LPG Spotlight: Lakes Gas

Lakes Gas, a Wyoming, Minnesota-based propane retailer, is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year.

Employees are reflecting on the company Howard Sargeant created in 1959, particularly the ways it has evolved, yet remained unchanged in some ways.

Lakes Gas division managers celebrate the company’s 65th anniversary. (Photo by Samantha Greiner)

Lakes Gas has grown exponentially over the past seven decades and overseen dozens of acquisitions. It now serves 55 communities and roughly 90,000 customers in six states: Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Despite its evolutions and growth, the company’s core hasn’t been altered. Its dedication to family (the Sargeants still own the business), employees and customers remains intact.

“A lot of employees worked closely with Howard, who remained involved with the company until his passing in 2017,” says Stephanie Hennen, marketing manager. “They understand the legacy that the company continues to build on.”

To build upon this legacy, the company celebrates employee milestones, whether they’ve been working for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or more years. Employees are also treated like family – loyalty that has garnered customers’ attention. Many customers have remained loyal to Lakes Gas, too, some for 30 years or more.

“Our customers are as committed to us as we are to them,” stresses CEO Trent Hampton.

A wide range of customers have witnessed the company’s dedication – to employees and customers – firsthand. These customers are based in the 48 contiguous states’ coldest areas, from northern Illinois to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, so they’ve not only relied on Lakes Gas for commercial purposes but also residential home heat. In addition to serving customers in metropolitan areas like Milwaukee and Minneapolis, Lakes Gas provides propane to agriculture customers.

“At our size, you would think it would be easy for big decision-makers to consolidate locations,” Hennen comments. “But we stand strong in the 55 different communities we serve, and our employees truly care for their customers and communities.”

Despite advancements in technology, safety and propane equipment, Lakes Gas maintains its core values by providing in-person service at branch locations. It’s also accessible to customers in whichever way they prefer to communicate, and it offers prompt, reliable service, according to the company.

“We have adapted new technologies and streamlined our operations, all while remaining true to our roots of being local and caring for our customers and their communities,” Hennen says.

As Hampton looks ahead to the future, he believes Lakes Gas will uphold its core values of local service and accessibility, while continuing its path toward modernization. It also will remain highly involved with the propane industry, including the National Propane Gas Association, the Propane Education & Research Council, state associations, the Women in Propane Council and the Young Professionals Council.

“We are very optimistic about Lakes Gas’ and the propane industry’s futures,” he says. “As we add modern tools to our core values’ foundation, we believe Lakes Gas will remain a force in the industry for years to come.”

Company profile: Lakes Gas

Year founded // 1959
Headquarters // Wyoming, Minnesota
Founder // Howard Sargeant
Co-owner // Sargeant family
Bobtails // 165
Annual gallon sales // 65 million
Employees // 300