Spring 2026 — Strictly Business 11
local guy, me, runs this like I own it. I don’t own it, but they give me the flexibility to make decisions, such as hiring people.” That level of trust allows Dilbeck to do his job successfully and ensures his employees are successful as well. Dilbeck oversees all branch duties and said this level of responsibility makes the job both rewarding and manageable. Holston Gases continues to expand every day, recently opening a new location in Athens, Georgia. “We’re expanding and looking for new avenues of business throughout the whole South, not just Kentucky,” said Dilbeck.
Even with that steady growth, Dilbeck said the company’s goal stays the same. “[The goal is] to be the best industrial gas supply company in the south,” said Dilbeck. “It probably already is, honestly.” While the company operates throughout multiple states, Dilbeck says strong relationships remain a priority. “The value with Holston Gases is you know who you’re dealing with,” said Dilbeck. Dilbeck wishes customers knew that although they operate as a small company, they are large and their mission is to take care of every customer, big or small. The focus on relationships carries into how the company hires and operates internally. “Holston Gases is one big family. When we look to hire, we look to hire someone that can become our family,” said Dilbeck. “Holston Gases is great, and we really are like a family here. It’s only that way because the employees have made it that way.” Employees are cross-trained to work across multiple roles, allowing the branch to remain flexible and responsive to customer’s needs. “Everyone does a little bit of everything and that’s what makes Holston so valuable…We’re really diverse in those ways,” said Dilbeck.
Pictured left to right, Von Dilbeck, Ron Canada, Misty Wilburn, Jake Middleton, Canny Minton and Kelly Minton