2021 LP Gas Rising Leader: Monika Goss

The essentials: Age 29; assistant general manager and purchasing manager for RN Goss Gas Products, Provanta Inc. and RenovEx Inc. in Reno, Pennsylvania

Goss

Years in the propane industry: 3

How did you get your start in the propane industry? My great grandfather started RN Goss Gas Products focusing on cylinder propane, industrial and medical gases, and welding supplies in 1934. Years later, Provanta Inc., concentrating on bulk propane and home heating, and RenovEx Inc., a propane grill cylinder refurbishing, filling and distribution company, were separated into new divisions. Growing up, I would help at the family businesses on weekends and during school vacations to fill motor fuel cylinders, paint bulk tanks and help in the office. When the time came, I went to college and earned my master’s degree in biomedical engineering. Even though I loved my career managing a neural engineering research laboratory, I always knew I wanted to return to the family businesses. In April 2018, I officially returned as fourth generation and served as purchasing manager, and in early 2019, I assumed the role of the assistant general manager.

What is your vision for growing your company, and how can you achieve that vision? Since we’re a small business, I firmly believe that one of our main advantages is the personalized service we’re able to give customers. As an individual, I can work to improve my customer interactions and hope that I set a good example for others to follow. In addition, I am currently spearheading several ongoing projects that involve introducing new technology for the betterment of the businesses, our customers and the environment. I hope that by introducing new ideas and technology to the businesses, we will be able to stay relevant and compete with larger distributors.

How can the propane industry prosper in the coming years? I see an exciting future ahead in the propane industry. With its versatility – now renewable – and clean-burning nature, propane could see nearly unlimited possibilities. From a young age, I’ve believed that my generation must be cognizant of sustainable and environmentally friendly ways of living for the future of the planet. I see my generation guiding the world away from fast-depleting, environment-harming fossil fuels and toward more sustainable, clean-burning fuel sources like propane. This will be done not only through educating our industry but also through educating our customers and lawmakers.

What does your generation offer to the propane industry that previous generations did not? The millennial generation is the future of this industry, and our ideas should be embraced. We’re forward-thinking, adaptable to change and technologically savvy. Our industry tends to stick to a routine because “that’s how it’s always been done,” but the younger generation can offer a new perspective and challenge the standards of practice – often for the better.

What specific technologies are you using (or plan to use) to support business operations? We increased our web and social media presence, increased our use of remote tank monitoring and implemented an online e-commerce website so our customers can pay their bills, manage their accounts and order bulk propane online or through their smartphones. We are also continuing to convert our delivery fleet to propane-powered vehicles, which, in addition to reducing emissions, is saving significantly on operating costs.

What propane industry associations are you involved with at the state and/or national level? I am involved in Women in Propane, the Young Gassers, the National Propane Gas Association and the Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself, your company and/or the propane industry? It’s really special to be fourth generation at a family business. We are turning 87 years old in 2021, and many of our employees have been with us for more than 25 years. It’s a unique opportunity to work with my father, third generation Dave Goss, and to learn from all of his experiences and successes. The industry as a whole has been very welcoming and supportive, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.