Getting to Know TPGA President Allen R . Wells

How long have you been in or around

the propane business? I’ve been involved in the propane industry for over 22 years in various capacities. I began with Independent Propane in Brazoria, Texas, as a bobtail driver and quickly learned the important aspects of retail sales, service and distribution of propane. I was eventually promoted to Manager where I successfully maintained the daily operations of three depots for approximately five years.

Structural changes within the corporation forced me to seek employment elsewhere. I answered an advertisement in Texas Propane magazine for a brand-new position opening in Texas for an Area Sales Representative of wholesale propane products with Bergquist, Inc. I got the job and am proud to say that I did it quite well. The new position afforded me the opportunity to not only learn the wholesale side of the industry, but to meet so many people in the propane business. I joined TPGA, and countless doors opened thereafter.

How long for your present employer?

What is your position? I am President of my company, Wells Propane, Inc. dba Baygas Propane. We’re located on the coast between Houston and Galveston.

Seven years ago, an exciting opportunity presented itself. One of my customers and good friends who had been in the business 30+ years told me he was ready to retire. One thing led to another and with some fast-talking, hard work, and a little help

from a banker, the SBA and one or two of my new friends at TPGA, I was able to purchase his business.

What is your favorite thing about your

job? My freedom. I can sit on the toilet and read the newspaper all day and no one cares. No, seriously, I wish my job was that simple. My favorite thing would have to be the daily demands of the business operations. It never gets mundane. Just about every phone call and customer present some new and unique issue that needs solving. I love the challenge.

Least favorite thing? Rude or unappreciative people. We strive to go above and beyond to help folks any way we can. Most people are genuine, kind and truly grateful, but every once in a while, you get that jerk that no matter what you do, you can never please. Sometimes, its just better to walk away than to twist yourself into a pretzel; and

High prices and supply chain issues. Its unsettling when customers assume that we make more money when prices rise, or worse, when we have to deny a customer because there’s not enough inventory, i.e., tanks, copper, anode bags, etc., available to help the customer with their current project.

What’s the first thing you do when you

get to work in the morning? Greet my employees and ask about their families or what they did over the weekend. It’s so important to acknowledge your co-workers, pay attention when they speak, and care about them as individuals. In addition to that, I drink a cup of coffee, eat a protein bar, read emails and check the schedule for the day. Sometimes, I’ll answer the phone, but mostly, I ignore it ‘til someone else picks it up. truck is...? Toothpicks and a radar detector.

If you invented a new propane prod-

uct, what would it do? This is easy - a cylinder float gauge. One of the most requested items we hear in our store(s) is for a percentage gauge for a 30#, 40#, and 100# cylinder. I’d be rich if I could invent something encompassed in the fill valve to indicate when the propane level was getting low inside a DOT cylinder.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A Cowboy. I loved to rope and ride with my three brothers, Mike, Willie and Mark, on our

grandpa’s land. I was never any good at it, but that didn’t stop me from trying.

What is your dream vacation? To be stranded on a deserted island with Demi Moore. If not, I’ll settle for an Alaskan or Hawaiian cruise with my wife, Debra.

If you wrote a book, what would be the title?

Work Hard. Play Hard. Believe in Yourself!

If you were not in the propane business,

what would you be doing today? I’ve always wanted to own a restaurant. I enjoy cooking (and eating) and believe I could make a product and create an atmosphere that folks would return to again and again; however, because of COVID, I’m glad that didn’t happen.

What advice would you give for anyone

entering the propane business? Be prepared to be in a business that is like none other and don’t take anything for granted. Every single tank is different and every circumstance comes with risks. Always follow the rules. They are there to protect. Get to know as many people in the industry as you possibly can. You never know who you might need to turn to for help or advice.

How do you spend your time away from

work? I love simply being home with my family and especially our new puppy, Sophie. She is a Miniature Australian Shepard, and we are having the best time with her. Everyone that knows me, knows that I enjoy a good cold beer or refreshing cocktail. I’m beginning to take an interest in travel and can’t wait for my next adventure whereever that might be (hopefully on a deserted island).

How long have you been a part of TPGA?

In what capacities? Since 2006, I’ve held just about every position in TPGA. I’ve sat on every committee including Convention Planning, Technical and Standards, and Executive. I’ve attended numerous district meetings, board meetings, trade shows and seminars. I’ve learned so much and met so many wonderful people. Everyone that genuinely cares about Texas propane is a member. In meetings we discuss propane during the day, and we “belly-up” to the bar and discuss propane at night. The TPGA atmosphere is not only family-oriented but goal-oriented as well. I am so happy to be a member and now a leader of this great organization.

What do you see as the biggest issue for

the industry right now? The Biden administration’s fight to “end fossil fuels” and their subsequent advancement of electrification. It’s scary to consider that propane could be phased out entirely. Marketers and other industry professionals around the country must stick together and spread the word about the benefits of clean, affordable energy such as propane. Texas should consider following in Louisiana’s footsteps and sign into law a bill that protects propane from being banned as a fuel of choice for homes and businesses.

Tell us what your current priorities are in relation to your TPGA presidents’ role.

Have fun, listen to my constituents, and take initiative to help when and where I can.

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