The home heating oil industry has a long and proud history, and Fuel Oil News has been there supporting it since 1935. It is an industry that has faced many challenges during that time. In its 77th year, Fuel Oil News is doing more than just holding
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/342353
www.fueloilnews.com | FUEL OIL NEWS | JULY 2014 25 neurial bunch, many of whom were born into the business expanding the one-truck heating oil company grandpa started into a full service establishment offering propane and installing new furnaces. They work weekends and holidays. And they're getting crushed. Market volatility, product short- ages, extreme temperatures and a steady influx of changing regulations maintain priority positioning in the working day pushing things like sales and service to the bottom of the list. Throw into the mix the pressure of familial ties and generational differences and the end result can be offer- ing up the business to the highest bidder. Year over year I see their struggle and strain and I watch closely as they find so- lutions to these problems. Some issues are large and singularly we are unable to force any change (I have yet to influence the commodities market by shouting at a com- puter screen). Other issues are easily solved by joining forces and speaking up (did you hear? NORA is back). One thing is for sure, in these days of constant challenges networking is the skeleton key to success. Events like the Atlantic Region En- ergy Expo are well worth the time and money just to rub elbows with a busi- ness owner who has vetted out software and has found success with THIS brand, or a dispatcher that can give you all the reasons dual hose reels make sense on trucks that haul multiple products. There are seminars, product demonstrations and a sincere camaraderie when you're surrounded by people who understand 4 a.m phone calls and that the phrase 'a load of heat' refers to an actual liquid. Outside of these annual events there are publications like this one and endless websites that offer information and ideas making it their business to keep up with those changing regulations and technolo- gies. There is a fuel marketer association of some type for every state that works hard to help their members whenever there is a problem, put them in contact with gov- ernment, and even offer buying power. If you are one of these small businesses that make our communities so inviting; keep up the good fight. Use your resources. Know that our economy needs you and there is strength in numbers. Misty Sexton Vice President, Sales and Marketing PRODUCTS Blue Cow Software's Ig- nite Mobile products al- low you to automate your fuel drivers and service technicians through using wireless real-time communication. Ignite Mobile Fuel allows drivers to receive their routes electronically. As deliveries are completed, you will be able to see the progress that the driver has made throughout the day. Ignite Mobile works just like Ignite, so pricing and customer information will transfer seamlessly. Ignite Mobile Service allows the dispatcher to closely monitor the prog- ress of their technicians' work and allows your technician to access and update work orders and equipment information wire- lessly on tablet or laptop devices. Blue Cow Software — www.bluecowsoftware.com Roth Industries, Inc., a world leader in environmentally-friendly products that pro- duce, distribute and store energy for the most efficient homes and buildings, has announce that vice president of sales for the US, Brian Coyne, was recently appointed as President for the Oilheat Manufacture's Association (OMA). Coyne has been with Roth for over 14 years. He resides in Westmoreland, N.Y., with his wife and children.