity and growth of tiny homes has proven to be a steady shift in how people choose to live. From retirees downsizing to younger families looking for affordable housing, these homes offer low overhead and financial independence. But, they still need reliable, efficient energy, and that’s where propane can shine. If you’re not offering… Continue reading Tiny Homes, Big Opportunity: Are You Fueling the Movement?

Overlooked and Overcharged: Tax Errors Propane Companies Keep Making

For propane companies, staying tax compliant is about protecting your margins, avoiding audits, and keeping your books clean year after year. Tax rules for propane businesses can get tricky, especially with fuel credits, depreciation, inventory tracking, and state-specific requirements. One mistake might seem small, but it can snowball into penalties, lost deductions, or even missed… Continue reading Overlooked and Overcharged: Tax Errors Propane Companies Keep Making

Practical Strategies for Today’s Workplace

In the busy realm of the modern workplace, employee happiness and engagement have become pivotal to organizational success. Companies that prioritize these aspects often experience increased productivity, reduced turnover, and enhanced overall team performance. Let’s explore some actionable strategies that will serve to cultivate a positive and engaging work environment for your company. Creating a… Continue reading Practical Strategies for Today’s Workplace

Enhancing Customer Loyalty Through Price Protection Plans

In the competitive propane industry, fostering strong customer relationships is paramount. One effective strategy to achieve this is by offering propane price protection plans. These plans not only provide customers with financial predictability but also strengthen their trust in their propane suppliers. Understanding Propane Price Protection Plans Propane price protection plans are designed to shield… Continue reading Enhancing Customer Loyalty Through Price Protection Plans

Correct Without Conflict: Accountability That Works

Running a propane business takes more than good equipment and loyal customers. It also requires a strong team that shows up, follows through, and takes responsibility. But what happens when an employee misses the mark? Holding someone accountable is necessary, but it’s easy to unintentionally do it in a way that causes tension, frustration, or… Continue reading Correct Without Conflict: Accountability That Works

The Three Monday Reports That Keep Your Propane Business Profitable

If you’re running a propane company, the start of your work week can set the tone for everything that follows. But getting pulled in many directions is easy – calls, deliveries, invoices, and staff issues can all crop up as soon as the week is underway. That’s why it helps to begin your Mondays with… Continue reading The Three Monday Reports That Keep Your Propane Business Profitable

Setting Up a Propane Manufacturing Plant: Key Considerations

Establishing a propane manufacturing plant involves a detailed understanding of production processes, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics. Propane, a clean-burning fuel, is primarily produced as a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. Its applications range from residential heating and cooking to industrial uses, making it a valuable energy source. Understanding Propane Production Propane… Continue reading Setting Up a Propane Manufacturing Plant: Key Considerations

Expanding Opportunities by Partnering with Local Schools

Local school districts are always looking for cost-effective and reliable energy solutions. Many schools use propane for heating, cooking, and even fueling their buses. For propane businesses, securing contracts with school districts can provide a steady stream of long-term revenue. However, breaking into this market requires a strategic approach. Understanding the needs of schools, presenting… Continue reading Expanding Opportunities by Partnering with Local Schools

Avoid Costly Surprises: Quarterly Fleet Checks That Save You Money

Keeping your fleet in top shape is essential when running a propane business. Trucks that run well ensure smooth deliveries, safer operations, and lower costs. On the other hand, ignoring minor issues can lead to big problems. That is why regular reviews of your fleet’s health matter. Checking your trucks every quarter clearly shows where… Continue reading Avoid Costly Surprises: Quarterly Fleet Checks That Save You Money

Why to Audit Your Top Ten Propane Customers Every Year

Your top customers are the backbone of your propane business. They provide the steady demand that keeps your trucks rolling and your operations running. While it may be easy to assume that everything is fine with these long-time clients, consistently staying in touch with their needs and habits is essential. Regular audits are not about… Continue reading Why to Audit Your Top Ten Propane Customers Every Year

Innovative Ways to Free Up Tanks Without Losing Customers

No propane company wants to pull a tank and lose a client, but sometimes, leaving equipment on an inactive property costs more than it’s worth. Tanks take up space, tie up capital, and can become a liability. Pulling a tank too soon – or doing it without care – can damage the client-company relationship and… Continue reading Innovative Ways to Free Up Tanks Without Losing Customers

Protect What’s Yours: How to Keep Personal Assets Safe in a Risky Industry

Running a propane company comes with various risks – some of them legal, financial, or tied to unexpected accidents. As a business owner, you’re naturally focused on day-to-day operations, and it’s easy to overlook how your personal savings, property, and investments might be in danger. If the company is sued, hits financial trouble, or faces… Continue reading Protect What’s Yours: How to Keep Personal Assets Safe in a Risky Industry

Blockchain Technology is Transforming Fuel Transactions

The propane industry has long relied on traditional billing and payment systems. Still, new technology could change how businesses handle transactions. Blockchain, a digital record-keeping system, has gained attention in many industries for its ability to improve security, accuracy, and efficiency. While it is mainly linked to cryptocurrency, blockchain can potentially impact propane transactions in… Continue reading Blockchain Technology is Transforming Fuel Transactions

Unlocking Business Potential: Leveraging Technology Platforms

In today’s competitive propane market, technology platforms offer invaluable insights that can do much to drive business growth and enhance customer satisfaction. By effectively utilizing data from these platforms, propane businesses can make informed decisions, streamline operations, and stay ahead of the competition. Understanding Customer Behavior Modern management software provides detailed information about customer demographics,… Continue reading Unlocking Business Potential: Leveraging Technology Platforms

How to Get Larger Orders Without Pressuring Clients

Building lasting client relationships is the foundation of any propane business. These partnerships grow over time and often begin with small, steady orders. However, as your client relationships mature, there may come a point when increasing their order size makes sense for both sides. The challenge, however, is encouraging larger orders without sounding pushy. Clients… Continue reading How to Get Larger Orders Without Pressuring Clients

From the Driver’s Seat to Sales Growth

Your delivery drivers do much more than simply drop off propane. They’re often the only face your customer sees related to your business. That makes them your frontline team – your boots on the ground. If you train them correctly, they can do far more than just deliver fuel. They can notice great sales opportunities,… Continue reading From the Driver’s Seat to Sales Growth

The Art of Outserving, Not Outselling, Your Competitor

When propane companies compete for customers, most of them focus on lowering prices or pitching better deals. But there’s another approach that often wins – offering better service. While the price may get immediate attention, good service builds long-term loyalty. If you’ve ever lost a customer to a competitor, they likely didn’t just offer a… Continue reading The Art of Outserving, Not Outselling, Your Competitor

The First Year Matters Most When Building Customer Loyalty

Building customer loyalty starts from the very first day someone signs up for your propane service. While long-term customers often run on habit and well-established trust, first-year customers are still figuring out if they made the right decision by choosing your company. They are looking at everything you do, judging how you treat them, and… Continue reading The First Year Matters Most When Building Customer Loyalty

Modern Strategies to Market Your Business in a Changing Landscape

In today’s dynamic digital world, traditional propane marketing methods are becoming less effective. Consumer behaviors have shifted, new platforms have emerged, and companies that fail to adapt are at risk of falling behind. To remain competitive, propane retailers must embrace change, focus on digital engagement, and leverage tools that foster growth and strengthen customer relationships.… Continue reading Modern Strategies to Market Your Business in a Changing Landscape

How Do You Make Big Decisions With Confidence?

Running a propane business means regularly facing tough choices. From equipment purchases and staffing changes to territory expansion or new service offerings, the pressure to make the right call can build fast. Getting caught in a cycle of overthinking is easy, but second-guessing your choices can slow down growth and cause missed opportunities. The key… Continue reading How Do You Make Big Decisions With Confidence?

Beyond the To-Do List: Leading with Strategic Intent

In today’s fast-paced business environment, leaders often find themselves inundated with tasks and responsibilities. However, it’s essential to recognize that being busy doesn’t always equate to being productive. Effective leadership involves discerning which activities drive meaningful results and which merely fill up the calendar. The Challenge of Mere Activity Leaders frequently face the temptation to… Continue reading Beyond the To-Do List: Leading with Strategic Intent

Fueling Future Talent: How to Grow Young Technicians Into Pros

Attracting young talent to the propane industry is important, but keeping them is what really shapes the future of your company. Many businesses hire promising technicians only to lose them after a few years because there is no clear path forward. If you want to build a stronger team, you need to offer young technicians… Continue reading Fueling Future Talent: How to Grow Young Technicians Into Pros

Your Best Intentions Could Be Costing You

In propane, as with every industry, every cent matters – especially when margins are tight. Yet many companies quietly lose thousands of dollars each year without even realizing it. How is this possible? Financial losses are not always due to big mistakes or fraud. Often, they stem from your team doing favors for long-time customers,… Continue reading Your Best Intentions Could Be Costing You

Fueling Trust Where It Counts: Building Appliance Store Partnerships

Appliance stores sell the tools. You supply the fuel. However, many propane companies overlook how strong a relationship can become between those two types of operations. Partnering with appliance retailers – especially those that sell propane-powered products – can help you grow your customer base, boost referral traffic, and build greater brand visibliity in your… Continue reading Fueling Trust Where It Counts: Building Appliance Store Partnerships