Building Success & Legacies: A Leadership Journey in the Propane Industry

I value perseverance, embracing discomfort and doing hard things. These principles have guided me throughout my leadership journey, where every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, adapt and grow. Leadership isn’t just about driving results — it’s about fostering resilience, building strong teams and continuously evolving to meet new demands. Success isn’t solely measured by growth or achievement but by the impact we make, the people we empower and the legacy we leave behind. No matter the industry, the core of leadership remains the same: pushing beyond comfort, learning from setbacks and creating opportunities that extend far beyond ourselves.

The Evolving Landscape of Leadership in Propane

The propane industry is an exciting and dynamic place to build a career. Over the years, I’ve seen leadership shift as new talent enters the field, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. This evolution has been great to witness. Where leadership once followed a more traditional path, there are now broader opportunities for mentorship, development and collaboration across all levels. The industry is stronger when it fully embraces various perspectives, backgrounds and experiences.

At the same time, propane’s role as a clean, low-carbon energy source is drawing a new generation of professionals who are passionate about sustainability. With growing demand for greener solutions, forward-thinking leaders are driving innovation, advocating for propane’s place in the energy mix and also shaping the industry’s future.

A Journey of Resilience & Growth

My own path to an executive role has been defined by overcoming challenges and building meaningful relationships. A valuable lesson I have learned is that setbacks are inevitable, but resilience defines one’s trajectory. A quote that has resonated deeply with me during this journey is, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.”

Throughout my career, I have committed myself to showing up, working hard and maintaining focus on the bigger picture.

Continuous learning has also been a cornerstone of my journey. Some of my greatest teachers have been frontline employees — drivers, technicians and customer experience agents. Their insights are invaluable, and when leaders truly listen and act on the knowledge from their teams, the impact can be transformative. Another guiding principle I embrace is, “Never waste a good crisis.” Challenges often lead to the most significant growth and innovation, and I have learned to lean into them rather than shy away.

Advice for Young Women Entering the Propane Industry

For young women considering a career in propane, my advice is simple: Focus on what you can contribute and the impact you want to make. Take career risks and step into roles that stretch your abilities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Growth happens when we push beyond what feels safe or familiar.

Embrace your competitive spirit, but don’t forget the immense value of teamwork. Many young professionals I meet have backgrounds in athletics, and the lessons learned from sports — discipline, resilience and collaboration — directly apply to this industry. The ability to work effectively as part of a team while striving for excellence as an individual will set you apart in the long run.

A Lesson I Wish I Had Known Earlier in My Career

One of the most valuable lessons I learned later in my career is that work-life harmony, not balance, is the key to sustained leadership. As Jeff Bezos famously said, when we’re energized at work — feeling valued, making meaningful contributions and connected to a team — we become better at home. And when we’re fulfilled at home, we show up as stronger, more engaged and more effective leaders.

But what I didn’t fully appreciate earlier in my career was how essential downtime is to that harmony. Taking time to recharge, be present and step away isn’t an indulgence — it’s a necessity. I’ve come to realize that slowing down doesn’t hinder progress; in fact, it’s what allows us to move forward with greater clarity, resilience and impact.

The Legacy I Hope to Leave Behind

True leadership extends beyond business success; it is about creating a legacy that inspires, empowers and endures. A lasting impact is not measured solely by profits or accolades but by the people we uplift, the teams we strengthen and the values we embed in our organizations. It is about fostering a culture of resilience, innovation and integrity — one that continues to thrive long after we step away.

In the end, success is not just about what we build but about the lives we touch and the futures we shape. As leaders, our greatest achievement is knowing that the foundation we’ve laid will support the next generation, equipping them with the vision, knowledge and passion to carry the torch forward.

“She turned her ‘I can’t’ into ‘I can,’ and her dreams into plans.”