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Reflections and tidings ... from a 'propane lifer'

As I watched my beautiful seven-month pregnant wife get ready for our first Southeast show in Atlanta, I was a mess.

Not only was I on the cusp of becoming a first-time father, I was one of the newest members of the propane industry. The national sales manager of LP Gas Magazine, I hardly knew a soul. Was I going to fit in? Did I make the right move?

As my first night concluded, I was welcomed with open arms. I was a happy man and my propane journey had begun.

While showing off my first son at the following year’s Southeast show, someone mentioned to me, “Ah, nice to meet your family at an industry show. You are now a lifer.” When I remember back to that – at the time an awkward comment – it could not have been so true.

Nine-plus years later, I still watch my beautiful wife help to prepare for industry events – but now with the help of my two healthy, crazy, fantastic boys, Nathan and Drew. I have truly been blessed with joining the propane industry. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such a fantastic industry with such great, passionate people. I have had the honor of working with so many individuals who are not just my business associates, but also my friends. Can one honestly say that from most other industries?

A new year is upon us and I am just as happy as day one joining the propane industry. This column is to wish you all the best for a fantastic 2010.

I would be remiss not to give a special thank you to a man who helped to make all of this possible, Zane Chastain. Zane was publisher of LP Gas Magazine for 26-plus years, as he retired and placed me under his wing and helped to guide me through the beginning of my journey. Zane still lives in Duluth, Minn., and continues to battle health issues. We wish him the best. I know our industry misses Zane, and I will be forever grateful. He is truly one of a kind.

“Ah, you are now a lifer.” I wish I could recall who said that to me so I could personally shake his hand and say thank you. Who knows? Maybe he was my Propane Angel guiding me through my journey. Thank you, Propane Angel, for guiding me as I am truly blessed to continue to be with you, the propane industry.
I wish you all nothing but the best. God bless you and let’s pray for a long, cold winter. See you at the next propane function.