Winter wonderland
March 1, 2006 By Patrick Hyland
It’s winters like this past one that drive independent propane marketers into an early retirement.
Read More Limited liability aims at bad-faith claim
March 1, 2006 By Jay Johnston
Guaranties are hard to come by. Sure, they are offered, but always at a price. When you buy a new appliance or electronic, they try to sell you a warranty to cover product failure after 12 months. Of course this is in addition to your purchase price, and the sad truth is, sometimes, you will need it.
Read More Continued failure of gallons measurement
February 1, 2006 By Carl Hughes
Driven by requests for this topic and my interest to discuss only issues that will add value to retail propane businesses, I address the continued, flawed thinking in many companies that say if their gallons are up year over year, then they have had a good year.
Read More Rolling out the tax benefits
February 1, 2006 By Lisa Bontempo
As the second session of the 109th Congress gets underway, the propane industry is working to take advantage of new tax advantages as outlined in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and other recent tax laws.
Read More Jury rejects odor fade claim
February 1, 2006 By John McCoy
Aside from writing this column, I also defend propane marketers who are sued for liability in gas explosion accidents.
Read More Customer Lip Service
February 1, 2006 By Patrick Hyland
As I travel around the country talking to retailers, most are quick to mention that customer service and loyalty are what set their business apart from the competition. But, much like safety, I have to wonder how many offer only lip service.
Read More Safety by industry concensus
February 1, 2006 By Jay Johnston
Actions have always been influenced by politics and consensus. It’s much easier to sort out right and wrong when hindsight is 20/20 and situational ethics having been exposed for what they are. But passions run deep and old ways are hard to change. We also don’t like our dirty laundry aired to the world, even when it’s for our own good.
Read More Wounded Warriors
February 1, 2006 By LP Gas
Arecent study of the major causes and costs of workplace injuries and illnesses in the propane industry found the industry to be slightly better on average than other industries as a whole.
Read More Taking Control of Worker Compensation Costs
February 1, 2006 By LP Gas
With the average payment for workers’ compensation claims among U.S. propane retailers peaking at $4,800 in 2000, business owners should be taking steps to gain control of these costs. Experts say there are effective ways to reduce the probability and control the frequency and costs associated with workplace injuries, but success requires cooperation from everyone in the organization.
Read More Inhalant Abuse
February 1, 2006 By LP Gas
It was a Sunday afternoon at the end of summer. Within days, 14-year-old Michael McCarty would be starting the ninth grade at a nearby private school.
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