Nov. 5, 2024 — After 42 years of service to the propane industry, Steve Ward — Gardner Marsh’s technical products specialist — has announced his upcoming retirement, effective December 31, 2024. Ward's long-standing employment at Gardner Marsh has provided the company and its customers with knowledge, expertise and leadership.
Ward began in the propane industry in 1973 after graduating from East Carolina University (ECU) with a bachelor of business administration degree. He worked for Suburban Propane as a service helper on their 100# cylinder route. Next up was Pyrofax Gas for eight years where he worked his way from manager trainee to Raleigh, North Carolina, branch manager to regional manager of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. In 1982 Steve was hired by Dale and Charlie Gardner to be the territory manager working out of Richmond, Virginia, covering Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Northern North Carolina.
Five years later he moved to Raleigh and began working in the office. Over the course of his 42 years at Gardner Marsh he has been responsible for national accounts development, managed bulk and industrial plant construction, product development and technical products applications and sales. When asked what the favorite part of his job has been, he responded that it is assisting with the design of large projects and helping customers to solve their most intricate problems.
Ward has served the propane industry in various ways. He’s served on the National Propane Gas Association Council and TS&S Committee. In Virginia he has been on the Safety and Education Committee and was honored to receive the Virginia Propane Gas Association Safety & Education Award. In North Carolina he’s been a member of the North Carolina Propane Gas Association (NCPGA) Safety and Education Committee as well the Autogas and Technology Committee.
Ward was honored as the 2012 NCPGA supplier of the year. As a Southeast Propane Alliance (SEPA) member he’s continued his work with safety and education as well as being instrumental in developing the North Carolina Technical Education Center and Southeast Propane Alliance Technical Education Center, serving on their advisory councils. Ward is a trusted technical expert in the national propane industry and is called upon often for assistance with developing and writing industry codes and standards.
As Ward navigated through his career in the gas industry, he always sought to break down complicated information and make it understandable. “This is not rocket science: Look for the simple solution," said Ward.
In retirement Ward plans to continue with his hobbies: gardening, volunteering, and traveling with the love of his life, Linda, to whom he’s been married for 50 years.
Ward is thankful for the personal relationships he’s made with those across the country in the propane and natural gas industry.
