LP Gas Hall of Fame profile: Ken Taylor

The 2025 LP Gas Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony will take place April 3 at the JW Marriott Charlotte in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. This year’s inductees are Tom Knauff of EDP, Rita Pecilunas of Otodata, Walter Smith of Smith Pumps and Full-Circle, and Ken Taylor of White Mountain Oil & Propane. Visit the LP Gas Hall of Fame website.

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Ken Taylor remembers his first job in the propane industry vividly.

It was during high school when a random encounter changed the trajectory of his life. Forty-five years later, his contributions to safety, training and mentorship have earned him a place in the LP Gas Hall of Fame.

“There are so many people who deserve this honor. I’ve just been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, with the right people,” Taylor explains.

A fortunate encounter

Taylor’s career began with a chance meeting at a gas station when a man in a Mercedes asked him, “What do you want to do with your life?” That fateful conversation led to a job installing and troubleshooting industrial propane ovens used in textile manufacturing. This opportunity sparked a lifelong dedication to propane safety and industry advancement.

From his early days working with massive industrial furnaces in locations such as Puerto Rico and Canada, Taylor’s work ethic and technical acumen set him apart. His experiences working on large-scale projects built the foundation for his deep understanding of propane systems and safety protocols.

While Taylor excelled in the technical aspects of propane equipment, he quickly realized that safety and education were paramount to the industry’s success.

“I realized early on that safety and education were key to the industry’s growth,” he says.

His commitment to safety went beyond his job description. Whether responding to emergencies involving tanker rollovers, fires or leaks, Taylor was always ready to lend his expertise.

One Christmas Eve, Taylor responded to the scene with his wife and kids in the car after leaving his mother-in-law’s house.

“My wife’s afraid the thing is going to blow up, and the kids are worrying about if Santa Claus is going to come,” Taylor recalls with a chuckle.

Throughout his tenure as vice president of New Hampshire-based White Mountain Oil & Propane, Taylor oversaw safety, delivery, service and repairs. His hands-on approach and unwavering dedication to safety protocols have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Compassionate leader

Taylor’s dedication to safety came with its challenges. He recalls an incident where a contractor’s negligence led to a fatal propane explosion in a weekend home. A local fire marshal asked Taylor to explain to the grieving family what had happened. Taylor’s compassionate approach provided them with a better understanding of what went wrong, reinforcing the importance of proper safety and training procedures.

His empathy and ability to connect with people have made him a sought-after mentor and educator in the propane community.

Taylor’s contributions extend far beyond his work with White Mountain Oil & Propane. As a member of the Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE), he played a crucial role in shaping safety initiatives.

PGANE President and CEO Leslie Anderson describes Taylor as “a legend in our industry,” citing his pioneering work in emergency response training.

Taylor helped create and develop the Propane Emergency Response Program, and he spearheaded the development of the well-known guidebook “Propane Emergencies.” His involvement in developing training programs has influenced safety protocols nationwide, and his impact continues to resonate.

Building bridges in propane

During the 1970s and 1980s, there was little communication between propane companies and volunteer fire departments. Recognizing the need for collaboration, Taylor spearheaded efforts to bridge the gap, ensuring critical safety information was shared across both sectors.

He and his team traveled throughout New England, hauling training equipment and sharing their expertise with firefighters and propane professionals alike. Taylor’s influence was instrumental in establishing the first dedicated propane training facility at the Massachusetts Fire Academy.

From serving on the New Hampshire Governor’s Advisory Council on Emergency Preparedness to National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) safety and transportation committees, Taylor and his contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry.

One of Taylor’s greatest strengths is his ability to teach through storytelling. Whether mentoring new technicians or leading safety seminars, he delivers real-world experiences, ensuring that key lessons are memorable and impactful.

“Stories stick with people,” Taylor says. “They remember what to do because they’ve heard about what happens when things go wrong.”

Byron Breda, PGANE’s safety and training director, often found himself at hazardous scenes with Taylor when things did go wrong. At the time, Breda was a lieutenant with the city of Nashua, New Hampshire.

“He is one of the most knowledgeable people, and he has done so much for this industry,” Breda says.

Breda says he could easily put 20 or more people in an emergency response group, and Taylor would be his top choice to lead the group.

A lasting legacy

Taylor’s unwavering commitment to the propane industry often came at a personal cost. His wife, Judy, has been his steadfast supporter, standing by him through countless late-night emergency calls and training sessions. Judy served as the executive director of PGANE and as the New England liaison for NPGA for over two decades, further cementing the Taylor family’s legacy in the industry.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done, but there’s always more to do,” Ken Taylor says. “We have to keep training, keep improving and keep safety at the forefront.”

His advice to the next generation of propane professionals is simple but powerful: “Stay curious, stay committed and never stop learning,” he says.

As Taylor takes his place in the Hall of Fame, his focus remains on the future of the propane industry. With a new generation of professionals stepping up, Taylor is confident that his work will continue to influence industry standards and practices for years to come.

“The industry is better because of people like Ken,” Anderson says. “He has mentored and welcomed the next generation, ensuring that propane safety remains a top priority.”

Taylor’s induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his lifelong dedication to the propane industry. His commitment to safety, education and mentorship has set a high standard, inspiring those who follow in his footsteps to uphold the values he holds dear.

“Safety isn’t just a box to check – it’s a way of life,” he says.