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Final Year For Four: Longtime state executives reflect on careers in propane industry

May 25, 2022 By    

Deb Grooms

Deb Grooms

Grooms

After 27 years at the helm of the Iowa Propane Gas Association and a serious health scare, Deb Grooms looks forward to settling into her lakeside retirement home in the Ozarks with her husband and their “really obnoxiously cute” black-and-white boxer puppy, Ozzie.

But, she says, she’s grateful for her career in the propane industry and has thoroughly enjoyed the people she’s met along the way.

Grooms wasn’t a complete stranger to propane when she accepted the job in 1995. While she was in college and earning her sociology degree, her parents entered the industry, buying Black Propane in Stanton, Iowa. She worked there briefly, handling customer service and keeping the books.

That gave her a taste, but she went on to earn her real estate license, help at a friend’s pharmacy and work the front desk and sales for an Iowa conference center, setting up corporate events and golf outings.

When she learned through her father that the state association was looking for an executive director, she realized that her past experiences made her a good fit.

“It’s been fun; every day is different,” Grooms says. “You’re booking a meeting, or talking to a legislator, or setting up Propane Days in D.C. You meet so many great people. It literally is a family in the propane industry.”

Grooms is especially proud of helping the state industry win passage of the PERC bill authorizing the checkoff program in 2007. The funding allowed the association to hire Tom Dunn 12 years ago as safety director and open its own training center for classes.

“We got the state PERC when I was in the middle of fighting breast cancer,” she says. “I had help from our members at the time.”

Grooms, left, refers to her colleagues in the propane industry as friends and says they’re a “close-knit group.” Here, she’s alongside Clark and McKeen. (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Propane Gas Association)

Grooms, left, refers to her colleagues in the propane industry as friends and says they’re a “close-knit group.” Here, she’s alongside Clark and McKeen. (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Propane Gas Association)

The training center gives members hands-on experience with equipment and a safety expert who can answer technical questions. During the pandemic’s second year, the association was able to hold training sessions with groups of 10, in masks, she says.

“It’s nice to see people signing up for classes again,” Grooms notes. “We’re open for business again, so things are growing.”

Still, she has concerns about product and supply: A late spring has pushed planting at least two weeks behind last year, so she wonders if farmers will need more product for crop drying, and if it will be available.

“It’s a worldwide commodity, and what happens in the world affects us all right now,” Grooms says. “That’s the scary part, not knowing. But [we are] pushing our marketers to get with the wholesale suppliers so they’re prepared for whatever comes our way.”

The association is just as prepared: Grooms’ administrative assistant of 13 years, Michelle Wicker, will replace her. Before joining the association, Wicker had worked in customer service with Ferrellgas, so she is well acquainted with the industry. Grooms feels secure that, when she concludes her tenure Dec. 31, she will leave the association in good hands.

“I’m going to miss all my friends in the industry. We’re a close-knit group; I’m going to miss them,” she says. “It’s been a great ride.”

1 Comment on "Final Year For Four: Longtime state executives reflect on careers in propane industry"

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  1. Thank you all for your service to our industry!