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Oct 3, 2024 | 
lpgasmagazine.com | Ellen Kriz
I recently ran across a small business owner who questioned the value of maintaining a website. I initially was stunned. But when I thought about it, I realized they were asking a fair and perhaps even fundamental question. About 70 percent of small businesses in the U.S. have their own websites, but that means about 30 percent still don’t have them. Assuming rational, businesslike behavior, why?
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Oct 1, 2024 | 
lpgasmagazine.com | Ellen Kriz
The 16th annual Pros4Care golf benefit drew 75 attendees and raised about $10,000 to fund prostate cancer research and awareness. The proceeds of this year’s event, held in Plano, Texas, will go toward hospitals and associations that back prostate cancer research and outreach.
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Oct 1, 2024 | 
lpgasmagazine.com | Ellen Kriz
By and In the Know is a monthly partnership between LP Gas and Propane Resources. This month, Adam Zoellner and Allan Degenhardt point out important steps to prepare for heating season. QUESTION: How should propane marketers get ready for the heating season? ANSWER: As we come out of the slow summer months for deliveries, it’s time to begin planning for the increased workload of the hectic heating season.
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Sep 27, 2024 | 
lpgasmagazine.com | Ellen Kriz
Charmin HeimelSales Executive, Colorado Propane MarketingApril 2017-PresentColorado Propane MarketingSales ExecutiveMarch 2001-October 2016Plains Marketing LPSales MarketerJanuary 1998-December 2014The Gas Equipment LocatorCo-ownerHeimel practically grew up in the propane industry. She witnessed her father, Leon Fancher, dedicate his 45-year career to it. Inspired by what she learned as a child and teenager, she decided to create a business with him.
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Sep 26, 2024 | 
lpgasmagazine.com | Ellen Kriz
Phrases such as “when we get there,” or “save enough” or “complete this next thing” pass through our minds nearly every day. It starts when we are really small. Think about the education system. Nursery school gets you ready for kindergarten. Then grade school prepares you for high school. The high school years for college or the working world. Then we start working and change jobs and learn and grow for the next step, but where does it end? Or does it ever end?
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Sep 24, 2024 | 
lpgasmagazine.com | Ellen Kriz
Randy Warner wrote an excellent article about backup generators in the February 2024 issue of LP Gas. I intend to build on his article, emphasizing some safety issues I’ve seen. My experience on the safety and state rules side of this goes back almost 30 years. Much has evolved since then. The rules we use have changed a little. The first situation came after a bad snow and ice storm. Well, bad for this area. A grocery store had a backup generator fueled by one 100-gallon propane cylinder.
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Sep 16, 2024 | 
lpgasmagazine.com | Ellen Kriz
In the propane industry, effective leadership is crucial for sustaining and growing market share. One of the most vital traits for leaders in this field is confidence. Confidence is more than a desirable quality; it is foundational to effective leadership. Confident leaders make informed decisions, communicate assertively and inspire their teams, creating a more cohesive and efficient work environment.
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Sep 11, 2024 | 
lpgasmagazine.com | Ellen Kriz
David Humphreys is moving into the role of director of West Coast sales at Kiva United Energy. Humphreys will oversee the performance and growth of the wholesale business in California and the Pacific Northwest, which is the company‚Äôs largest region of sales. “I am excited to be back in the sales leadership role overseeing the sales team and working more closely with customers,” says Humphreys.
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Sep 10, 2024 | 
lpgasmagazine.com | Ellen Kriz
Frank Thompson, president of PT Risk Management, says propane marketers run the risk of having their property and casualty insurance canceled or nonrenewed if they fail to put the insurance companies’ underwriting requirements at the top of their agenda. Here, he distinguishes 10 ways that propane marketers can lose their insurance and thereby advises on the pitfalls to avoid in their retail operations. 1. Don’t be truthful when filling out the supplemental application.
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Sep 9, 2024 | 
lpgasmagazine.com | Ellen Kriz
Lakes Gas, a Wyoming, Minnesota-based propane retailer, is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. Employees are reflecting on the company Howard Sargeant created in 1959, particularly the ways it has evolved, yet remained unchanged in some ways. Lakes Gas has grown exponentially over the past seven decades and overseen dozens of acquisitions. It now serves 55 communities and roughly 90,000 customers in six states: Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
