Both on the personal and professional front, we are hearing numerous and consistent conversations and news items about inflation across the U.S. This month, we ask our people in the propane realm what impact inflation has on them either at home or at work or both.

In this column, adopted from the familiar “Heard on the Street” format, we offer our responders a chance to answer the question posed in the title. These are their replies reported verbatim.

 

INFLATION IMPACT AT HOME

I kept reading about ‘shrink-flation’ (prices remaining the same but the package size is decreasing), and I wondered “is this really happening?” So now, when I am out grocery shopping, I keep picking up stuff and looking at the package weights to see if they have indeed ‘shrunk’. My unofficial opinion at this point? Yes, it is really happening! LOL As to what I’ve done with this fascinating piece of intel, well, I switched popcorn brands when I saw this sneaky behavior in my preferred brand. That will teach them….

Leslie Woodward

Fairview Fittings

Oakville, Ontario, CANADA

 

I’m at a point in my life that it doesn’t affect me near as much as it would of when I was younger and oh so poor! I’m grateful to have had that time in my life, but glad it’s in the past and hope it stays that way.  I am aware and feel for those so affected by it.  I now watch it more for what it does to investments and hopefully a promise of a brighter future coming out of a downturn.

 Susan Peterson

Rural Computer Consultants

Bird Island, Minnesota

 

Inflation is undoubtedly touching all Americans in different ways.  While some changes in lifestyle have become involuntary, like paying over $5.00 a gallon for gasoline, (which is yet another reason we should be utilizing autogas) other, more voluntary changes in our daily lives are made up of a variety of choices.  Personally, my family is scaling back our travel plans for the rest of the year, as well as doing a lot more in-home dining versus ordering take out and going out to eat when we don’t feel like cooking.  We have also opted to maximize the use of streaming services as opposed to visiting the movie theatre; where I dare not imagine how much a large popcorn is going for these days!  While some of us are making the most of what we have, others are scraping by to make something out of practically nothing.  The truth is, there are far greater sacrifices than these being made across the country, so at this time I consider myself fortunate.

Jessica Johnson

ThompsonGas

Asheville, North Carolina

 

Since my wife typically shops for food in our house, I asked her. She said she has always shopped the sales regardless, but in these times she might pass on the filet of beef in favor of a lesser cut. As for me, I’m more conscious of my driving habits, although I’m not sure I’ve cut back much. I’m also trying to squeeze a few more games out of my tennis balls, as the cost of those has about doubled from last year.

Bruce Swiecicki

National Propane Gas Association

 Tinley Park, Illinois

 

While inflation has certainly impacted the price of groceries, gas and pretty much everything we purchase on a daily basis, I really have not made many changes in this area.  If I still had young children, I am sure I would probably be more diligent in my spending habits!  However, the one area that we are following much closer is our whole financial picture.  Now that we are near retirement age, we have to be sure that we have a good plan in place for a secure future.

Rosie Buschur

McMahan’s Bottle Gas

Dayton, Ohio

 

INFLATION IMPACT AT WORK

It’s been a difficult year all the way around for sure. Some of the changes I have considered is the cost of my commute to work but, since it’s only six minutes away and I’m too old and overweight to go with an E-Bike, that’s out!! And my operations manager Lisa has told me I can’t spend any extra money on anything this year. She is soo mean to me L

All kidding aside, we are OK. We are just being very conservative in all our purchases until we feel we have come through these difficult times. We have not purchased any new vehicles this year and are being diligent about purchasing and placement of tanks. We have asked the guys to check and double check their trucks to make sure they have EVERYTHING they need for a job and to please come back to the shop with the tools they left with!! We have cut back on some advertising and extra community donations. These were hard cuts to make but seemed like the best choice for us – for now.

Judy Taranovich

Proctor Gas

Proctor, Vermont

 

This new trend of record-breaking inflation requires positioning for the impact on our business.  We’re experiencing much higher fuel, steel (tanks), parts and vehicles costs that are creating some real challenges with no relief in in sight in the near term. Vehicles are hard to come by and if you can find them, they are substantially higher priced with longer lead times for delivery. On the product cost side, we have to pass as much through as possible and on the increased vehicle and tank costs, we will buy less this upcoming year than we would have otherwise. We will continue operationally to focus our team on efficiency even more, to further offset as much of the inflation as we can to continue to deliver on our financial objectives.

Boyd H. McGathey

Energy Distribution Partners

Parkville, Missouri

 

Our behavior changes to be more conservative in our expenses and investments.  High inflation makes us examine our logistics more frequently as well to ensure we are as efficient as possible.

Laurie Irish-Jones

Irish Propane

Buffalo, New York

 

We are continuing to operate conservatively, but always looking for ways to reduce costs and increase throughput.

Jason Soulon

Westmor Industries

Shawnee, Kansas

 

INFLATION IMPACT ON WORK & HOME LIFE

As inflation rises and we appear to be in a recession I have become much more conservative in my business and personal spending. Planning ahead is helpful. I am keeping a close eye on the business climate to see how companies may be trying to save money. This makes the value proposition much more important. I guess I will do my trip to Ireland next year!

Ed Varney

Top Line Management, LLC

McKinney, Texas

 

From a personal perspective, we are closely monitoring our spending on a monthly business. The costs of all goods and services in general have skyrocketed, which has resulted in limiting our spending due to the uncertainty of the future. We are holding off on any major purchases, and limiting vacations, travel, and entertainment. We are staying home and cooking more meals rather than going out to eat.  At our company we are closely monitoring our expenses and travel and being very selective about what conferences and conventions to attend.  In summary, we are being very cautious with our spending personally, and at P3 Propane Safety.

Jerry Schimmel

P3 Propane Safety

 Cumberland, Rhode Island

 

MONEY MATTERS

Ignoring inflation in America goes against financial management wisdom for any organization including our families. Inflation affects all aspects of the economy, from consumer spending, business investment, and employment rates to government programs, tax policies, and interest rates. As you’ve read here, multiple steps may be considered to help your operations or personal cash flow through inflationary times. Gasoline prices make the headlines, but the cost of popcorn is a benchmark heard here first!

 

Nancy Coop, Cetane Associates

This column was first published in Butane-Propane News in September 2022.

A recurrent phrase I’m hearing from people of all ages these days is “If not now…when?” The key to this month’s question is the aspect of “having the time.” Are you booking time on your schedule beyond work that creates rewarding results?

In this column, adopted from the familiar “Heard on the Street” format, we offer our responders a chance to answer the question posed in the title. These are their replies reported verbatim.

 

WHEN YOU “HAVE THE TIME”

When the time comes to finally retire, I keep telling myself I will have a plan in advance on how to invest my time. A plan to stay physically and mentally active so I feel as productive in retirement as I do now in my work life. Also, reenergize around the things outside work I enjoy more like play guitar more (I torture the guitar really), read and travel more, bring out the toys that I don’t’ have enough time for now like my golf clubs and Harleys. I have been involved with a number of law enforcement not-for-profit entities in my community for almost 20 years now, I would have to find more time to dedicate to giving back.

Boyd H. McGathey

Energy Distribution Partners

Parkville, Missouri

 

As someone with a busy work schedule, a family, (and all that goes along with it), I keep telling myself that I’m going to travel. You know, “when things settle down”.  However, I have not planned a trip for myself in a long while.  And yet, if I am fortunate enough to take some time away and experience new places and things, I am always reminded of the value in it.  This is your sign, (yours and mine) to take that trip, pack those bags, and get out of town for a little while!

Jessica Johnson

ThompsonGas

Asheville, North Carolina

 

Wow, where do I begin?! I can think of so many things, but one thing I keep wanting to do is digitize the family photos and movies that I took when the family was young. I remember it was a treat when I was a kid and my dad took the movie projector out periodically to show the family those old Super 8 movies he took as we were growing up. We had a blast watching those and the “Uncle Bill” (W.C. Fields) cuts that he would throw on as well.

Bruce Swiecicki

National Propane Gas Association

 Tinley Park, Illinois

 

I hope to slow down a bit, maybe in a couple years, maybe three – four – sometime 🙂 Anyway, when I do, I’d like to travel and see more of our beautiful country. Not by electric car though—I don’t have that much time!!!!

Judy Taranovich

Proctor Gas

Proctor, Vermont

 

Buy a Bass Boat, go to the Lake, and leave my cell phone in the truck.  I already have my eye on the boat but there are not many available due to supply chain shortages. I will have one before the end of the year.

Chuck Kinnie

 Shasta Gas Propane

Shasta, California

 

Vacation in Italy.  I have never been and desperately want to go.  Every year, I say “next year I will book it”.

Julie Johnson

Ted Johnson Propane

 Baldwin Park, California

 

Read more books.

Don Montroy

Bergquist, Inc.

Rockford, Michigan

 

When I retire, I say that I am going to become a loss doula. A loss doula supports families who are experiencing or expected to experience loss of their baby. I love birth and supporting birthing mothers is something I always thought would be a hard but rewarding work. After Chaz was born and died, I learned about the role of a loss doula and have been saying it’s my retirement plan ever since. I do hope to support my community in this way some day.

Lauren Clark

Bergquist

Toledo, Ohio

 

My wife and I recently became empty nesters. We love to travel together and aspire to travel frequently while we are “young.” We’ve been fortunate to have some really great trips in the first half of 2022. Hopefully the second half of the year is as fun as the first half. If you haven’t had an opportunity to travel with your spouse I strongly suggest doing so, it does wonders for your soul as an individual and a couple.

Jason Soulon

Westmor Industries

Shawnee, Kansas

 

One thing I have been meaning to do when I have more time is clean out my file cabinets and reorganize my paperwork.  Or wait, do I first declutter my house in preparation for downsizing?  Or, what about all those books I have put aside to read later?  And, then there all of my grandkids sporting events I want to attend.  Not to mention those vacations I still want to take.  Gosh, I need to retire!!

Rosie Buschur

McMahan’s Bottle Gas

Dayton, Ohio

 

Plan leisure travel in the United States to see our natural wonders.

Jerry Schimmel

P3 Propane Safety

 Cumberland, Rhode Island

 

I have a list….
Relax, Read, Golf more, Play piano more, Play more pickleball, More time with friends, more time with grandchildren.

Susan Peterson

Rural Computer Consultants

Bird Island, Minnesota

 

The thing that I keep telling myself I will do when I retire is relax. I keep saying that I will slow down with life. After all the hustle and bustle that is daily life, relaxing on the beach or a simple stroll around a flea market sure sounds like a good plan to me. Basically, anything that adds enjoyment to life. Yes, that is the plan.

Jon Shepard

VK Inspections LLC

Mercer, Pennsylvania

 

That’s easy!  READ!  Reading can be dangerous for me.  I will stay up until 3am reading a good book…and that next day is a killer.  I try to save good books for vacation but even that is hard…but look out retirement!

Tonya Crow

GROWMARK, Inc.

Bloomington, Illinois

 

MAKING THE TIME

Several respondents mentioned that they liked this question. Clearly it was more fun for them to dream of what to do with free time than to answer last month’s question about how to deal with stress. In our complex world, handling both work and free time requires selectivity and prioritization. It also requires saying YES to something new.

 

Nancy Coop, Cetane Associates

This column was first published in Butane-Propane News in August 2022.

Since I was behind on my deadline and needed to hurriedly develop a question and request replies on a tight due date, the topic of stress could not be more apropos this month. It turns out that our colleagues have some keen insights from their own lived experiences, which they share here.

In this column, adopted from the familiar “Heard on the Street” format, we offer our responders a chance to answer the question posed in the title. These are their replies reported verbatim.

 

STRESS RELIEF IN THE EAST

Managing stress is so important to our health.  Exercise has always helped me even if it is a quick walk or sitting and taking a breath. My favorite way to relieve stress is to go outside and look at nature and observe this wonderful earth and ask myself will this matter six months from now?  I also have faith everything works out.

Laurie Irish-Jones

Irish Propane

Buffalo, New York

 

PRAY –

Judy Taranovich

Proctor Gas

Proctor, Vermont

 

When I read the question, how do you handle stress, my first thought was “Probably not as well as I should.” Then I thought, we can’t all handle stress like they do in a Hallmark movie. I’ve heard the ways that we should handle stress. Step back, take a breath, pray on it. I’m definitely a work in progress on that. The way that I handle stress is to usually run the scenario past my wife. She is the calming influence on my mini meltdowns. It’s amazing how a calming voice can alleviate a stressful situation.

Jon Shepard

VK Inspections LLC

Mercer, Pennsylvania

 

Since stress is an unavoidable part of life, I believe that finding healthy ways to manage it is imperative. Stress can present itself in many forms, however, being intentional on how you cope with it can make all the difference in improving your life. What works for me, is taking a long walk or having a conversation with a friend. I also like to do yoga every chance I get!  I learned the hard way that if you do not manage stress in healthy ways (or at all) then other parts of your life will inevitably suffer.

Jessica Johnson

ThompsonGas

Asheville, North Carolina

 

STRESS RELIEF IN THE MID-STATES

For me, stress comes from trying to do it all.  Years of failure to accomplish “all of it” has led me to better prioritizing my days (I loved the book The One Thing).  If I’m saying yes to you, it means that I’m saying no to someone or something else and I have learned to be OK with that.  But if none of those things work, I love a ride in our Jeep.  Somehow those always seem to end up involving ice cream and we all know that ice cream fixes anything!

Tonya Crow

GROWMARK, Inc.

Bloomington, Illinois

 

If the stress is work related, I try to “turn off” at the end of the day and just do something different. Physical activity is always good, as is playing music or just spending time with Karen, my wife. If the stress is coming from another area, often times I can get lost in my work, as well as the other things I mentioned. If the stress is coming from an interpersonal relationship, I’ll try to resolve things quickly and move on.

Bruce Swiecicki

National Propane Gas Association

 Tinley Park, Illinois

 

Based on my blood pressure I probably don’t manage it very well! But I do try to keep it under control, and I’ve found that exercise and more frequent vacations are some good ways to reduce stress.

Jason Soulon

Westmor Industries

Shawnee, Kansas

 

When I feel an excessive amount of stress, I try to get some free time on the schedule if I can. I’ll take a break and remind myself that whatever is bringing the stress, is more my response to it that the situation itself.

Boyd H. McGathey

Energy Distribution Partners

Parkville, Missouri

 

How do I handle it?  When I was young, I cried.  Uggh, I hated that, it just happened.   Not often but when the stress hit peak, yes, I’m sad to say, I cried.  But then I felt better and picked up the pieces and got it done!  As I got older, I came to the realization that whatever I was stressed out about might not have been as important as I was making it out to be.   Approximately 8 years ago, my husband died at age 57 to a rare form of cancer.  That played a huge role in how I handled stress. Suddenly those things that caused stress no longer seemed as stressful.  There is perspective in losing a loved one.  The really important things in life are not the deadlines that we need to meet, but instead the important items are families and friendships and laughter and health and peace.  I realized that in our jobs, no one is going to die if we make a mistake.  We are not doctors, whose lives depend on us. If we make a mistake, we own up to it and we fix it.  I still strive to meet deadlines so people can trust my word. My work life has changed somewhat to allow that to happen.  In the realization of the really important things in life, the more capable I feel of letting much of that stress go!

Susan Peterson

Rural Computer Consultants

Bird Island, Minnesota

 

Stress is usually caused by an unforeseen challenge or feeling overwhelmed. If the stressor is sudden and unexpected, I assemble everyone who needs to be involved, and tackle the issue as a team. We identify the problem, what actionable items can be addressed, and assign a responsible party and a follow up plan.  If I’m overwhelmed, it’s a sign that I need to get organized, so I manage it by regrouping. I make a list, (sometimes breaking it into several lists of what is manageable in a given day), I delegate what I can, and then get to work, and continually re-evaluate if I’m properly managing my expectations of myself and others, so that the stress doesn’t build back up.

Lauren Clark

Bergquist

Toledo, Ohio

 

Managing my stress is hardest when I feel completely overwhelmed.  I have to remind myself that I can only do so many things in a day.  What helps me most is to make a list of all the tasks I need to accomplish, and then prioritize which are most important.  If I need to get an earlier start to my day or put in some extra time at the end of my day, I will do that.  Once I begin to check items off my list, I feel so much better!

Rosie Buschur

McMahan’s Bottle Gas

Dayton, Ohio

 

STRESS RELIEF IN THE WEST

Balance.  I have to balance out my day, weeks, and years.  It is up to me to say yes or no to those things I put on my calendar. Along with work I have to intentionally schedule in exercise, time with family, play etc. . .

Stress is real.  Managing my life to only allow in it the stress that I have to handle and keep at bay the stress that is not under my control—for example, I cannot manage news, fake news or other people’s drama.  Sometimes it is hard to know the difference, and that’s when I turn to The Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

Julie Johnson

Ted Johnson Propane

 Baldwin Park, California

 

Most of my stress comes from my own “PROCRASTINATION”.  You would think at my age that I would know that I should only handle papers one time and start a project and ignore all distractions until the project is finished. There are so many things that are more fun or interesting than ”this” project so I allow them to take up my time.

It’s just like when Nancy sends out these questions with such a short response time.  She is smart enough to know that given any more time most of us would put off our response and then let other papers or emails pile on top of hers so it would get lost.

Thanks, Nancy, for the short lead time and the reminder that life is less stressful when we “Handle it Once and Get it Done. “

Chuck Kinnie

 Shasta Gas Propane

Shasta, California

 

OOOOOOOOmmmm

It looks like asking about stress was a question whose time had come. After two plus years of a pandemic, all of us have learned a thing or two about managing the stress that accompanies the unknown, the over-worked, and the human experience. In the spiritual world the Om symbol represents a sacred sound that is known generally as the sound of the universe. Om is all encompassing, the essence of ultimate reality, and unifies everything in the universe. Seems we humans have lately not had our full Om dosage.

 

Nancy Coop, Cetane Associates

This column was first published in Butane-Propane News in July 2022.

Just when you thought you were getting to know some of our responders, their childhood memories add a new dimension to our impressions of these colleagues. Enjoy learning about what mattered to them in their youth and how these moments colored their years since.

[In this column, adopted from the familiar “Heard on the Street” format, we offer our responders a chance to answer the question posed in the title. These are their replies reported verbatim.]

 

PROUD MOMENTS

I was a figure skater, and we were competing in the North Atlantic competition when I was a teenager. I had a free skate program to perform, and I was very nervous and not confident I could do it. I wanted someone to give me the confidence and I had an aha moment that I suddenly realized I had to find the confidence within myself.   I had to face my fear and nervousness and go out and do my best.   My best would be the best no matter what happened, and it was!   I have carried that practice throughout my life!

Laurie Irish-Jones

Irish Propane

Buffalo, New York

 

My best friend Lori got her ears pierced when we were in the second grade.  She flaunted them to everyone and told me that I was definitely way too chicken to get my own ears pierced.  I’m proud to say that 10 days later, my ears were also pierced!  I’m also very thankful that later in life, I learned the difference between rising to a challenge and submitting to peer pressure.

Tonya Crow

GROWMARK, Inc.

Bloomington, Illinois

 

I was always the kid who was picked last in gym class for the baseball team, volleyball team – gee, any team. My family were downhill skiers, and I was pretty good at that, but my older siblings were better. Now, we had a summer cottage, and you would think that everybody could water ski, but oddly enough, no one was really into it. So, one summer I decided that I would become the first person in my family to slalom water ski, no matter that I was much younger than the others. And I did it! Funnily enough, after I pulled it off, my older siblings suddenly spent an inordinate amount of time working on their water-skiing skills, and of course, they were able to slalom in no time at all. But I was the first!

Leslie Woodward

Fairview Fittings

Oakville, Ontario, CANADA

 

My proudest childhood moments centered around my dad. As a young teenager I picked up many crafts, one of which was knitting. When my dad was delivering propane, he always wore big leather chopper mittens, but they weren’t warm enough for the cold Minnesota winters.  At that time, I made many pairs of mittens for my little nieces and nephews.  My dad looked at me one day and said, “If you can make mittens for them can you make a pair for me to wear under my choppers?” So, I decided to give it a whirl. I found out it took a whole skein of yarn just to make ONE mitten for him and he needed a pair!  He loved them! And it made me so proud. He would tell everyone: “My daughter made these for me!  Look how far up my arm they go, my wrists don’t get cold!  And they are SO nice and warm!“  So each year I would be proud to make my dad a new pair of mittens!!  Sometimes twice a year because he was pretty tough on them. But it was a labor of love!!

Susan Peterson

Rural Computer Consultants

Bird Island, Minnesota

 

One of my proudest childhood moments revolves around my youngest sister, Paula. She suffered with a severe form of mental retardation.  She loved the times my siblings and I spent with her on our backyard swing, singing for her as well as our parents and neighbors!  While it brought her enjoyment, in reality we were the benefactors who learned about humility, compassion and love growing up with her.  I remain grateful still today for those childhood experiences!

Rosie Buschur

McMahan’s Bottle Gas

Dayton, Ohio

 

It is hard to pick one moment from my childhood that I am most proud of. Not because there are so many to choose from, but because childhood seems so long ago and it’s hard to remember. One moment that sticks out in my head is learning long division in school. For some unknown reason I could not grasp the concept as it was presented. Luckily for me however, my grandmother was able to present the concept and it just clicked. It seemed like whatever the missing piece was just fell into place. I was proud to learn long division in those 15 minutes that she spent with me.

Jon Shepard

VK Inspections LLC

Mercer, Pennsylvania

 

One of my earliest childhood memories (which just so happens to be one I am most proud of) began in kindergarten when my teacher pulled me aside to ask if I would like to sing a solo as part of a performance for our school. Even at that young age, my love of singing was evident to those around me and saying yes to that opportunity not only taught me courage but also the joy in embracing something you truly love to do. In that moment, I knew that my love for singing outweighed my fear of standing in front of a crowd. I still remember performing for my school at age 6, and I believe that moment prepared me for repeated success throughout my life.

Jessica Johnson

ThompsonGas

Asheville, North Carolina

 

I’d love to say that I accomplished something great for humanity, but as a child I was consumed by my dream of becoming a professional baseball player. So, within that context, I can say that I’m proud of playing on three championship teams and winning two league MVP awards while playing in the Southfield Khoury League. Although I never made it to the majors, I did continue playing ball through high school and on some nationally ranked teams in 16-inch softball as an adult.

Bruce Swiecicki

National Propane Gas Association

 Tinley Park, Illinois

 

One of my most memorable moments during my childhood would have to go back to my 4-H days.

My first love has always been horses and I was given the opportunity to be President of a 4-H club that I helped start when my first Leader retired. That club still exists today @#% years later I might add J

For our awards Banquet I had to help get a guest speaker. I wrote a letter to the 1976 winner of the Gold Medal in that year’s summer Olympics, Tad Coffin. He won the three-day event on his horse Bally Cor.

Although Tad was from Vermont he was “BIG TIME” In the show world so I never thought I would even get a response.  Well, to my surprise, not only did I get a response, but he accepted my invitation and was our guest speaker along with his Dad. They brought the recording of his final ride and because I was President at the time, I got to sit next to him at the banquet!

One of the greatest thrills and honors of my younger days. I was very proud to have been able to have such an esteemed guest for our little Wind Riders club!!

Judy Taranovich

Proctor Gas

Proctor, Vermont

 

PRIDE HAS ITS PLACE

Thanks to our colleagues, we have some examples of defining moments in their lives that, hopefully, inspire you to dredge up long past memories where a flicker of pride flashed before you. Small prideful moments from long ago may have created lasting lessons and gratitude.

 

Nancy Coop, Cetane Associates

This column was first published in Butane-Propane News in June 2022.

Which of the mistakes in life stands out as one you’ll never make again and why? Our colleagues share their mistakes and some of the wisdom learned.

[In this column, adopted from the familiar “Heard on the Street” format, we offer our responders a chance to answer the question posed in the title. These are their replies reported verbatim.]

 

NEVER AGAIN!

One mistake I’ll (probably) never make again is accidentally getting on the wrong airplane. I was flying out of Houston to DC in the days before tickets were scanned and in this rotunda area there were several gate entrances literally within a few feet of each other (this is my excuse and I’m sticking to it). I was looking forward to meeting my dad and two uncles in D.C. where they were sightseeing, and I had a meeting to attend. I got on the plane and after a couple hours, the pilot came on and mentioned there was a good view of the nation’s capital outside the right windows. Uh-oh. The plane was headed to Boston. The airline put me up in a hotel and when I called to let my relatives awaiting me know where I was and that I’d see them the next day, my unsuspecting uncle answered and said, “Wow, they really do have you traveling a lot with this job, don’t they!”

Bruce Swiecicki

National Propane Gas Association

 Tinley Park, Illinois

 

Well, this just happened this morning, but I promise you, I will never ever, ever again program the coffee maker for 5:30 am WITHOUT making sure the coffee pot is where it is supposed to be.

 Leslie Woodward

Fairview Fittings

Oakville, Ontario, CANADA

 

When my wife and I started Shasta Gas Propane twenty-five years ago, we should have called it “Shoestring Propane.”  We were totally underfunded. My mistake was inviting a “Vulture Capitalist” in to help with funding. When I needed him to co-sign on a loan to buy a truck, he demanded to be a 50% co-owner. I did not agree to that. It took years to buy him out at a very substantial price. The only partners in the business now are the Lord, my wife, and myself.

Chuck Kinnie

 Shasta Gas Propane

Shasta, California

 

In the early 1980s, California banned the after-market conversion of motor vehicles to propane WITHOUT ANY OPPOSITION from the propane industry. All the momentum that we had made, died that day.  All conversion centers in California closed. Once the government takes something away, it’s difficult to get it back.

Julie Johnson

Ted Johnson Propane

 Baldwin Park, California

 

If I were to relate this question to the past twelve months, I will not leave all my April gallons wide open without locking anything in – really bad decision this year!!

In Life, I have been too trusting and a bit naïve at times. Although I still like to believe in people, I definitely have become a bit more guarded.

 Judy Taranovich

Proctor Gas

Proctor, Vermont

 

Never take for granted the value of proofreading.  Sometimes the smallest mistakes can have the largest consequences. Even in a simple email, double-checking your spelling can sometimes mean the difference between a successful project and a doomed one.

When I was right out of college, (at my “first real job”), I was sending a final proposal to a very big client. This particular client had an apostrophe in her last name, and that apostrophe haunts me to this day because I did not include it in her email address! Our proposal sat undelivered for three business days and although the client was pleased with it, the delay sent ripple effects throughout the project. This is one mistake I will never make again. It is always a good idea to recheck names, addresses and content before pressing send on an email… You never know who may or may not receive it.

Jessica Johnson

ThompsonGas

Asheville, North Carolina

 

One mistake I will never make again is to take my health for granted.  I used to tell myself I was fine and would not have any problems.  But, once I saw how quickly issues appeared among family and friends, I changed my thinking.  I want to try to stay healthy so I can enjoy life and all the new experiences that are out there!

Rosie Buschur

McMahan’s Bottle Gas

Dayton, Ohio

 

The first mistake that comes to mind is going through a divorce, but let’s not go there! On the business side of things, I will never work at a company with a toxic culture. A company that I worked for in the past was acquired by a much larger company, and the new culture was unbearable. Myself and many of my co-workers left as quickly as we could, and we swore never to let ourselves return to a similar situation.

Jason Soulon

Westmor Industries

Shawnee, Kansas

 

I have made my share of mistakes and I don’t want to repeat any of them.

Boyd H. McGathey

Energy Distribution Partners

Parkville, Missouri

 

Jumping to a quick conclusion when you think you know all the facts. I have made more errors in judgment by not taking the time to research and do my due diligence to make sure I have all the information.

Took me a lot of years to get this right and I still struggle!

Laurie Irish-Jones

Irish Propane

Buffalo, New York

 

I will never take for granted that people see or hear the same thing I do.  Too often I have believed that there was an obvious problem that other responsible parties could see…only to watch the problem go unresolved and grow into a larger issue than needed.  If you see something, say something!

Tonya Crow

GROWMARK, Inc.

Bloomington, Illinois

 

I frequently make the mistake of assuming that people have a clear understanding of a certain topic, subject, or perspective I’m trying to convey based upon their knowledge, education, and experience. I have discovered on numerous occasions throughout my life, that my perception of an individual’s understanding many times is different than the reality.

I have found that clear communication both orally and in writing, the delivery mode or style, and the tone, significantly impact what the listener hears, sees, and interprets.  That is why I am very careful with both email correspondence, and especially texting, which can be so easily misinterpreted or misunderstood.  I’m better face to face and on my phone communicating with others!

Jerry Schimmel

P3 Propane Safety

Cumberland, Rhode Island

 

The one mistake I will never make again is to not listen to the whole story. Whether it is a family discussion, business, or friendship discussion, it is important to understand what is being discussed. It is also important to listen with empathy. If you do not listen carefully, you can easily misinterpret a comment or situation. It is very important in the business world to truly understand and listen to be able to make the right decisions. We are not always right, however being more informed will decrease the chances of making a bad decision. I learned that lesson long ago!

Ed Varney

RegO Products

McKinney, Texas

 

I can hope I don’t make this mistake again and certainly try every day to not make it again. Early in my management career at RCC, I had just finished a management meeting where we discussed some upcoming changes to our company.  I mentioned some of these potential changes to a staff member in my department, in confidence. ☹  Definitely my mistake, you can all see it coming!!  That employee then told another employee in a different department and that department was going to be more affected by the change.    That sure opened Pandora’s Box.

It’s a fine line knowing upcoming changes, but I’ve learned it’s best to keep them to myself until all or most of the details are worked out.  There are times that I have HAD to vary from this but tried to at least inform the department personnel that were affected and then involve the rest of the staff. It’s certainly one of the most difficult parts of management:  striking a balance of getting our wonderful staff the right information at the right time.  It is an area I feel I need to be aware of all the time!

Susan Peterson

Rural Computer Consultants

Bird Island, Minnesota

 

WHAT WE LEARN?

On one level, like spilled coffee or missing a flight, we learn to focus better. On another level, we become aware of behaviors that can be improved and get to work improving them. On yet another tier, we can find empathy for ourselves and others as we accept our own errors. Mistakes are not all bad.

 

Nancy Coop, Cetane Associates

This column was first published in Butane-Propane News in May 2022.