The inductees, from left: Walter Smith (Smith Pumps and Full-Circle), Tom Knauff (EDP), Rita Pecilunas (Otodata) and Ken Taylor (White Mountain Oil & Propane). (Photo by LP Gas staff)
LP Gas Publisher Brian Kanaba and Editor-in-Chief Brian Richesson emceed the ceremony, honoring the 12th class of inductees.
When it came time to honor Taylor, there was a surprise for the audience and for Taylor: a special video message from Taylor’s stepdaughter congratulating him on his induction.
(License plate photo courtesy of Mike Walters)
This year’s class joins 53 inductees whom LP Gas magazine has honored since the event launched more than 10 years ago. Among these inductees is Mike Walters, who, after his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2024, invested in a custom license plate to proudly display his accomplishment: “LPG HOF.” LP Gas showed a photo of the license plate during Thursday’s ceremony.
“If you’re driving around Cleveland, there’s a chance that you’ll see Walters’ license plate on the truck in front of you,” said Richesson, as he recognized past Hall of Fame inductees in the audience.
LP Gas launched the Hall of Fame in 2012 as a way to honor the industry’s legends, icons and leaders, who are chosen by an anonymous selection committee composed of different segments of the propane industry. The committee receives nominations throughout the year. The event serves as a propane industry celebration of past and present leaders, who gather on the eve of the industry’s largest trade show.
Nominations are now open for the next class of the Hall of Fame. The 2026 dinner will be held in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit lpgashalloffame.com.
Check out some photos from the 2025 LP Gas Hall of Fame below! ⬇️
Members of the Ferrellgas team attend this year’s dinner. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Inductee Walter Smith and his wife, Vicki. (Photo by LP Gas staff)LP Gas Editor-in-Chief Brian Richesson addresses attendees of the black-tie event. (Photo by LP Gas staff)The Cetane Associates team, including Hall of Fame Class of 2022 inductee Nancy Coop, front right. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Inductee Tom Knauff signs EDP-branded propane tank stress toys. (Photo by LP Gas staff)From left, Class of 2024 inductee Mike Walters, the Rev. Joe Rose of the 2022 class and Class of 2024 inductee Randy Doyle. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Members of the EDP team attend in support of Knauff. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Inductee Ken Taylor with his wife, Judy. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Taylor with Class of 2019 inductee Ray Murray III, far right, and Newport Propane’s Pete Sherman, left, and Donnie Pelletier. (Photo by LP Gas staff)From left, Jessica Sheehan-Balderston of Rural Computer Consultants, Chandler Robertson of Thermotane Propane, Kristen Williams of Thermotane Propane and Freddie Ridler of Rural Computer Consultants. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Propane industry members mingle with new and familiar faces before the ceremony. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Attendees enjoy drinks and company at the cocktail reception. (Photo by LP Gas staff)LP Gas Publisher Brian Kanaba presents inductee Ken Taylor with his plaque. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Inductee Walter Smith gives his speech at the ceremony. (Photo by LP Gas staff)LP Gas Editor-in-Chief Brian Richesson and inductee Tom Knauff. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Inductee Rita Pecilunas celebrates with friends, colleagues and Women in Propane members, including Class of 2022 inductee Nancy Coop. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Denis and Marybeth Gagne of Eastern Propane & Oil. (Photo by LP Gas staff)From left, Mandy Swanson, Whitney O’Toole, Michelle Bimson Maggi and Jennifer Jackson. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Inductee Tom Knauff and his wife, Janet, surrounded by the EDP team, all showing strong support for the company’s founder and leader. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Conger LP Gas’ Bill Moore and Kirsten McAlpin. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Knauff with his wife, Janet. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Inductee Walter Smith is surrounded by his family. (Photo by LP Gas staff)Propane industry professionals gather at the JW Marriott hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the LP Gas Hall of Fame induction dinner, which takes place annually on the eve of the National Propane Gas Association’s Southeastern & International Propane Expo. (Photo by LP Gas staff)
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