Propane Personality: Laurie Irish-Jones

Laurie Irish-Jones

CEO, Irish Companies

Education

University at Buffalo School of Law
Juris Doctor
Class of 1983

Bowling Green State University
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education
Class of 1978

Work & Industry Experience

June 2012-Present
Irish Companies
⦁ CEO

2017-22
Women in Propane Council
⦁ Chair and President

2012-22
New York Propane Gas Association
⦁ President

Decades of service

“I have been working at Irish Companies since 1982. Since becoming CEO in 2012, my primary role has been to develop our strategic initiatives and create short- and long-term plans for the company’s future. Now, as I look ahead to the future, I am developing plans for expansions while also overseeing succession planning, as we transition to the next generation. The future, much like the past four decades, is definitely bright at Irish Companies.”

Laurie Irish-Jones has served as CEO of Irish Companies, based in Buffalo, New York, for more than a decade. (Photo courtesy of Greg Wasson)

Women in Propane (WIP)

Irish-Jones has been involved with WIP since its formation in 2012 and has served as the chair and president of the National Propane Gas Association business council.

“At one of the first roundtable workshops, participants listed what they needed in their careers. The No. 1 objective was to have a mentor in the propane industry. That is when the Knowledge Exchange seeds were first planted. We also developed DiSC training programs for companies.”

As a result of Irish-Jones’ involvement, the Knowledge Exchange program has enabled participants to be paired with a mentor or mentee based in the propane industry, leading to continuous learning and networking opportunities. Meanwhile, DiSC training – based on psychologist William Moulton Marston’s DiSC theory, which identifies the ways individuals communicate with others – enhances communication in propane workplaces.

Mentorship experience

Prior to joining the propane industry, Irish-Jones had considered a teaching career. “I have also served as a mentor at the University at Buffalo for many years. And I’ve been involved as a tutor for Lawyers for Learning in Buffalo’s public schools.”

A passion for propane

“I have loved nearly every minute of the last 39 years. I’m also proud of the fourth generation that is now involved with Irish Companies, and I’m looking forward to them ultimately having leadership roles within the company, as we prepare for its next chapter as an influential member of the propane industry.”

Irish-Jones has been involved with Women in Propane, an NPGA business council, from the start. (Photo courtesy of Craig Huey Photography/NPGA)

A bridge to the future

“Without question, the propane industry is a bridge to the future. Even though the industry is encountering several changes, it still plays a very important role in energy, as evidenced by December 2022’s blizzard. When electricity and heat weren’t available, propane was crucial for many Americans, enabling them to weather the storm.”

Reflecting on past mentors

“I have been very lucky to have terrific mentors in my life. My parents, Bob and Marcia Irish, immediately come to mind. And Doug Damon had a significant impact on my career too, as he decided – before I even knew myself – that I should have a leadership role in our trade organizations.”

Hobbies

When Irish-Jones isn’t dedicating her energy, talents and time toward the propane industry, she can often be found with her seven grandchildren. “I also love to travel, hike, read, swim and be outside – even during the winter!”