What led you to pursue a career in the propane industry, and how did you get your start?
In my senior year of high school, I entered a work study program at Mitchell Oil, a local oil and propane company based out of Danbury, Connecticut. This program was recommended to me by my HVAC teacher, Mr. Clark, who was very influential in starting my career in the propane industry. After graduating, I started full-time at Mitchell Oil and pursued getting my license in oil and gas.
Given your role in product management, what do you think would surprise people about the work you do?
How often I am in meetings!! Product management works with a lot of various teams to develop and maintain products. It takes a lot of communication to work with various departments, including supply chain, engineering, sales, marketing and other groups. These groups all lead critical roles to ensure that we have the right resources dedicated to manufacturing a product.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in the industry?
For those interested in starting a career in the propane industry, there is a lot of opportunity for upward mobility. I have learned you can start as an apprentice and end your career in any role you would like if you applied yourself. I have been fortunate enough to work for a company that encourages growth and development. I have had roles in the technical and training department, prior to advancing in product management, that allowed for me to develop new skill sets. Don’t be afraid to ask what’s next for you in your company.
With the demands of managing product development, training initiatives and industry partnerships, how do you maintain a balance between work and personal life?
This is always a challenge for most of us! I do my best to stay away from work after hours. It is important to find hours to shut off and reset. I have learned to take vacation, meaning not work during the timeframe. I found that deleting Outlook and Teams on your phone during vacation works tremendously.
Throughout your career, who or what has had the biggest influence on your approach to innovation?
People inspire people. Along my career, I have worked with many great coworkers, mentors and friends that all have influenced my approach, both in and out of product development.
As a leader in the propane industry, how would you describe your leadership style?
I would like to think I encourage collaborative efforts and openness in my leadership style. It is important to be able to collaborate well with others as a product manager and to be able to provide my teams with the best solutions and support.
What motivates you to continue pushing for advancements in propane autogas?
It is important to us to provide the best products in the industry, especially within the autogas space. Within the OPW group, we are known for several products within the fueling space and find propane autogas [to be] an area for growth opportunities.
Can you share a memorable or particularly rewarding moment from your career?
I recently accepted an award with my coworker, Paul Courson, for our latest product, Presto-Link. This award was for excellence in value realization for the Digital Engineering Award. This was a surreal moment for two folks from the propane industry to partake in an award in the technology world.
What’s the most meaningful feedback or compliment you’ve received from someone in the propane industry?
The most meaningful feedback that I have received is the thanks from SEPATEC [Southeast Propane Alliance Technical Education Center] for being able to support their training school through products and demonstrations. I have had the pleasure of working with their staff and see the value they bring to new prospects entering into the propane industry. If you ever meet the director of education, John Peña, he does a great rendition of ‘Sugar’ by Maroon 5.
If you had an unexpected day off, how would you choose to spend it?
Well, depends on the season; now that the weather is starting to warm up in North Carolina, I would be outside either paddleboarding or fishing with my family.
