Describe your current role at your company.
I manage a diversified supply portfolio of refined fuels and propane for Duncan Oil Company. This includes keeping supply relationships, monitoring supply/demand conditions, mitigating risks and negotiating contracts. Also, I execute various pricing strategies that help keep Duncan Oil Company’s pricing competitive for our customers.
How did you get your start in the propane industry?
I got my start in the propane industry by working for a family-owned jobber that started their own propane business. I worked with refined fuels supply first and then learned propane.
What advice do you have for someone coming into the industry?
Find wise mentors and learn as much as possible. ‘Ignorance and arrogance are twins, as are wisdom and humility.’
What do you think would surprise someone about the job you do?
The sudden increase and decrease in propane demand.
Who has/have been the strongest influence(s) in your career to date?
My parents, my pastor and leaders at Duncan Oil Company.
If you could change something in the industry, what would you change?
I would make it easier for trucking to do their job.
What or who motivates you?
Valuable and honest accomplishments.
What’s your favorite part of the workday?
A win.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing your goals and ambitions within the demanding and dynamic environment of the propane business?
Working with good people allows for work-life harmony. Working with bad people can never be balanced. This can also be illustrated by imagining how time seems to move slowly when you’re in pain, yet when you were with your girlfriend back in the day, an hour went by like a minute.
What’s your most-used productivity hack?
Group messaging can help alleviate making timely phone calls.
How would you spend an unexpected day off?
On an unexpected day off in springtime, I’d likely be working at home doing yardwork or getting the garden ready. If chores are done, then my family and I enjoy mushroom hunting or turkey hunting.
