MONROE — The CEO of Crystal Flash, one of the largest family-owned propane distribution companies in Michigan, says his company is prepared for another harsh winter.
“Last winter was a brutal experience for many Michigan families,” says Dave Scigliano, CEO of the third-generation family-owned supplier. “Near-record snow fall in combination with freezing temperatures that just didn’t budge, drove up all of our heating bills.”
Scigliano says last winter’s propane shortage took some companies and their customers by surprise, leading to complaints of skyrocketing prices, canceled contracts, and a shortage for many customers.
Scigliano says that Crystal Flash has been preparing since spring for the upcoming heating season, starting with forecasting. The company has spent months projecting anticipated deliveries for the upcoming season based on current customer contracts and projected new customers.
Additionally, Scigliano says the company has doubled its underground storage space in Marysville as a “safety valve.” Additionally, it has increased trucking capacity by adding a new 18,000-gallon propane trailer to its fleet, which hea says will significantly help with delivery logistics.
“Having good relationships with the right suppliers allows Crystal Flash to have a number of propane terminals to pull product from, ensuring we don’t have a problems with customer demand,” Scigliano says. “Because we purchase our propane well in advance of when we need it, we’re not as subject to price fluctuations in the market.”
Since the beginning of the year, Crystal Flash has added more than 1,200 new customers. The company has been on an aggressive acquisition campaign since January 2012, acquiring all or portions of eight Michigan companies around the state. The company has more than 250 employees in 18 locations.
