FEI Inc.’s Territory Manager Shares Perspective on New Role

Congratulations on the new role at FEI Inc. Can you give a quick breakdown of what you will be responsible for in this position? 

I will be promoting and selling propane parts and equipment for Arizona, Colorado, Southern Nevada and Southern Utah. 

How did you get your start in the propane industry? 

My father taught me how to deliver and repair propane appliances in 1976. 

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? 

Breakfast, since it is what helps give me energy for the day. 

What’s one thing you wish you knew earlier in your career? 

I wish I had known how hard this career is on the human body! 

What’s your funniest/favorite work memory? 

My favorite would be working on airborne programs for different companies. When you are called on, it is because people are helpless from a natural disaster, and you must think fast and shoot from the hip to quickly fix their problems. 

What’s the most interesting area of the propane industry right now? 

Turnover rate within the industry. The older generation was brought up in this industry from small, family-owned companies. And now, these small companies have sold to corporate America and subscribe to corporate ideas that really make no sense to the older generation. The old guys believe customer service is [the] No. 1 priority since we are the ones in front of the customer. 

If you could change one thing in the industry, what would you change? 

I would love to see better training opportunities to educate younger generations and encourage them to get involved. 

What is the most important core value a company can have? 

Honesty and dependability. 

What or who motivates you? 

My significant other and my family. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 

Listen to your elders, as they are full of great information and history. 

What’s your secret talent? 

Jack of all trades, but master of none. You need this to work and succeed in this profession. 

What’s the first thing you can remember buying with your own money? 

My own specific tools to perform my job better. 

If you could start one new hobby, what would it be? 

Refurbishing old pickup trucks. 

Are you a morning person or a night owl? 

Morning person.