When you think about growing your propane business, your first calls are probably to your banker, supplier, or marketing team. But one expert you should not overlook is your insurance agent. They play a bigger role in your success than you might think. Planning for growth without them can leave you exposed to risks that… Continue reading Planning to Expand? Bring Your Insurance Agent to the Table
The energy industry is shifting. What once was a transaction-based service – deliver, bill, repeat – is being slowly replaced by something more familiar to modern consumers: subscriptions. Just as consumers now pay monthly for streaming services, software, and groceries, many are becoming more open to subscription-based energy models. For propane businesses, this change might… Continue reading Is Propane Ready for Subscription-Based Energy?
In the propane industry, traditional marketing methods like direct mail, newspaper ads, and word-of-mouth referrals have long been the norm. While these approaches definitely have their merits, the digital age offers new avenues to connect with customers, enhance visibility, and drive growth. Transitioning to digital marketing doesn’t mean abandoning tried-and-true methods; it simply involves augmenting… Continue reading From Print to Pixel: A Practical Guide to Embracing Digital Marketing
In the competitive realm of propane sales, understanding the dynamics of the purchasing process is crucial. Often, sales efforts are directed toward individuals who are involved in the buying process but lack the authority to make final decisions. To enhance sales effectiveness, it’s imperative to identify and engage with the actual decision-makers within prospective client… Continue reading Empowering Sales by Engaging the True Decision-Maker
In the evolving landscape of the propane industry, private equity firms are increasingly seeking platform companies – businesses that serve as a foundation for growth through acquisitions. For propane business owners aiming to attract such investment, understanding what makes a company appealing to private equity is crucial. Key Attributes of an Attractive Platform Company Private… Continue reading Positioning Your Business for Private Equity Investment
The propane industry is more competitive than ever. Growing demand over the years has attracted more propane marketers, raising customer expectations beyond just receiving fuel. Today’s customers expect reliable service, seamless communication, accurate billing, and safe, on-time deliveries. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. propane consumption reached 1.48 million barrels per day… Continue reading Six Propane Sales Strategies You Can Implement Now for Long-Term Growth
In the propane industry, your delivery drivers often have the most face-to-face time with your customers. They’re in the field daily, pulling up to farms, homes, job sites, and commercial locations. They see things that others on your team don’t – like new construction, a business expanding its footprint, or a competitor’s tank sitting on… Continue reading From Delivery to Discovery: How Drivers Can Fuel Growth
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is inviting propane industry professionals to register for the 2025 Mid-Year Board Meeting and Propane Days, taking place June 8–10, 2025 at the Hilton Washington D.C. Capitol Hill, located at 525 New Jersey Avenue NW in the heart of the nation’s capital. This annual event is a cornerstone of… Continue reading Registration Now Open: 2025 NPGA Mid-Year Board Meeting & Propane Days in Washington, D.C.
California is known for its bold energy goals and strict environmental policies. However, recent developments there demonstrate that propane is carving out a stronger role in the state’s clean energy conversation. From new laws to local victories, propane is proving that it decidedly belongs in California’s energy future. A Major Win for Propane Vehicles One… Continue reading California’s Propane Future: Bright, Bold, and Building Momentum
When propane companies think about growing their commercial base, they look to the usual channels – restaurants, schools, or larger facilities. However, rural contractors are one often overlooked group that can be a steady source of long-term business. These builders, remodelers, and service crews depend on fuel in remote areas, especially during peak building seasons.… Continue reading Get Ahead of the Season: Win Over Rural Contractors Early
Every mile your truck drives costs money. Fuel, labor, vehicle wear, and employee time all add up, especially if you’re serving rural or hard-to-reach areas. For propane companies, determining how to price deliveries fairly and profitably is one of your most significant decisions. One way to manage that cost is by adjusting your pricing based… Continue reading Propane on the Move: Should Distance Shape Your Delivery Pricing?
If you’ve been serving the same propane customers for years, chances are some of them are still using tanks that no longer match their needs. As usage patterns change – due to larger families, new appliances, or seasonal business spikes – it becomes important to evaluate whether their current tank size is still a good… Continue reading Bigger Tank, Smarter Move: When Upsizing Makes Sense for Your Customer
Even if your propane company prides itself on top-quality service and strong customer loyalty, that doesn’t mean you can ignore what other businesses are charging. Keeping an eye on competitor pricing isn’t just for companies trying to be the cheapest in town. In fact, watching price trends can help you protect your position, build smarter… Continue reading Staying Competitive Through Informed Pricing Decisions
In the propane industry, where supply disruptions and price swings are all too common, depending on just one or two suppliers can quietly put your entire business at risk. You may not notice the risk when things are going smoothly. But once weather events, market shifts, or transportation issues hit, that limited supplier list can… Continue reading Stronger Supply Starts with More Than One Source
Propane marketers today are navigating a tricky landscape. While the acute tank shortages of the early 2020s – driven by steel price spikes and covid-era supply chain chaos – have eased, new pressures like volatile material costs and surging demand keep tank management front and center. Propane powers over 14 million U.S. households, a number… Continue reading Smart Strategies for Mastering Propane Tank Management
In a propane operation, your dispatcher often functions as the hub of all moving parts. From coordinating delivery routes to managing driver communication and handling schedule adjustments, this role holds significant operational value. But when a single dispatcher begins to operate with full autonomy, without documentation or oversight, your business becomes exposed to avoidable risk.… Continue reading The Hidden Vulnerability Behind the Dispatch Desk
In propane operations, verbal agreements often happen during quick phone calls or on-site visits. Long-time clients may confirm delivery schedules, pricing, tank swaps, or service expectations in passing. While these relationships are based on trust, they also introduce risks when the terms aren’t properly documented. In a regulated industry where compliance, liability, and customer satisfaction… Continue reading Propane – From Words to Proof: Why Documentation Matters
Running a propane company means managing a myriad of operations – deliveries, staffing, safety checks, vehicle maintenance, and customer service. But one concept often gets left behind in the daily grind: your break-even point. It’s the financial line that separates profit from loss. If you’re just guessing – or using outdated math – you might… Continue reading Hidden Costs That Could Be Killing Your Margin
The U.S. propane market is seeing a price surge, and many in the industry feel the impact. With propane being a key fuel source for homes, businesses, and industrial operations, understanding why prices are rising is essential. A significant factor behind this price increase is the growing level of U.S. propane exports, which is affecting… Continue reading Why Are U.S. Propane Prices Rising? What It Means for Your Business
You can only cover so much ground on your own as a propane business owner. Expanding your service area, gaining new customers, and building brand awareness takes a lot of time, effort, and resources. One smart way to grow without adding more delivery trucks or staff is by creating a network of resellers. When done… Continue reading Expanding Your Reach with a Strong Reseller Network
Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is pleased to announce that EDP, headquartered in Chicago, Ill., has acquired Midwest Bottle Gas Distributors, Inc. (“Midwest Gas”), located in Highland Heights, Ky.
Propane businesses rely on their drivers to ensure safe and efficient deliveries. However, the process of hiring and maintaining qualified drivers goes beyond just filling positions – it requires meeting strict regulatory requirements and ensuring ongoing training. As the industry faces workforce shortages and evolving compliance standards, propane companies must take a proactive approach to… Continue reading Strengthening Your Operations with Qualified Drivers
The propane industry naturally faces its share of ups and downs throughout the year. Winter brings heavy demand, while the warmer months tend to slow down. This makes it hard to predict income and plan for future growth. That’s where a propane subscription model can help. By setting up a simple and steady payment system… Continue reading Steady Income Year-Round: The Power of Subscription Plans
Building strong relationships with propane equipment manufacturers can do much to help you grow your business. When manufacturers trust your company, they are more likely to recommend your services to their customers. This can lead to more referrals, increased credibility, and a stronger position within the propane industry. You want to be the business that… Continue reading Winning Manufacturer Referrals to Boost Your Business
In the rapidly evolving propane industry, adopting advanced technology platforms is no longer a luxury but a necessity. These platforms offer a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and drive business growth. By integrating various technological solutions, propane businesses can streamline processes, gain valuable insights, and maintain a competitive… Continue reading Maximizing Business Insights with the Right Technology Platform
When you run a propane business, your relationship with customers often starts with a handshake and a smile. However, that’s not what holds everything together; instead, it’s what’s written on paper that matters. Your customer agreement is more than just paperwork – it’s the foundation of trust, service, and legal protection between you and your… Continue reading Strong Contracts Build Strong Customer Relationships
When you notice your propane commercial sales slowing down, it’s easy to blame the economy, the weather, or even your sales team. But to rectify the problem, you need to be specific. A decline in sales doesn’t usually happen overnight. Instead, it tends to build gradually — missed targets, fewer new accounts, or less repeat… Continue reading Finding the Leak in Your Commercial Sales Pipeline
A good dispatcher keeps the propane business moving forward. A great dispatcher does even more. They don’t just fill in schedules and answer calls – they keep your drivers focused, your deliveries on time, and your customers happy. In many ways, the dispatcher is the revved-up engine behind the whole operation. Whether you’re a propane… Continue reading What Makes a Propane Dispatcher Stand Out?
When you’re running a propane business, every dollar counts. Costs can add up quickly – from equipment and delivery trucks to safety training and marketing. That’s why paying attention to what your state government offers regarding tax incentives is essential. These programs can greatly boost your company if you know how to properly utilize them.… Continue reading Unlock Hidden Savings with State Tax Incentives
Regarding propane delivery, the road that lies between the supply terminal and your customer matters more than you might think. If you’re running a propane company, you know how much time, money, and planning it takes to keep everything moving. But there’s one piece of the puzzle that’s often out of your control – the… Continue reading Trucking Challenges That Could Slow You Down
