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
Every propane company hears it—”No thanks, we’re good.” It’s part of the job. You reach out, offer your services, and the prospect turns you down. But just because someone says no the first time doesn’t mean the door is fully closed. In fact, many propane clients who said no at first often end up switching… Continue reading Second Chances Start with the Right Message
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
A propane business requires reliable cash flow to cover expenses, maintain equipment, and support growth. A business credit line can provide financial flexibility, helping you manage seasonal demand, unexpected costs, and expansion opportunities. Setting up a credit line may seem complicated. Still, with the proper steps, you can secure funding that will serve to strengthen… Continue reading Unlocking Financial Flexibility with a Business Credit Line
The propane industry is at a turning point, with an aging workforce and a growing need to recruit younger professionals. To remain competitive and sustainable, companies must rethink how they appeal to millennials and Gen Z job seekers. These generations prioritize work-life balance, career growth, environmental responsibility, and technological innovation. The propane industry can attract… Continue reading Attracting the Next-Generation Workforce to the Propane Industry
The propane industry continues to evolve, offering new ways for businesses to expand their services and attract more customers. One opportunity that is gaining attention is propane refrigeration. While propane is widely used for heating and cooking, its role in refrigeration is growing due to its efficiency and reliability. By adding propane-powered refrigeration to your… Continue reading Why Propane Refrigeration Can Be a Smart Addition to Your Business
Pricing your products is no simple task. The propane market is influenced by a variety of unpredictable factors such as supply disruptions, seasonal demand shifts, and geopolitical events, making it difficult for fuel retailers to maintain stable pricing. These fluctuations can lead to uncertainty for both businesses and customers, impacting profitability and customer trust. While… Continue reading Pricing Strategies for a More Stable Approach
It can feel personal when a long-time propane customer suddenly starts shopping around. Maybe they’ve been loyal for years, always paid on time, and even referred others. But now they’re calling to ask about rates – or worse, they’ve already gotten quotes from other companies. It’s a situation no business owner enjoys, but it’s also… Continue reading The Subtle Signals Indicating Your Best Customers Might Leave
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 business can feel like a constant race. Between managing deliveries, customer calls, equipment issues, and staff schedules, there’s barely a moment to catch your breath. With so many moving parts, staying focused becomes one of the biggest challenges. It’s not about working more hours – it’s about making each hour count. That’s… Continue reading The Simple Ritual That Sharpens Focus and Lowers Stress
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
Providing propane involves more than just making deliveries; building strong customer relationships is an essential component of running a successful business. Many propane companies have served the same families and businesses for years, and personalizing that service helps build trust and loyalty. Customers still value personal connections even as technology improves and operations become more… Continue reading Personalizing Customer Service in a Digital Age
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
In today’s propane industry, basic delivery service is no longer enough to set you apart. Customers – especially high-end ones – are looking for more than just fuel. They want fast response times, well-maintained tanks, friendly staff, and a seamless propane experience from start to finish. This is where a white glove service model can… Continue reading Going Beyond Delivery with White Glove Service
Building strong relationships is key to growing a successful propane business. LinkedIn is one of the best platforms for making professional connections. Unlike other social media sites, LinkedIn is designed for business networking, making it an effective tool for reaching potential customers, industry partners, and decision-makers. When utilized well, LinkedIn can help propane businesses build… Continue reading Selling Propane Services Through LinkedIn Networking
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 propane industry, pricing can feel like a constant battle between risk and opportunity. Market fluctuations, unpredictable weather patterns, and supply chain disruptions all play a role in determining costs. For propane businesses, having a solid buying strategy isn’t just about getting the lowest price; it’s about making smart, forward-thinking decisions that protect margins… Continue reading Turning Market Uncertainty Into an Advantage
Imagine if every member of your team could jump into different roles when needed. Cross-training can do that. It’s about teaching your employees more than one job, making your business more flexible and resilient. Here’s why cross-training is a smart move for any company. Why Cross-Train Your Team? Cross-training involves more than simply having backups;… Continue reading Boost Team Flexibility with Cross-Training Strategies
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?
Successful propane industry leaders understand the importance of planning for the future while staying grounded in the realities of today. Economic shifts, supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and workforce challenges require careful preparation. At the same time, focusing too much on long-term projections without addressing immediate concerns can put operations at risk. Finding the right… Continue reading Balancing Present Challenges with Future Growth
Expanding your propane business can feel exciting, but it also comes with certain risks. Choosing the right region can help you grow quickly and profitably, while selecting one that isn’t the best fit could stretch your resources too thin. The good news is, you don’t have to guess or wonder about where to expand. You… Continue reading Mapping Out Your Next Big Opportunity
In many propane companies today, it’s common to see workers from different age groups sharing the same job site or office. You might have a 22-year-old driver learning from a 60-year-old technician – or a young office worker being trained by someone who’s been in the field for decades. Differences in age, work experience, communication… Continue reading Building Bridges Across Generations at Work Propane
