The rising cost of propane, coupled with limited federal home-heating assistance for low-income families, is not only putting the squeeze on customers but retailers as well.
Read More As owners and operators of mostly small-to-medium-size businesses, we tend to focus first on matters that are specific to our marketing footprint. Because our customer base is local, we have an immediate vested interest in local affairs. For our own self-interest, we become actively engaged in organizations like local fire protection or city, county and township government agencies.
Read More Managing risk requires commitment, focus and an effort to balance agendas that seem in conflict. The propane industry is not immune to conflicting agendas.
Read More There is a legal concept known as res ipsa loquitur that allows a jury to infer that an accident was caused by the negligence of a party without actual proof of that negligence.
Read More In a presidential election year, the congressional agenda often follows the candidates’ agendas. Their supporters in Congress introduce legislation and/or engage in debates that support the candidates’ positions. Nearly all the debate that happens in Congress during a presidential election year reflects the broader debate.
Read More Last month we addressed the financial fundamentals of a retail propane startup. The objective is to grow sales and gross margin to the scale that the business achieves profitability and then begins earning a sufficient return on equity capital deployed. What is typically overlooked in the business planning of a start-from-scratch operation is the significant ongoing growth capital required to build a retail business.
Read More Is it safe to add additional insureds to your policy? The answer is yes, if you want access to the terminal or the opportunity to continue doing business with that commercial customer. However, it is advisable to choose your additional insured partners carefully.
Read More Occasionally, I will read about a case that will demonstrate the importance of humanizing large manufacturers, gas companies and/or their insurers. Recently, I became aware of such an action that was tried in a Baldwin County circuit court in Alabama. We were not involved in this case.
Read More Gerry Misel’s roots are strong in Georgia. He grew up in Sandy Springs, about one mile from the office he oversees as president of Georgia Gas Distributors Inc.
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