New Mexico retailer, software provider make most of time together at LP Gas Growth Summit

March 8, 2025 By Bob Sandrick

Kyle Sheehan recognizes the value of virtual business, meeting prospective clients on video platforms and following up with phone calls and emails. He believes most business nowadays can be conducted that way.

However, Sheehan – co-owner of Rural Computer Consultants (RCC), a provider of back-office software for fuel and propane retailers – believes in-person networking is crucial. That’s why he attends the annual LP Gas Growth Summit, where retailers mix with industry partners like his that can help them grow and improve their operations.

“There’s something to be said about shaking somebody’s hand, looking each other in the eyes and talking in person that just doesn’t measure up with that virtual experience, at least not yet,” Sheehan says.

“You can’t do everything over a handshake anymore,” Sheehan says. “But when you see someone in person, when you can showcase your product and demonstrate what it can do, it makes a difference.”

This concept played out at the September 2024 Growth Summit in Orlando, Florida, where Sheehan and Freddie Ridler, head of business growth at RCC, met Billy Romero in person for the first time. Romero owns Romero’s Rio Grande Propane, a small family retailer in Taos, New Mexico.

Romero and RCC had been communicating virtually for years about doing business. He was outgrowing his existing back-office software system and knew he had to upgrade eventually, but the two companies never finalized a deal.

This was their chance, and it was Romero’s first Growth Summit. He had been invited in previous years but never attended. That’s partly because Romero, who has been in the propane business for 35 years, was always busy.

But Romero’s myriad commitments in the industry weren’t the only factor keeping him from the Growth Summit. He admits that he didn’t fully grasp what the summit was all about. His son Robert Romero, manager of the company, finally convinced him to go.

“My only regret is that I didn’t do this five years ago,” Romero says. “I had a chance to talk one-on-one with Kyle and Freddie and other vendors, which you don’t have a chance to do at industry conventions. It was the best thing that ever happened.”

Romero knew that RCC, which has installed software in all 50 states and even other countries, sells a good product. But he was still hesitant.

“Back-office software is a big investment, and it’s hard to digest for a lot of people,” Romero says. “It’s one of those investments that don’t give you a very visible return on investment, but you have to look past that.”

At the summit, Sheehan and Ridler spotted Romero working alone at a table. Although they had never met, they recognized him, and the three men finally signed an agreement, ironing out the sticking points.

“I explained what we do at our business, and they assured me the transition would be smooth,” Romero says. “They pointed out cost savings. They went into detail, and I walked away confidently at that point.”

Starting in April, RCC software will, among other things, handle Romero’s accounts receivable function, host the company’s website and report key performance indicators.

Romero likes that customers will be able to pay bills online, something that his customers have wanted.
“I’m old-school, and I don’t want to get away from answering phones, but this will help us run more efficiently,” Romero says.

Ridler praises the Growth Summit and gives it credit for the deal with Romero. RCC has sent representatives to the summit for three years.

“It’s a relaxed atmosphere,” Ridler says. “You don’t want to be a salesy type of person there. You just want to be yourself. We don’t have to be in our sales mode; just have conversations and share stories.”

Romero is now on fire for the summit. In addition to RCC, he entered agreements with two other vendors he met there. He also observed how business leaders from all over the country run their operations.

“Every time I get a chance, I tell people they should attend the summit,” Romero says. “It’s beneficial for both small and big companies. There’s just a lot of information if you’re in or thinking about getting into the propane industry.”

Visit the LP Gas Growth Summit website to learn more.

Featured homepage photo by LP Gas staff

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