2020 LP Gas Rising Leader: Adam Moosbrugger

Moosbrugger

The essentials: Age 36; director of supply and transportation for Superior Plus Propane in Rochester, New York

Years in the propane industry: 6

How did you get your start in the propane industry?

I have a background in finance and was in the mortgage industry but was looking for a change. I just happened to stumble upon a large oil company in my hometown of Rochester, New York, and got an opportunity as a supply analyst. Superior, at that time, was largely focused on oil, so I spent the beginning of my career specializing in refined products. Once we decided to make a shift and invest more in propane, I was given the opportunity to lead that initiative within the supply department.

What is your vision for growing your company, and how can you achieve that vision?

There are two main facets in growing Superior Plus Propane – acquisitions and organic growth. In the six years that I have been with the company, we have grown from 70 million gallons to over 200 million gallons annually, largely due to acquisitions. A key factor for us in successful acquisitions is ensuring proper integration. We invest a lot into integrations, whether it’s technology, philosophy or even culture to ensure not only a smooth transition but continued growth. Our competitive strategy has always had an extreme focus on quality of service, which has helped to facilitate our organic growth.

How can the propane industry prosper in the coming years?

In order for propane to continue to prosper, we need to address the weaknesses in the logistics infrastructure. Although propane supply and logistics have come a tremendous way in a short amount of time, there can still be improvements. The majority of the supply challenges I see are not actually supply related but logistics related. We continue to see record-high production and inventory levels, but the challenge has been getting the propane where and when you need it. I don’t see supply dynamics changing anytime soon, so we need to improve the way that propane can be accessed.

What does your generation offer to the propane industry that previous generations did not?

My generation has seen some very rapid innovations, so as a result, we are very adept with technology. There are so many ways now to communicate with or reach a customer, and we are integrating these platforms into our businesses, regardless of the industry. With the advances in technology, there are better ways to streamline a business, as well as service a customer, and my generation is very accepting of new technology.

What specific technologies are you using (or plan to use) to support business operations?

A major initiative for us is to make it easier for the customer to engage with us. We have updated our website so that customers can order loads as well as view bills and make payments 24/7. We also have a mobile app as another digital option to improve our customers’ overall experience. We are continuously improving our software systems and digital marketing platforms to better serve and reach customers.

What propane industry associations are you involved with at the state and/or national level?

I am involved in the New York Propane Gas Association (NYPGA) and the Propane Gas Association of New England, but I am most active in the NYPGA where I served as a director.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself, your company and/or the propane industry?

When I was first approached about transitioning to propane, I was a little uneasy, as I did not understand our company’s vision at that point. I was convinced by one of our vice presidents, Marc Schoone, who has since become a great mentor for me, that this was the right move. Fast-forward six years, and we are now a top propane retailer with a continued focus on growth. In the short time that I have been in the industry, I have made great friends, and this truly is a relationship business.