Power of Networking groups within the propane industry offer many benefits that can significantly enhance your business. Here’s why actively being involved in these groups is an essential practice for any business owner wanting to gain market share and grow. Knowledge Sharing Networking groups are a hub for sharing best practices among members, allowing you… Continue reading Propel Your Business Forward with the Power of Networking
In a competitive market, the drive to differentiate can sometimes lead businesses to focus too much on what their competitors are doing. While keeping an eye on the competition is natural, the most successful propane businesses are those that focus on showcasing their own unique strengths and meeting customer needs in ways others may not.… Continue reading Building a Strong Brand: Shifting Focus from Competitors to Customer Value
Reducing theft and vandalism at propane facilities is crucial for safety, cost savings, and uninterrupted service. You might be wondering how this prevention is possible when acts of this nature are almost always unexpected events that take everyone by surprise. Read on as we explore practical steps you can take to safeguard your propane business.… Continue reading Protecting Your Business from Theft and Vandalism
Exploring propane as an investment for your retirement plans might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it could offer you some unique benefits. Here’s why you might want to consider propane as a key part of your retirement strategy. Stability and Demand Propane enjoys consistent demand for vital applications such as… Continue reading Retiring with A Smart Move for Your Future
Acquiring smaller propane companies can offer significant growth opportunities for medium to large operations, but it does come with its own set of risks. Here’s what you need to know in order to decide if this move is right for your business. Opportunities Market Expansion Acquiring a smaller propane business can instantly expand your customer… Continue reading Unlocking Growth Through Business Acquisitions
For propane businesses, fleet operations can be one of the largest expenses. With fuel costs fluctuating and increasing pressure put on the industry to optimize resources, managing these operations efficiently has never been more crucial. By focusing on fleet optimization, propane businesses can reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve overall customer satisfaction. Here’s a look… Continue reading Maximizing Fleet Efficiency to Lower Costs
Increasing revenue through upselling services to your existing propane customers can significantly enhance your business’s profitability. Effective upselling boosts sales and strengthens client relationships by providing added value. This guide outlines practical strategies for upselling that cater specifically to the needs of propane customers. Understanding Customer Needs Successful upselling starts with a thorough understanding of… Continue reading Mastering Upselling Techniques
When you think about propane’s journey before reaching your customers, you may picture a complex network of suppliers, distributors, and storage facilities. But where in this supply chain do problems tend to pop up? Knowing these weak spots helps protect your business and steady your propane supply, even in tough times. How Propane Travels Propane… Continue reading Spotting Weak Points in the Propane Supply Chain
Implementing a Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery system for propane can serve to optimize efficiency and reduce waste. Here’s how to make it work for your propane business. What is Just-in-Time Delivery? Just-in-time delivery is about supplying goods only when they’re needed, which reduces inventory and storage costs. For propane, this means predicting when customers will need… Continue reading Fueling Efficiency with Just-in-Time Propane Delivery
Setting your propane business apart in a competitive market involves more than just selling more propane; to a large degree, it’s about the customer service you provide. Here’s how service guarantees can make your business stand out and help propel you forward in your local propane market. Guaranteed Delivery Times Promising specific delivery times can… Continue reading Service Guarantees That Can Transform Your Business
When it comes to selling propane, location plays a pivotal role in determining a business’s success. This guide delves into how strategic site selection can enhance service efficiency, customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, sales performance. Key Factors in Choosing a Propane Business Location Selecting the right location for a propane business involves multiple factors that directly… Continue reading Location’s Role in Propane Sales Success
As a propane business owner, you’ve likely noticed how technology has changed the way many companies operate. From improving customer service to streamlining operations, technology is no longer just a bonus – t’s an essential part of running a successful propane business. By making smart tech investments, you can set your company up for long-term… Continue reading Future-Proofing Your Propane Business with Tech Investments
Are you constantly seeking ways to keep your team efficient and focused? Smart scheduling might be the answer you’ve been searching for. This straightforward strategy ensures your employees are in the right place at the right time, which can significantly enhance productivity. Let’s explore how smart scheduling can transform your work environment. Understanding Smart Scheduling… Continue reading Boost Productivity with Smart Scheduling
Feedback is like gold for any business. It’s the valuable yet somewhat hidden key to making your services not just good, but great. Read on to discover this gold for yourself and how you can use it to keep improving your company. Listen to Your Customers The first step is to really listen to what… Continue reading Fueling Success: How Feedback Can Transform Your Business
Offering support outside regular business hours can be a significant decision for any business. Here’s how to evaluate if it’s for you and why it could very well be worth the investment: Boosting Customer Satisfaction By being available when others aren’t, you can greatly enhance customer satisfaction. People facing emergencies or urgent issues outside normal… Continue reading Going Beyond Business Hours Can Set You Apart
Negotiating better deals with propane suppliers can go a long way in saving you money and improving your company’s operations. Here’s how to approach this key business practice in a skillful and savvy way. Know Your Market Start by understanding the propane market. Be diligent in doing your homework. Learn about current prices, how they… Continue reading Unlocking Better Deals for Bigger Savings
With the United States facing a propane shortage, small businesses and propane companies must take proactive steps to consistently maintain operations and meet customer needs. While supply constraints present challenges, strategic planning and efficiency measures can help businesses navigate this period successfully. Here’s a practical guide detailing how that can be implemented. Strengthening Supply Chain… Continue reading Staying Ahead: How Fuel Retailers Can Navigate the Current Propane Shortage
Propane prices have been higher this winter than last year, mainly due to colder temperatures in January and increased propane exports. Even though propane inventories were substantial at the start of the heating season, the combination of freezing weather and demand from overseas markets has driven prices up. Wholesale Propane Prices Are Rising Wholesale propane… Continue reading Why Propane Prices Are Higher This Winter
HOUSTON, Texas. – February 4, 2025 – Cetane Associates is pleased to announce that Charlotte Mahar has joined Cetane Associates as the Manager of Administration, effective January 14, 2025. Charlotte provides administrative and marketing support to the firm. Prior to joining Cetane, Charlotte served as a paralegal at Martinez Firm, PLLC, a prestigious law firm… Continue reading Charlotte Mahar Joins Cetane Associates
Collaborative projects in the propane sector can go a long way in leading to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Here’s how working together with others in the propane industry can serve to shape the future of this vital fuel. Research and Development Collaborative efforts in research and development allow companies to innovate. They can work on… Continue reading Flame of Collaboration: Elevating Teamwork
Efficient propane tank rotation is key to minimizing dead stock and ensuring a smooth supply chain. Here, we present a straightforward guide on how to successfully manage your tanks. Mastering this propane business fundamental will go a long way in keeping your operations running smoothly and efficiently. What is Dead Stock? Dead stock in the… Continue reading Turn Dead Stock into Dynamic Success: Mastering Tank Rotation
Many business owners focus solely on managing their operations and give little thought to really engaging with their local community. This myopic approach might seem practical, but it can actually end up hurting a company in the long run. Engaging with your community can make a significant difference for your propane business in multiple ways.… Continue reading Fueling Community Success: How Propane Businesses Thrive Locally
Emerging economies around the world represent vast potential for the propane industry. Once fuel retailers have obtained financial stability and sustained success in their local market, they may want to consider setting their sights abroad. Here’s a guide detailing how propane business owners can successfully enter these foreign markets and what it means for the… Continue reading Propane’s Path to Global Growth: Tapping Emerging Economies
Managing fuel inventory efficiently is one of the most critical aspects of running a successful propane business. Striking the right balance between supply and demand ensures that you can meet customer needs without incurring unnecessary costs. As market conditions fluctuate, propane retailers and wholesalers must adopt practical strategies to streamline their operations and stay ahead.… Continue reading How to Perfect Your Propane Inventory Management
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a crucial time to raise awareness and take action against a global crisis, was celebrated in January. Professionals in industries like propane, heating oil, pest control, lawn care, landscaping, HVAC, and plumbing now have a unique opportunity to contribute to this important cause. Cetane Associates, in partnership with the Safe… Continue reading Cetane Partners with the Safe House Project to Launch New Training Videos
The United States is currently experiencing a critical propane shortage, with regions such as North Carolina being significantly impacted. Propane suppliers are reporting depleted stocks and delayed deliveries, leaving many businesses and households struggling to secure fuel. This shortage has created serious concerns, particularly as winter temperatures remain low. Factors Contributing to the Shortage While… Continue reading Propane Supply Struggles: Rising Demand and Shortages
Hosting an educational event about propane in your community can do much to boost customer knowledge, safety, and trust in your services. It’s a win-win for both your propane company and your local area. Here’s how to effectively plan and execute such an event. Setting the Goal Start by deciding what information you want your… Continue reading Transform Your Business with a Customer Learning Day
A reliable and qualified team of drivers is the backbone of any propane business. From ensuring that customer deliveries are on time to prioritizing safety on the road, the skills and preparedness of your drivers directly impact operations. In an industry where safety and compliance are critical, maintaining high driver qualification standards isn’t just a… Continue reading Driving Success: Building a Safe and Skilled Propane Fleet
Entering the propane market can be tough, but learning from both the successes and failures of others can guide your strategy. Here’s how case studies of market entries can enlighten your path. Failed Market Entries Many businesses have tried to enter the propane market and faced significant challenges. Often, these failures stem from underestimating local… Continue reading Lessons from the Past: Fuel Your Business Growth
On January 17, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the withdrawal of its Proposed Rule on Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Boilers. This decision was influenced by substantial public feedback, the recent change in administration, and the extensive resources required to review the numerous comments received. Consequently, the DOE has opted not to… Continue reading DOE Withdraws Proposed Boiler Rule: A Win for Propane Advocacy
