By Kate Caskin
Imagine a place where rugged terrain meets breathtaking beauty, where the Pacific Ocean laps against the rocky shores of evergreen islands, and where every sunrise and sunset paints the sky in hues of gold and pink. This is the San Juan Islands, a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest, and home to a unique propane business that started with a simple idea scribbled on a napkin.
Donny Galt and business partner Jimmy Lawson founded Inter-Island Propane eight years ago, driven by a vision to provide a reliable and sustainable propane solution to the residents and businesses of Washington state and the San Juan Islands. The idea was simple: deliver propane to these remote, picturesque locations in a way that was both efficient and environmentally friendly. What they didn't realize was how their journey would be transformed by technology and a partnership with Otodata.
A Challenging Yet Beautiful Terrain
Running a propane business in the San Juan Islands is no small feat. The islands are accessed by boat or small plane, and reaching some customers can take nearly an hour by boat. The logistics of delivering propane across this archipelago are complex and demanding. Despite these challenges, Galt and Lawson were determined to make their business work.
The Search for a Solution
In the early days, monitoring propane levels in customers' tanks was a daunting task. Without real-time data, the team often faced unexpected runouts, emergency deliveries, and inefficient routing. The need for a better solution led Galt to explore the world of customized tools, which included the reliability of Cargas Software.
Then in 2019, Galt met Josh Alpuerto, Western Sales Director at Otodata. Skeptical but hopeful, Galt decided to test Otodata's tank monitors. Alpuerto sent six monitors to Inter-Island Propane, and the results were nothing short of revolutionary according to Galt.
A Partnership Forged in Technology
"The monitors worked excellently," Galt recalls. "The customer service from Otodata is out of this world. When you call their 800 number, you get to speak with live people who actually help you. It's a breath of fresh air."
The impact of Otodata's technology on Inter-Island Propane was immediate and profound. The monitors provided real-time data on propane levels, allowing the team to optimize their delivery routes, reduce emergency fill-ups, and ensure that no customer ever ran out of propane. This not only improved efficiency but also significantly enhanced customer satisfaction.
Transforming the Business Landscape
For Galt and his team, the benefits of Otodata's monitors were clear. "We haven't had to return one monitor. And our customers think we built an amazing app customized for our company. It changes the way they see us. They say we're amazing, and it allows us to sleep at night, knowing we are in control because of the Otodata monitors."
The ability to monitor tanks remotely meant that everyone in the office and drivers in the field could easily install and benefit from the technology. Currently, 50 percent of Inter-Island Propane's tanks have monitors, and the company is pushing towards 100 percent coverage, offering free or low-cost options to their customers.
Embracing Technology for a Sustainable Future
As more young people move to the islands, the adoption of technology like Otodata's monitors becomes an easy decision.
"Our brand promise is to make things as simple and safe as possible," explains Galt. "We aim to be 100 percent paperless, with customer portals for easy access to their accounts. If you want to keep living and growing, you need to embrace technology."
Inter-Island Propane's commitment to technology doesn't stop at tank monitors. They are implementing a texting service for deliveries, alerting customers when a driver is on the way and confirming when their tank is full. This level of communication ensures that 90 percent of customers pay the same day, streamlining the business operations further.
The Otodata Perspective
Josh Alpuerto, Western Sales Director at Otodata, has seen first-hand how the landscape has changed in the last six years. "Otodata has made things more affordable and accessible," says Alpuerto. "During COVID, managing propane use without monitors would have been nearly impossible."
The Western Territory in the U.S. presents unique challenges, including varying population densities, long distances between stops, and mountainous terrain. "The cost per stop has grown significantly due to staffing and gas," Alpuerto explains. "The industry needs to compete with the on-demand 'Amazon' model, and technology like Otodata's monitors is essential."
For Alpuerto and the Otodata team, the monitors are more than just a tool—they are an analytical asset akin to metrics in sports.
"You need data to have a successful team," says Alpuerto. "And the reality of rising costs—per stop, insurance, employees, tanks—makes monitors essential in offsetting these expenses."
A Vision for the Future
As the customer demographic changes, with younger generations who understand and value the benefits of apps and tank monitoring, Inter-Island Propane and Otodata are well-positioned for the future. "Our goal is to make things safer, simpler, and cost-effective," says Galt …. “and technology is a crucial part of that strategy."
For Inter-Island Propane, the journey from a napkin idea to a technologically advanced propane delivery service is a testament to the power of innovation and partnership. In the beautiful yet challenging terrain of the San Juan Islands, Galt, Lawson and their team, with the support of Otodata, have truly revolutionized the way propane is delivered and managed, setting a new standard for the industry.
Conclusion
Inter-Island Propane's story is a shining example of how embracing technology can transform a business, even in the most challenging environments. Through their partnership with Otodata, the Inter-Island team has not only improved its operations but also enhanced the lives of their customers, ensuring that the picturesque San Juan Islands remain a safe and sustainable place to live and work.
A sincere thank you to Inter-Island Propane team for taking the time to sit down with us.
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