Transitioning the family-owned business
April 1, 2007 By Carl Hughes
Family-owned propane companies are significantly more complex in their organizational dynamics than the traditional mom and pop label often used to characterize them.
Read More Sub-par temps, par golf
February 1, 2007 By LP Gas
Like many of his peers in the LP-gas business, Johnny Williamson, branch manager of Four Point L.P. Gas, has seen the Georgia retailer’s sales volume stagnate over the past four heating seasons as a result of unseasonably warm weather that’s plagued many areas of the United States.
Read More Electronic bill paying has its perks
February 1, 2007 By LP Gas
Electronic payments processing, including electronic check conversion and collection, continues to grow at a rapid pace in the U.S. Surprisingly, one of the last industries to adopt electronic check processing is the propane industry.
Read More Sweating out slow sales
February 1, 2007 By Patrick Hyland
The early February deep-freeze that had propane sales across the country jumping should be a godsend to marketers squeezed by the lowest weather-driven propane demand in the last four years.
Read More Building the brand
January 1, 2007 By LP Gas
With rising oil and materials costs, weak winters and unsure economic times, propane retailers are always looking for additional sources of income.
Read More A vote of confidence
December 1, 2006 By Patrick Hyland
When spot propane prices at Mont Belvieu topped $1.16 this past July, I wondered if spiraling world oil costs would be the final blow that would push marketers out of the business once and for all.
Read More When it comes to safety-are you aware?
July 1, 2006 By Jay Johnston
Awareness is the first key to successful safety management. Without awareness, we may be whistling in the dark, assuming we understand exposures and degrees of risk that may impact our employees, our customers, our suppliers, our vendors, our community and our bottom line.
Read More Customer Lip Service
February 1, 2006 By Patrick Hyland
As I travel around the country talking to retailers, most are quick to mention that customer service and loyalty are what set their business apart from the competition. But, much like safety, I have to wonder how many offer only lip service.
Read More Small business pessimism
January 1, 2006 By Patrick Hyland
Here in Ohio, the perception of business conditions among small businesses is falling like the mercury during a January cold snap.
Read More Distributors: Still Vital
August 1, 2005 By LP Gas
Over the past few years, propane industry distributors have been more and more concerned about their role as the link between equipment manufacturers and propane retailers. These distributors, who have been among the staunchest supporters of the industry, say price-cutting competitors offering lower prices, but virtually no customer service, are squeezing them out. They’re frustrated over losing business to competitors who sell exclusively on bargain-basement pricing.
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