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Walter's Propane
June 1, 2009 By: Brian Richesson LPGas
Before the turn of the century, Walter’s Propane was still delivering propane in 100-pound cylinders. The Massachusetts company prided itself on being the smallest propane operation in its area, offering traditional methods of delivery and a family-friendly feel for its customers.
But in 2000, to keep pace with growth, Walter’s Propane purchased its first bulk truck, containing a 600-gallon tank, and soon followed with a 1,200-gallon bobtail.
“My concentration is to stay small,” says owner Richard Strycharz Jr., grandson of company founder Walter Strycharz, “but it gets hard when people continue to see the benefits of propane.”
Even so, Strycharz says the company’s growth won’t change its focus and foundation, which is service. Walter’s Propane uses its smaller delivery trucks for customers in hard-to-reach places, such as mountaintops – a service that other companies can’t offer, he notes.
“Service is what really matters – knowing your call will be returned, your problem will be dealt with and the situation will be resolved anytime,” Strycharz says. “A good percentage of my customers know me on a first-name basis, as opposed to them being just a number.”
Walter’s Propane supplies propane for small residential applications, such as cook stoves, clothes dryers and hot water systems. But in the last three years, the company’s growth has been reflected in more home heating and appliance accounts through new home construction. The “hearth craze” and decorative heaters have increased business, even without a showroom, Strycharz adds.
The company also stays busy with minimal advertising, self-promoting through the sight of its trucks around town. Strycharz advertises in the telephone book, and he says 85 percent of his customers come simply from word-of-mouth.
“And I’m not exaggerating,” says Strycharz, whose father, Richard Strycharz Sr., also has spent his life in the business and serves as company president.
Even with its old-time feel and traditional ways of doing business, Walter’s Propane offers a comprehensive Web site that explains its products and services.
TEAM: (shown above) Richard Strycharz Sr., company president, right; Richard Strycharz Jr., owner and vice president
LOCATION: Sunderland, Mass.
FOUNDED: 1945
EMPLOYEES: 4
SPECIALTY: Walter’s Propane caters to mostly residential customers for cook stoves, clothes dryers and hot water systems. Its home-heating segment is growing. The company also installs and services propane appliances.
ONLINE: www.walterspropane.com
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