LPG Spotlight: Kimlin Energy

Kimlin Energy donated to the Dutchess County SPCA in February through its Community of Caring program. Photo by Raleigh Green

German philosopher Immanuel Kant once said, “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” If that sentiment can be applied to businesses, then Kimlin Energy has a heart of gold.

The third-generation family-owned retailer, which operates out of New York and provides propane and heating oil to residential, agricultural and commercial customers in the Hudson Valley area, spends much of its time focused on man’s best friend.

In fact, one company policy that is popular among the animal-loving Kimlin Energy staff is that employees can bring their dogs into the office. President Max Kimlin – who can often be found alongside his corgi, Abe – adopted the policy to create a warm environment for both customers and staff, the company says.

Under Kimlin’s leadership, the company has donated propane to Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) shelters and clinics throughout the years. When shelters began to face cutbacks during the onset of the pandemic last year, Kimlin Energy donated tens of thousands of dollars in fuel, tanks and line upgrades to local shelters, according to the company.

Kimlin also contributed as an underwriter to a local morning radio segment, “Miller’s Animal Rescue,” that promoted the adoption of homeless and shelter dogs and cats through the Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary organization.

In January, the company decided to more formally recognize its efforts by establishing the Community of Caring program. During each month of 2021, Kimlin Energy will sponsor and promote a local nonprofit through its program.

The Community of Caring program focuses on helping animals in the community, as well as promoting child welfare for local youth. To date, Kimlin Energy has focused on the Dutchess County SPCA, Wayward Ranch Animal Sanctuary and the Ulster County SPCA. This May, the retailer is spotlighting Lost Pets of the Hudson Valley.

Each month, Kimlin Energy spotlights the nonprofit of choice on social media and a local radio station with more than 30 radio spots and live interviews. The company says the Community of Caring program’s mission is to raise awareness of the organizations and encourage members of the Hudson Valley community to get involved by donating or volunteering.

The community has responded enthusiastically to the program, Kimlin Energy says, and the organizations selected so far have seen more volunteers, donations and word-of-mouth awareness since being spotlighted. The program has also assisted dozens of rescued or abandoned animals find their “forever homes,” according to the company.

From a business perspective, Kimlin Energy says that focusing its support on one theme has helped the brand stand out in a competitive market. On a personal level, meanwhile, the program allows the company to reflect its values to the areas it serves and bring people together to uplift the community.

“Our Community of Caring initiative is really a natural extension of what we have been doing in the community for years,” Kimlin says. “However, as an avid dog lover, and a great staff who similarly shares my affection for animals, we really wanted to share our passion more widely to help where we can.”

Company Profile: Kimlin Energy

Year founded // 1982
Founder // Douglas Kimlin
Owner and president // Max Kimlin
Headquarters // Gardiner, New York
Employees // 35
Bobtails // 8
Annual gallons // 3-5 million