Family businesses are a huge part of the global economy, accounting for more than 70% of global GDP, according to McKinsey & Company, and generating $60 to $70 trillion of revenue annually. These businesses are passed down through the generations, building on years of shared knowledge and a solid presence in the market. With almost three-quarters of the propane industry under family-led leadership, this special section highlights the importance of maintaining a brand and family legacy and working with new generations of leadership as the years go by.
This special section is an opportunity to learn more about brands still thriving under family ownership and leadership. This year, we’re hearing from Blossman Gas to learn about the company’s history and the legacy of the Blossman family.
Can you tell us the history of Blossman Gas Inc., i.e. the founding of the company and the paths the company has taken for business opportunities over the years?
Woodrow (Woody) Blossman founded Blossman Gas in 1951 in Mississippi, with the first two stores in Gulfport and Pascagoula. The company started with only 10 employees and on the premise that a company should exceed its customers’ expectations and the employees should be the most valued asset. Woody said, ‘All of our competitors had money, equipment and everything that we didn’t have, but they did not have the people we had.’
Over the years, Blossman has kept the same values and focused on employee growth and fulfillment, leading the company down a path of innovation. Growing from two stores in Mississippi to over 90 stores in 16 states, Blossman has expanded its offerings from propane delivery to appliance sales and service, forklift and small engines, power generation, autogas and more. With a dedication to leading the industry in technician training, Blossman Gas has developed career pathways for service techs to rise to the rank of master technician within the company.
What values or traditions have remained important throughout the company’s history?
The values of safety, customer service and an enjoyable work environment have been constant throughout our company’s history.
What has been at the heart of the Blossman family’s goals for the company?
Our goals have stayed the same since 1951, with our purpose statement today being, ‘Blossman Gas exists for the benefit of our employees, and our continued success depends on rendering superior service to our customers.’
What has been the most rewarding part of running a family business?
The company’s success is a direct result of having dedicated and competent people. It is enjoyable to see our team members succeed and receive financial rewards and progress throughout their careers.
How do you balance innovation and modernization while maintaining the legacy of a family-owned propane business?
When keeping true to our values of existing for the benefit of our employees, innovation and modernization come naturally. Modern technology aids our employees in their day-to-day work, and innovation gives them opportunities to grow their careers should they wish to do so.
How has the company benefitted over the years from the Blossman family’s commitment to owning and running it for the long term?
Woodrow Blossman’s purpose statement is still the primary objective of our company. The company exists for the benefit of the people and not shareholders or strictly for the financial benefit of the owners. We enjoy being a part of this mission.
Can you share a story that exemplifies Blossman Gas’ dedication to its customers or community?
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on many communities, washing out roads and cutting off access to homes. Many of our propane customers were impacted when the storm completely washed out the road leading to their tanks. Months later, access to their home remains impossible for our bobtail trucks, making fuel deliveries a significant challenge.
In January, one such Blossman customer ran out of fuel, and our Asheville, North Carolina, team got creative. After learning of an alternate route via a logging road, we seized the opportunity provided by freezing temperatures. With the ground solid, we loaded two 120-gallon tanks, transported them down the logging road using a service truck and connected them to the home. This solution provided approximately 45 days of fuel.
However, when the customer began running low again, the situation changed. The milder weather thawed the logging road, turning it into a muddy mess. Our team attempted to retrieve the tanks, refill them and return them to the house, but the service truck became stuck in the mud. We were forced to abandon the truck for three days, waiting for another freeze before successfully retrieving it.
Determined to find another solution, Tim Laster, Asheville store manager, loaded up his personal side-by-side and — alongside employees Jeff Keever and Sean Merrill — hauled several 100-pound cylinders down the logging road. Thanks to their determination, the customer now has enough fuel to maintain hot water and cook.
This is just one story of perseverance, but we know there are hundreds more throughout Western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene left lasting scars. While many have moved on, some are still feeling the storm’s effects every single day. We are proud of our team members who continue to go above and beyond to serve our customers, no matter the obstacles. This is who we are. This is what we do.
Are there any major milestones the company is most proud of?
We are very proud to have been in business since 1951 and are looking forward to celebrating our 75th anniversary next year. Also, our autogas division just received its 2,000th Environmental Protection Agency certification for our Alliance AutoGas Engineered Biofuel Systems. This shows our commitment to industry growth and an industry that is not only dependent on the weather for success.
To read about another family-owned businesses that have carved out their own paths of success in the propane industry, take a look at BPN's past coverage of Berico's 100-year anniversary.
