Meet Nancy Coop, Director of Cetane Associates

Can you describe your path in the propane industry? 

My entry-level job in propane was president/owner of JARCO Propane Trucks, the company my dad founded in 1959. By the turn of the millennium, he had become sick, and in 2005, my husband and I acquired the business. I was not trained for this role, yet had plenty of guidance and worked hard to learn how to help the company flourish. In 2010, a strategic buyer came along. We sold the company and I was, by then, actively involved with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). It was my friend and mentor, Sam McTier, who encouraged me to keep working; he believed the rewards would be great. I was offered a role in business development with Ferrellgas and expanded my volunteer work within NPGA, including founding the business council Women in Propane. In 2019, I was invited to work at Cetane Associates assisting with their efforts in mergers and acquisitions in the propane space. Shortly after coming on board, I pivoted to leading the marketing for the firm. This has been the favorite job of my life due to the caring, smart and thoughtful people on our team. I’m grateful for the chance to be a cheerleader for this impressive company founded by Steve Abbate and now led and owned by Barrett Conway. They are exceptional leaders and humans. 

Congratulations on your retirement! Over your time in the industry, what would you say is the greatest lesson you’ve learned? 

Learning is my lesson. By prioritizing learning, I became better informed and better prepared for the many challenges of life and business. There were several people within NPGA I thought of as my unnamed mentors; they helped me learn about communication, negotiation and leadership. I took business courses at UC Berkeley on financial management, got a mentor in social media, hired a sales coach and signed up for every Women in Propane Leadership Forum training session. I enjoy learning and consider myself as a lifelong learner. 

How has the industry changed over your career? Where do you hope it goes in the future? 

During my 20 years in propane, I’ve seen the industry become more technology-driven both in the field and in the office. And overall there has been a push to modernize an industry previously known for being “set in its ways.” That transition has been made in collaboration between the legacy leaders and the next generation with new skillsets. The wonderful part is to see these evolutionary updates and recognize that we have not lost, but in fact deepened, the friendly, collegial and often familial warmth and strength of our industry. 

Can you share about starting the Women in Propane Council and what that has meant to you? 

While serving on the NPGA Conventions Committee, a member, leader and friend, Tom Jaenicke, suggested our industry could benefit from a “women in industry” organization. That single statement led to the NPGA Women in Propane Council as we know it today. It has been my passion to help create a robust and meaningful council that serves our entire industry by providing mentoring, education and networking. Established in 2012, the council serves hundreds of industry members each year through its many programs and events. There were times when funding was difficult and growth felt like an uphill climb. Thanks to all the strong-willed leaders who joined in this effort and persevered, the council has become a beacon of personal development and leadership across our companies and organizations. 

What do you see as some of your greatest personal accomplishments? 

Forming a steering committee and selecting great leaders as the first officers of Women in Propane established the foundation for a successful council. To find outstanding and willing people to spend their time and energy on a transformational council, starting from scratch, was rewarding. My gratitude is endless for Jill Hopkins, Jane Stroupe, Laurie Irish-Jones and Jennifer Jackson. These four especially made the journey possible and inspired others to join in the governance and growth. 

What advice do you have for someone coming into the industry? 

Get a mentor! There are industry veterans standing by and willing to assist you with your career and learning the inner workings of this robust and changing industry. Take advantage of having an experienced individual willing to share insights with you that will make a positive difference in your career. See knowledgeexchange.chronus.com. 

What qualities do you think it takes to become a leader in propane? 

Although I’ve known some natural-born leaders, I’ve witnessed more who are blessed by being surrounded by strong leaders and act like sponges taking in the key aspects of communication, empathy and wisdom from their exposure to those standout leaders. If your quest is leadership, I would encourage you to be curious, listen and learn, and hone skills that help you share your ideas in real life in the workplace. Act with respect, integrity and kindness at all times. 

What’s something not a lot of people know about you? 

I’m a tattoo artist. This is thanks to my drawing of a floral image for my adult grandchild’s tattoo. Currently I have a neglected drafting table. When I retire, I plan to become reacquainted with my graphite pencils, fill some sketch books and probably draw some more tattoos (I have six grandchildren). 

What type of legacy are you leaving the industry with? 

Leadership is available to anyone who is willing and ready to put in the effort to forge a path to leading their team, their company, their industry and beyond. Having a business council open to all industry members that supports colleagues on a path to leadership is the legacy, in my opinion. You or I may not look like the other leaders, yet that will not stop us from becoming leaders. The council will help you learn the skills and connect with influential industry members to help get you on your path. 

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

Old-fashioned letter-writing. Pen to paper, pour out my heart or tell simple stories, and drop the letter in the mailbox. Email is easier, but I like the specialness of sending an envelope filled with my thoughts and feelings. 

How do you plan to spend your retirement? 

In addition to drawing and hopefully making art, I plan to spend my time in retirement traveling with my husband in the U.S. and abroad. I want to be with my favorite people, both family and friends who are dear to me. I will volunteer with an organization that helps others. I am basking in gratitude for my life. I want to be of service.