Taking stock of your company
March 1, 2003 By LP Gas
As I shared with you in last month’s column, my recommendationas Step 1 toward building a success plan for your business is for you toconduct an objective evaluation.
Read More Trounce competition during a merger
February 1, 2003 By LP Gas
ll of you have seen or know of a competitor who sold his company in your area. You also likely saw thechanges made and the problems that may have occurred during the transition period. You likely gainedseveral customers during the transition process — just by answering the phone!
Read More Essentials for success: a business plan
February 1, 2003 By LP Gas
It has been said that the typical small business owner would never consider taking a family vacation without first carefully planning dates of departure and arrival, obtaining hotel reservations, reserving tickets in advance for hard-to-get events and carefully laying out what to pack.
Read More Failure to give up authority is costly
December 1, 2002 By LP Gas
Many long-time owners of independent propane operations struggle with turning over the reins to someone else. While understandable, it can do irreparable harm to the company.
Read More Think outside the box when you sell
November 1, 2002 By LP Gas
At age 74, Bill knew it would be time to sell his retail propanebusiness within the next few years. The founder and 70 percent owner ofthe company had three children, none of whom were in the business.
Read More Whether or not you choose to sell
October 1, 2002 By LP Gas
Hundreds of you own and run retail propane operations of all sizesand complexities across the country. I applaud your fortitude, your self-reliance,your focus on customer service and your fierce independence.
Read More Is your insurance dead on arrival?
September 1, 2002 By LP Gas
Please don’t read this month’s comments as a slam against insuranceagents. If you do, you have missed the point.
Read More Don’t sabotage your banker’s support
September 1, 2002 By LP Gas
In 1996, Richard Handler took over the family propane businessafter the death of his father. He had been involved with the business whenhe was growing up, but after college he chose a career in corporate Americaand moved away.
Read More Cashing out from employee ownership
July 1, 2002 By LP Gas
The success of most every propane retailer can be traced to the hard-working, dedicated men and women who daily service customers on the front lines of those businesses.
Read More Does your business have too little debt?
July 1, 2002 By LP Gas
On occasion, having too little debt can be bad for your business. If that seems crazy, take a look at the following case study and decide for yourself.
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