2025 LP Gas Rising Leader: Evan Meier

Evan Meier

Company: Destwin / Lincolnshire, Illinois

Job title: Director of design

Years in the propane industry: 12

How did you get your start in the propane industry?

My start in the industry is what I’d deem unexpected. As any normal recent college graduate does, I started distributing my resume to relevant job postings. Shortly after, I received a phone call from the son of the former president of Valiant Energy (formally BantamWesson and Wesson Energy). I’ll never forget that interview and the questions they asked, [and] one in particular – “What do you know about fuel and HVAC?” I hesitantly answered, “Well, when I go to the thermostat and it doesn’t work, I would tell my dad, who calls a guy; the guy comes, and it’s fixed.” To my disbelief, at the conclusion of the interview, the vice president uttered the words, “We appreciate your honesty. You’re hired.” Needless to say, I dove in headfirst as a 22-year-old female with zero knowledge determined to learn every nuance of the industry and the overwhelming whole picture of an industry I’ve come to love. Although initially intimidating being an understatement, the trajectory of my career from that moment soared where I was fortunate enough to gain valuable experience and exposure to fuel dealer operations and connect with leading industry technology companies like Destwin. The rest is history.

How do you help lead your company in your current role?

Since starting at Destwin 10 years ago, my role has evolved to the needs, not only of my company, but it is constantly adapting to the forever-changing world and how that fascinating technology is positively impacting the growth of the industry. In my current role as director of design, I oversee all the creative aspects of our products, including the responsibility for the overall integrity of our customer-branded web portals and mobile apps. How our products look and behave and how they retain ADA compliance requirements are all my responsibility. Additionally, I’m responsible for our own internal marketing content and literature, social media posts, marketing outreach emails, trade show logistics and various other company brand identity initiatives.

What change would you like to see to the propane industry to ensure its success?

I’d like to see the industry actively involve younger generations that will continue to adapt to the growing technologies available. I strongly feel that these two things go hand in hand, especially to keep the industry fresh and relevant to the needs of our patrons. As a member of a technology company that provides solutions for this industry, I may be a little biased, but technology can be a tool to help the industry in many ways. In the years I’ve been involved in the industry, I’ve seen the adoption of technology and its acceptance, understanding and increased use. I’m passionate about that trend continuing. In an industry that I’ve come to understand as typically “behind the times” with technology, I’d like to see both energy marketers and vendors dedicated to educating themselves and adapting to a faster pace with innovative solutions as they become available. Good, bad or indifferent, if we don’t invest in new technology, we’re going to be left behind.

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

I am so thrilled to see the movement of both the addition of more women into this industry and the countless younger generations that clearly add to how our industry continues to evolve. My generation is the last generation that grew up with and without the internet or smartphones. I was lucky enough to grow during a time where I got to see the world change – how we communicated, how information became totally and immediately accessible from a computer and then from a device in your pocket. These technologies transformed not just how business is done, but how the world works. My generation brings unique and intimate knowledge with a varying perspective of how these technologies enhanced what was and what is now. By growing up in a time where we went from saving to a floppy disk to simply syncing with a cloud, the process of these innovations and being able to participate in that and in various capacities is hugely satisfying. Let’s continue to have problems to solve, to have ideas and create solutions together.

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

To support a 100 percent remote and paperless staff, Destwin has taken great strides to embrace technologies that provide us with the tools necessary to innovate and communicate effectively. In recent years, we’ve adopted best-in-class cloud computing technology (AWS) to house our software and operations while utilizing a tool called Vanta to help achieve and maintain SOC 2 and PCI DSS compliances. Last year, I spearheaded the effort to transition Destwin to HubSpot from our previous CRM. Currently, I am in the process of leading the integration of a new ticket system that will allow us to provide next-level customer support and self-help documentation to our customers and partners at large.

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

I am currently serving as the executive editor and director of IT on the advisory board of the International Association of Young Gassers. I’m honored to be a part of a group of passionate industry leaders and professionals both young and “old.” It’s an incredible opportunity to collaborate with them to grow such an important initiative and contribute to its continuous efforts to make a powerful impact on the propane industry.

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

I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without the two things I have been blessed with – an open mind and having patient and incredible mentors. With that, I have learned a lot and am still learning. Since joining Destwin, along with my efforts and those on my team, Destwin has come far in maintaining its integrity with highly competitive product solutions for energy marketers – of all shapes and sizes. I am proud to say that I have contributed greatly to that. What people outside the industry may not realize is that the industry is made up of thousands of local businesses that consist of dedicated individuals who serve the needs of their local communities. No matter how miserable the weather, rain or shine, you have a business willing to provide service to you the best way they can. It’s neighbors helping neighbors. Whether B2B or direct to consumer, people in this industry really do their best to make sure their customers are satisfied.