Propane Personality: John Powell

John Powell

Senior Vice President of Marketing, Supply & Logistics, Crestwood Equity Partners

Work & Industry Experience

2021-Present
Propane Education & Research Council
Councilor

2017-Present
Crestwood Equity Partners
Senior Vice President of Marketing, Supply & Logistics

2012-17
Vice President of Supply & Logistics

2002-12
Inergy LP
Vice President of Trading

2000-02
Louis Dreyfus Highbridge Energy
Senior NGL Trader

1998-2000
PG&E Trading & Marketing
Senior Manager of Trade Control

1996-98
Koch Supply & Trading
Trading Analyst Supervisor

1995-96
Guardian Industries
Assistant Controller

Education

Thunderbird School of Global Management
Master of Business Administration, Class of 1994

University of Florida
Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting, Class of 1993

Certified Public Accountant, 1997

Where propane supply stands

“Over the last several weeks, we’ve continued to build propane at a pretty good rate. What we’ve been seeing out in the field is [a] continued increase in production. And despite the fact that we do have exports going out, we’ve actually been building quite a bit of inventory here in the U.S. So I think we’re at a very comfortable level. We’re sitting right now over both last year and the five-year average, and we’re still looking at a slight increase in production going into the fourth quarter, which will definitely help the situation. As a whole, the U.S. is looking pretty good going into winter.”

How is Crestwood preparing for the winter?

“We have so much storage out there in the field that is vital to the continuity of flow. It’s really about ensuring storage levels are where we need them to be, then talking to our end-use customers and getting them to commit to barrels from that standpoint.

“We’re working really closely with the Crestwood operations folks as well as third parties to prepare the facilities to handle all the winter volume. You can’t imagine how much effort and coordination it takes with our field ops guys in terms of measurements, safety and working with all the local government agencies to make sure everything is permitted correctly and safe for our operators, our customers and the communities we work in.”

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)

“I’m happy to bring a very unique perspective to the council because there are very few members which deal with exploration and production companies. I’m the closest thing to having [someone with] almost daily contact with producers. I can ask producers: ‘What are they thinking? What are their directions? What are their struggles?’ And then really extrapolate that into: ‘What does it mean for our midstream business and downstream business that PERC is looking to support?’

“From that standpoint, [I’m] really bringing a different perspective to PERC to help them understand and address the challenges and concerns the downstream consumers have domestically with what’s really going on from the upstream side, from the production side. I can help them understand why it’s so important to act in unison with the production companies as well as the midstream companies that actually provide the transportation to get supply to the local markets.”

How would you advise propane retailers as the heating season ramps up?

“Constantly talk with your suppliers and search for inefficiencies within your supply chain, then do everything you can to take those inefficiencies out. Although marketers may object to some recommendations, we can typically address those objections. We strongly suggest taking a hard look at your supply chain and taking out as many of the inefficiencies as you can, then utilizing all the assets and optionality you have within your system.”

Hobbies

“Skiing, hiking and biking. Anything outdoors. I coached my son’s soccer team for about 15 years until he entered high school. My other hobby was coaching as well as being extremely active in my boy’s Boy Scout troop, holding several leadership positions. I’m also active in many other local charities.”