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Tanks 2 You Propane

With sociology degree in hand, Ben Gaetani spent eight months searching for a suitable job that would pay his bills. He never found one, so he chose the next-best thing: A job in the propane industry.

Relying on experience gained from an old summer job at a small propane-dispensing facility and barbecue grill and supply store, the New Englander launched his own unique small business in early 2008: Tanks 2 You Propane. The 25-year-old Gaetani, the company’s sole employee, delivers propane tanks in his Chevrolet pickup truck to 20 Massachusetts towns and beyond, for any appliance running off propane.

“I was trying to introduce a business idea that had not been brought to the area, that offered a new convenience for users of propane,” he says. “Since I started the company, two other businesses started in this area with the same idea.”

Tanks 2 You Propane delivers tanks ranging in size from 4½ pounds to 100 pounds, with the 20-pound grill cylinder the most popular. Customers also will order tanks for appliances such as mosquito-control devices, patio heaters and turkey fryers, among others.

“We deliver year-round due to the need for temporary heat and forklift usage,” Gaetani adds. “Plus, more people grill year-round now since the cost of eating out is high and people are buckling down with their money.”

Customers can order tanks by phone or the company Web site. Each 20-pound tank costs $24.95 with an exchange, and Gaetani provides same-day service (at no extra charge) if the order is placed before 3 p.m.

Tanks 2 You Propane stores 200 tanks (manufactured by Manchester Tank and Worthington Cylinders), 25 of which are full and ready for delivery. Gaetani fills his own tanks, with propane supplied by Osterman Propane. He also pushes for the safe handling and disposal of propane tanks, saying he recycles about 3,000 a year.

Gaetani says the low-cost business has grown in its infant stages, and he hopes to one day expand its delivery radius by opening several “hold points” in different areas and making Tanks 2 You Propane a full-time job. Until then, he will continue to operate a snow-removal and fence business that supplements his income in propane’s off-season.

LOCATION: Norwood, Mass.
FOUNDED: February 2008
EMPLOYEES: 1
CUSTOMERS: 350 (300 residential and 50 commercial)
SPECIALTY: Propane tank delivery and exchange; disconnect and reconnect service; grill repair and service
ONLINE: www.propanetanks2you.com