Inter-Island Propane Challenges Large-Scale Competitors with Cargas Energy

Inter-Island Propane, LLC is a locally owned and operated propane sales and service company based in Friday Harbor, Washington. It was founded by co-owners Donny Galt (with 30+ years of entrepreneurial experience) and Jimmie Lawson (with 30+ years in the HVAC industry). The company provides a competitive and sustainable propane option for the residents and businesses of San Juan County.

Company Profile

Founded 2016

Serves San Juan County

The company provides a competitive and sustainable propane option for residents and businesses

Challenge: Competing as the New Kids on the Block in a Complex Service Environment

It would be a tough job, but entrepreneurs Donny Galt and Jimmie Lawson knew they were up to the challenge of starting their own propane company and competing with larger brands in the far northwestern corner of Washington state.

In San Juan County, comprised of a group of small islands in the Salish Sea, small propane companies were getting bought up by bigger companies. This had left area residents with very few choices. Galt and Lawson realized the lack of competition wasn’t healthy for the local community, and they launched Inter-Island Propane, LLC.

“We wanted to take our business knowledge, dedication, experience, and accomplishments and build a company that will keep living in the San Juan County sustainable for Islanders,” said Galt. “We set our sights on delivering legendary customer service consistently throughout all of the islands, providing local jobs, operating in an environmentally friendly way, and giving back to our community.”

It was a tall order. Both Galt and Lawson, although combined they had entrepreneurial and HVAC experience, were new to the propane industry. Also, propane delivery in San Juan County involves a lot of moving parts—including coordinating barge transport to 1) move fuel from the mainland to the company’s bulk storage facilities on the islands, and 2) take the company’s bobtail fleet to the outer islands to fill customer’s tanks.

Galt and Lawson needed a technology partner that would help guide them through the unknowns as well as give them the capabilities they required now and that would set them up for future growth.

After evaluating several software solution providers, they chose Cargas Energy.

Solution: Cargas Energy Mobile Delivery and Tank Utility Propane Tank Monitors

Inter-Island Propane uses Cargas Energy as its propane management software and Tank Utility tank monitors to keep track of fuel levels at hard-to-reach locations and where customers have second (vacation) homes where usage fluctuates.

According to Galt, “As we grow, we have found it easier to sleep at night knowing that we have the best management software available. With Cargas Energy, we can see real-time tank data levels, which helps us keep our customer tanks full. The Cargas Energy software interfaces with the Tank Utility monitors, which gives us information that helps us schedule barges to the outer island and forecast bulk deliveries.”

Currently, Inter-Island Propane has two administrators using Cargas Energy software for customer service and back-office tasks and five drivers using the Mobile Delivery module. Galt shared that the convenience of cloud-based management was a priority for his company. Cargas Energy software enables them to view information in real-time and make updates from anywhere, anytime.

“I love that I can access the software via my Android phone to log into my shift, track deliveries, and input everything by phone,” said Galt, who serves as a driver as well as co-owner. “Especially convenient is that Google Maps, which constantly learns our rural roads and recognizes routes, is incorporated into the Mobile Delivery feature.”

Galt also shared that customers value having the ability to access their accounts online (via the Silverline customer web portal connected to Cargas Energy) and see their usage. “Second homeowners love that they can see if there are any abnormal spikes in use, which can happen due to doors and windows being left open, heating or hot water system issues, increased use from vacation rental guests, etc.  The technology is there in Cargas Energy, and we use it!”

“Cargas is looking out for us. There are many options that can be added to improve our efficiency further”

—Donny Galt, Co-Owner

Results: Growth, Powered by Superior Service Capabilities

The Cargas Energy software implementation went live in November of 2016, allowing Inter-Island Propane to begin fulfilling its vision of providing superior customer service and reliable propane delivery.

Since then, Inter-Island Propane steadily has been gaining customers and earning a reputation of excellence in San Juan County.

“Cargas has helped us operate efficiently,” explained Galt. “For example, when barging propane to the outer islands, we have to predict how much fuel we will need to drop there. Before the software was in place, we had to guess. Now, with Cargas Energy, we can see a baseline and better predict how much propane we need to take. It saves us money by decreasing the number of trips we make and reducing customer tank runouts.”

Galt also shared that Cargas has played a significant role in Inter-Island Propane’s business growth plan. The Cargas Energy software’s newly updated query system enables Galt and Lawson to easily create reports and drill down into data that gives them the insights they need to make informed business decisions.

“We have confidence in the software, its forecasts, and its dependability. This makes us confident in our daily actions, which ultimately helps us serve our customers better.”

According to Galt, using Cargas Energy has increased his company’s professionalism. Although Inter-Island Propane is smaller than competitors in the industry, it’s more advanced because of using top-of-the-line software that provides more robust features and integration possibilities.

“Cargas is looking out for us. There are many options that can be added to improve our efficiency further,” Galt said.

For example, Inter-Island Propane is planning to add the Cargas Energy Mobile Service module to streamline the work order process, manage technician schedules, and simplify billing customers.

“All of the folks at Cargas— from sales, support, and training—have shown us that we made the right choice. Even though we’re a small company compared to the others that Cargas works with, they treat all of our questions, issues, and requests with timely responses and respect. Cargas is there for us and has prepared us to be successful,” shared Galt. “They are a company that will grow with us, stay up to date with technology, and look toward the future at all times.”

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