Leadership lessons from the Women in Propane Council roundtable

June 17, 2025 By Brian Richesson 0 Comments

I’m used to asking the questions.

So when Freddie Ridler and Bridget Kidd sat on opposite ends of the stage, moderating a roundtable discussion on leadership and asking me and my fellow panelists a variety of great questions, you could say I was a tad bit uncomfortable. The written word – that’s more my wheelhouse.

I’ve always been impressed with the leadership skills shown by the powerhouse panelists whom I joined on this afternoon session at the NPGA’s Southeastern & International Propane Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina: Alison Abbott of the World Liquid Gas Association, Michelle Bimson Maggi of Ferrellgas and Jessica Sheehan-Balderston of Rural Computer Consultants (RCC).

It was another great event hosted by the Women in Propane Council and its “Through the Leadership Lens” podcast co-hosts Ridler of RCC and Kidd of the Propane Education & Research Council.

A brief call with the co-hosts and panelists weeks before the roundtable provided a general idea of what we could expect during what they hoped would be “authentic conversation.” The podcast, available at womeninpropane.org, often delves into the leadership themes of development and risk.

Going into the roundtable, I had prepared about five pages of notes on a variety of topics that I felt could make their way into the discussion. I knew I couldn’t have the notes handy during the “live” event, but I felt they provided a guide for me to review and etch into my memory. And in the process, I could make my beliefs – about leadership, the industry and my own roles – truly known.

Unsure if I conveyed my thoughts clearly during the roundtable, or maybe an opportunity to discuss a particular topic didn’t present itself, I’m finding the need to share the finer points from my notes.

Leadership – Putting the people around you in position to learn and succeed. Be present, be positive.
Continued development – Born partly out of a passion for something you love. Follow that passion.
Risk – Involves overcoming a perceived obstacle, your fear of something. Find the faith to move forward.
Mistakes happen – Turn them into learning experiences. Every day is a new opportunity to start over.
Important skills to master – Attention to detail, creativity, collaboration, communication.
Find your mentor – For me, it was former LP Gas Editor Pat Hyland. Who is yours?
Propane industry leaders I’ve covered since 2007 – I really tried to list them here but didn’t have the space, which says a lot about this industry.
LP Gas leadership articles – I recommend reading the monthly articles by Lakes Gas’ Aaron Huizenga. I promise he’ll give you something to ponder.
LP Gas Rising Leaders – Our initiative recognizing up-and-coming leaders started in 2017, and we can thank Conger LP Gas President and CEO Dan Richardson for planting the seed.
From sportswriting to propane – As a newspaper reporter, I loved telling stories about the competitive nature of sports and the athletes playing them. But over time, you realize good stories surround us in all walks of life, including in propane. It’s about the people.
My most memorable stories in LP Gas – To name a few: Propane-fueled heat treatments to remediate pests from structures; a mountain adventure in which 30 500-gallon tanks were air lifted to a camp in the Smokies; and saying goodbye to the television series “King of the Hill,” though what’s this I hear about a reboot?
Top propane industry topics of today – Gallon sales trends, growth in new markets and the use of technology, including artificial intelligence. I also wonder how propane marketers will adapt their businesses in the coming years and if the electrification movement will reverse course.
Ridler and Kidd – They have become great masters of the leadership podcast, and the guests they welcome are the epitome of what this industry has to offer from a leadership standpoint. What you hear will make you think about your own actions and circumstances. After about three years, Kidd is relinquishing her role to Sheehan-Balderston, one of those powerhouse panelists from Charlotte. The podcast is in good hands.