Every Propane Leader Needs a Trusted Voice Behind the Scenes

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 it – can make all the difference. A trusted advisor or mentor can help you make better decisions, avoid common mistakes, and grow your business with confidence.

You don’t need to figure everything out on your own. Across the propane sector, there are seasoned owners, retired leaders, and professional consultants who want to help others succeed. The hard part isn’t finding someone with industry knowledge – it’s finding the right person who fits your needs, shares your values, and cares enough to offer real support.

Know What You’re Looking For
Before you reach out to anyone, think about what kind of help you need. Do you want guidance on growing your customer base? Are you trying to plan for succession? Or are you facing specific challenges with hiring, safety rules, or equipment costs? Different mentors bring different strengths. Some have deep operations knowledge, while others know the sales and marketing side better.

Make a short list of the areas where you need the most assistance. This will make it easier to find someone who has walked that path before. Additionally, it will provide your future mentor with a clear sense of how they can best help you.

Start With Your Current Network
You may already know someone who would make a great mentor. Maybe it’s a retired propane business owner in your region or someone you’ve met at an NPGA event. Reach out to people you trust and ask them who they turn to when they need advice. Many good mentors don’t advertise; they help because someone asks them for assistance directly.

If you’re a member of a state propane association or a trade group, those are also good places to start. You can connect with more experienced members who are open to sharing what they’ve learned over the years.

Look for Shared Values and Industry Know-How
A good mentor doesn’t just give you answers – they ask the right questions. You want someone who listens well, tells it straight, and helps you think through your options. They should have a background in the propane business or at least understand how the industry works. But it’s just as important that they respect how you do business and what you care about. 

If your company is family-run or built on strong faith-based values, you’ll likely want someone who shares that mindset. When the values of two people line up, advice is easier to trust and apply.

Set Clear Expectations From the Start
Once you’ve found someone you’d like to learn from, be upfront about what you’re hoping for. Let them know how often you’d like to talk, what challenges you’re dealing with, and how their support could help. Some mentors are happy to talk once a month by phone. Others might prefer to meet at events or trade shows. Make sure the time commitment works for both of you. 

Respect your mentor’s time by coming prepared. Bring solid questions, updates, and ideas to each meeting. Show that you value their input and are serious about applying what you learn from them.

Stay Open to Growing With Help
Working with a mentor doesn’t mean you’re weak – it means you’re smart. Even the best propane companies need outside advice now and then. A mentor can help you look at your business from a different angle, spot issues before they become bigger problems, and identify new ways for you to grow. 

Be open to hearing things you may not want to hear. Honest feedback is one of the best gifts a mentor can give. It helps you sharpen your thinking, tighten your operations, and stay ahead of the curve. Seeking out a mentor and receiving difficult words takes humility, but it is often this quality that serves to build a strong leader and a solid business.

Why This Builds Long-Term Strength
When you find the right mentor, you’re investing in your company by building a long-term resource you can count on. That kind of relationship can keep your propane business steady during tough times and help you grow during good ones. And one day, you may be the one passing that wisdom on to the next generation. A trusted mentor is an invaluable guide and proof that no one builds a strong business alone.

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