Hiring the right people is one of the most important decisions you can make in your business. A good hire keeps your operation running smoothly, helps your customers feel safe and valued, and strengthens your team. But a bad hire? That can cost you far more than just time and training. It can lead to poor service, unhappy customers, safety risks, and higher turnover — all of which hurt your bottom line.
In a hands-on, safety-driven industry like propane, hiring mistakes are more than just paperwork problems. The wrong person in the wrong role can lead to missed deliveries, equipment damage, or worse. That’s why it’s so important to slow down and get it right the first time. With a clear hiring process and a focus on long-term fit, you can avoid costly errors and build a team that helps your business grow stronger every day.
Know What You’re Hiring For
Before you post a job opening or start reviewing resumes, get clarity on what the role requires — the daily tasks, the skills needed, and the kind of person who will do well in the position. Whether you’re hiring a driver, technician, or office support, write down what success looks like in the first 90 days and beyond. This will help you ask better interview questions and avoid hiring someone who only looks good on paper but isn’t the right fit for the work ahead.
Don’t Skip the Background Checks
In the propane industry, safety is non-negotiable. That means you need to know who you’re bringing onto your team. Always check references and run background checks where needed — especially for roles that involve driving, handling fuel, or working with customer data. It’s better to take a few extra days to screen candidates properly than to deal with the fallout of hiring someone who creates problems that you could have avoided.
Focus on Attitude and Work Ethic
Skills can be taught, but attitudes are harder to change. In the propane industry, team members work closely together, help each other out in the field, and must deal with unexpected problems. You need people who are dependable, honest, and willing to put in the effort and be team players.
During interviews, look for signs of reliability and a teamwork mindset. Ask about how they’ve handled challenges in their past jobs. Someone who is eager to learn and work hard will likely bring more value to the position than someone with more experience but who has a poor work ethic or bad habits.