Running a propane business means long hours, high pressure, and a constant need to stay on top of everything – from deliveries and safety to billing and service calls. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind without noticing the toll it may be taking on you. But here’s the truth: if you’re burned… Continue reading Fuel Yourself First Before You Burn Out
Most propane business owners take pride in the service they provide. You work hard, you care about your customers, and you build your reputation on being dependable. But how often do you stop to ask what your customers really think about you? Not what you hope they think, but what they’re actually saying, feeling, and… Continue reading Behind the Tank – What Customers Really Experience
Running a propane business can feel like a lonely road at times. You’re juggling deliveries, service calls, hiring, safety checks, and customer concerns. The pressure to keep things moving while staying profitable can leave you with more questions than answers. That’s why having someone to talk to – someone who’s been there and truly gets… Continue reading Every Propane Leader Needs a Trusted Voice Behind the Scenes
When a competitor in your market makes a public mistake, your first instinct may be to take advantage of the situation. It might feel like an open door to solicit to their customers, highlight your differences, or comment publicly. But before acting, it’s essential to look at the long game and make wise choices that… Continue reading How to Handle a Competitor’s Mistake Without Losing Class
When someone chooses your propane company, they trust you to heat their home, power their farm, or fuel their business. That’s a big deal. And yet, many propane companies miss the chance to start that relationship with a simple but powerful gesture – a well-written welcome letter. It’s more than just a formality. It’s your… Continue reading Welcome Letters That Win Customers for Life
First-time propane buyers often have a lot of questions. They may have never owned a tank or dealt with fuel deliveries before. One topic that usually confuses them is auto-fill service. For seasoned propane professionals, the concept is simple. But to someone new, it can seem uncertain or even risky. That’s why it’s important to… Continue reading The Right Way to Explain Auto-Fill to First-Time Buyers
Volatility is part of doing business in the propane industry. Prices can shift quickly due to weather, infrastructure issues, or global market changes. When things are stable, your supply contracts may seem like a solid safety net. But when the market starts moving fast, those same contracts can feel like a trap – or a… Continue reading Avoid Getting Burned by Rigid Propane Contracts
Adding a grill tank exchange program might seem like a big step for your company, especially if you’re trying to keep costs low. But if you’re already in the propane business, you may have more of the tools needed for this venture than you think you have. Expanding into this area doesn’t always require large… Continue reading Grow Your Propane Business With Grill Tank Exchanges
Running a propane business comes with its own set of needs – seasonal demand shifts, large equipment purchases, storage expansion, fuel costs, delivery truck maintenance, and regulatory compliance. While any bank can offer loans and checking accounts, not every bank truly understands what it takes to run a propane company. That’s where working with a… Continue reading The Right Bank Can Fuel Your Propane Growth
When customers fall behind on payments, it puts your propane business in a tough spot. You want to keep serving your community and supporting loyal clients, but unpaid accounts can create real problems for your cash flow. Credit issues aren’t always caused by bad intentions; sometimes people go through hard times, and that’s when they… Continue reading Managing Credit the Smart Way
Running a propane company comes with its own set of rules – both across the industry and in one’s internal bookkeeping. Between fuel taxes, seasonal cash flow, equipment depreciation, and customer accounts, there’s a lot to track. That’s why having a certified public accountant (CPA) who knows how propane businesses work is more than just… Continue reading The Propane CPA Advantage: Less Stress, More Strategy
When a large commercial account becomes available, you often have just one chance to put your best foot forward. Winning these bids doesn’t simply come down to offering the lowest price. A strong commercial propane bid shows that you understand what the client needs, how you can meet those needs consistently, and why your company… Continue reading The Secret to Bidding Like a Pro in Commercial Propane
In today’s competitive work environment, fostering employee satisfaction and engagement is essential for organizational success. Employees who find joy and purpose in their work are more productive, committed, and less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. Implementing thoughtful and proactive strategies can create a positive workplace culture that benefits both employees and the organization. Creating a… Continue reading Cultivating Employee Satisfaction and Engagement
If you’re in the propane business, chances are you’ve crossed paths with HVAC contractors. These professionals install and maintain heating and air conditioning systems, including propane-powered units. What many propane dealers don’t realize is how much opportunity lies in those interactions. When HVAC contractors trust you, they’re more likely to refer clients your way or… Continue reading Want More Installs? Start With HVAC Contractors
Food trucks and mobile kitchens are booming across cities, suburbs, and small towns. These mobile businesses depend on propane to power grills, fryers, ovens, and food warmers – making them an excellent sales opportunity for propane retailers. But selling to them requires a slightly different approach. These customers need reliable service, flexible delivery, and timely,… Continue reading Mobile Kitchens, Steady Sales: Grow With the Food Truck Wave
Leaders often find themselves caught between vision 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… Continue reading Balancing Vision and Presence: A Leader’s Guide to Mindful Progress
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
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?
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
