New Tech Transforming Propane, According to Fisher LPG Equipment’s Director

Fernando Gallegos, director of Fisher LPG Equipment, Emerson/Fisher LPG Equipment

I’ve been in my current role for just about three months. I lead the business for Fisher LPG Equipment, which includes developing the strategic roadmap to drive growth, prioritizing opportunities based on market trends and evaluating business development opportunities.

I work closely with engineering, sales and operations while taking ownership of marketing and business management. I spent the first five years of my career in an inside/technical sales role supporting Fisher LPG, which played a key part in learning the business and the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry. I’m excited to lead the company and continue to work with the wonderful people in this industry.

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

Digital transformation — how our customers are connecting to the products and systems. Whether it be a digital solution in the form of measurement and control or the ability to pull up information digitally versus manually, the future of how we do business is changing.

As technology evolves, so does our need (or want) for it. It’s exciting to see how this trend is affecting the propane industry.

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

A focus on the customer. There are many top core values that are important, such as supporting your people, quality, collaboration and innovation. However, customer focus stands at the very top because it’s important to actively listen to our customers to deeply understand their needs and deliver the unique solutions that ensure their success. Without the customers, there is no business.

What is the most important core value an employee can have?

Integrity — an employee must strive to be honest and ethical in their behavior, which creates trusting relationships with one another, customers, suppliers and communities.

How would you spend an unexpected day off?

Spending quality time with family. I have two beautiful children, ages five and one, and would enjoy activities with them. If they are in school or family is busy, I would take time to relax and recoup; read a book or listen to a podcast; or do something productive with semi-low effort while resting my mind and body.

What upcoming technological innovation will dramatically impact the industry in the next five years?

It’s additive manufacturing technology — specifically, using it to produce quicker ways for foundries to make complex parts (typically castings). I am not necessarily saying we can print metal for a pressure-retaining part, but we can print molds and patterns that, in turn, produce the complex parts for engineered products.

The need is driven by ongoing supply chain disruptions. This is where the impact will lie, as our customers demand products within a reasonable amount of time and this technology will assist in getting products to the doorstep — both in development and production.

What was your very first job?

Officially, I was a runner at a law firm in South Texas. I also had responsibility for managing warehouse inventory, where I worked to update and improve the storage database. Luckily for me, I witnessed a couple of cases and interacted with multiple lawyers at the firm, which provided guidance and great insight at a young age.

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

I would say something specific to my house, like gardening or home improvement. I grew up having all the educational support anyone could ask for, but not the most practical/hands-on experiences. Having been a homeowner now for just over five years, I can appreciate someone having these skills. A home is an investment, and proper care and upgrades are important, so why not make it a hobby?

Which historical figure would you most like to meet?

Albert Einstein. I am not a physicist or anything, but I have always revered the theory of relativity. Time is a fascinating subject, and it is key to continuously learning about our universe.