2020 LP Gas Rising Leader: Ann Jorgensen

Jorgensen

The essentials: Age 33; director of business development for Prism Propane Services of Ohio in North Baltimore, Ohio

Years in the propane industry: 5.5

How did you get your start in the propane industry?

I was in the process of looking for an opportunity to better myself when I was presented with a temporary position at Prism Propane in 2014. I worked as a temporary employee for six months, then was offered a full-time customer service representative position. While with Prism Propane, I have moved up from being a temporary employee to a customer service representative; then I was promoted to director of business development.

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

My vision for Prism Propane is to grow to be a bigger and more advanced propane company within northwest Ohio. As director of business development, I will continue to reach out to gain new customers and figure out new ways for our company to best serve our customers with the latest and greatest technologies. Not only will I be looking for new customers, I will also be maintaining relationships with our existing accounts. I look for new opportunities to help save the customers money, not only by pricing but other aspects as well.

How can the propane industry prosper in the coming years?

The propane industry will continue to prosper and succeed by continuing to educate marketers on upcoming technology and how to control the sale of more gallons. If we continue to find ways to use propane, like for autogas, then we will be able to show others not only in the alternative fuel sector but also others in the utility sector that propane is a fuel with many opportunities.

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

My generation is offering the advancement of our industry in more ways than just home heating. We are finding new and inventive ways to create more burner tips for consumers to use propane. We are becoming more involved at both the state and federal government levels by informing our representatives of the issues within our industry.

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

We have upgraded our software for more advanced capabilities to assure our customers we are a reliable and trustworthy company. Our bobtail drivers use wireless tablets to ensure accuracy when delivering to homes, along with their efficient printers, so they are able to achieve more deliveries to keep more customers warm. We also utilize a tank monitoring system on our various satellite plants to maintain our internal supply specifically during the heating season. Prism is in the process of transitioning its fleet over to propane. We have three vehicles and a boom truck with propane conversion kits installed, making them dual-fuel vehicles. We also have a bobtail that runs strictly on propane.

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

I am part of the Ohio Propane Gas Association (OPGA). When I first started with the association, I was a member of the autogas committee. Then, I was selected to be the chairman of the autogas committee. I have held that position for a year and a half. I also have a close relationship with Clean Fuels Ohio.

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

I have been a part of Propane Days in Washington, D.C., for three years. I also have spoken at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, not only with the OPGA but also with Clean Fuels Ohio. I continue to educate myself on propane and the industry as much as I can.