2026 LP Gas Rising Leader: Josh McKay

Josh McKay

Company: Gas Equipment Co. / Dallas, Texas

Job title: Vice president, supply chain and operations – Americas

Years in the propane industry: 9

How did you get your start in the propane industry?

I started with Gas Equipment Co. (GEC) as purchasing manager just two weeks after I graduated from Texas A&M. I did not have a specific industry that I wanted to work in, and by luck, I stumbled into propane. When I first started with GEC, I was able to learn a lot from Skeeter LaDue and Russ Ridings; both of them took me under their wings and really introduced me to this industry that I love today.

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

A big part of what I do is focus on our inventory and day-to-day warehouse operations across the country to make sure GEC is running as smoothly as possible to support our customers in the LPG, cryogenic and industrial gas markets. In addition to that, I support our sales team with large customer accounts and expanding our business into new markets, such as our new warehouse we recently opened in Mankato, Minnesota.

With GEC being a part of the Makeen Energy family, I focus on our supply chain and operations within the Makeen Gas Equipment division as a whole, with a primary focus on growing our business in the North and South American markets.

How can the propane industry ensure its long-term success and remain a viable energy source into the future?

The biggest thing is not being complacent with the success the industry has already achieved. We need to continue to educate the wider public on the benefits of propane as an energy source but also be a front-runner on new technologies and not being afraid to change and adapt to the times.

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

One thing that millennials offer the propane industry is serving as a bridge between the old and the new. Being the generation that knew life before the technology boom and grew with its rapid development, we understand and value the history of how things used to be while being able to quickly adapt. I think balancing the two is the kind of skill that helps move the industry forward without losing the heart of its culture.

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

Probably not news to anyone that AI is a hot topic right now. Recently, we’ve partnered with an AI solution in our accounting department to reduce manual data entry. With the success that we’re seeing, we’re now exploring more AI solutions that could potentially be used to help us better service our customers. GEC has also launched our own new technologies: the NextGen Smart Dispenser for autogas applications, our own delivery and truck automation software “EZ-Link” and even an e-ticketing solution for fuel deliveries, just to name a few. While we invest in technologies to improve our operations, we also continue to develop and invest in technologies to help our customers’ operations and keep the propane industry moving forward.

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

I am currently a member of the NPGA Young Professionals Council.

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

Gas Equipment Co. has been proudly serving the propane industry since 1937. We provide premier product lines and professionally trained staff throughout nine strategically located warehouses. These warehouses serve a large geographical distribution network across the United States. We always prioritize our customers and strive to design our product availability around their needs and wants, providing both equipment and solutions to keep their businesses running.