industry insider
John Hodges
Operations Manager
Euliss Propane Company
How did you get your start in the propane industry?
I got my start in the propane industry at just 16 years old, washing and painting propane tanks at Euliss Propane. Propane was already familiar to me because my grandfather spent 50 years in the industry with Euliss. After graduating high school, I pursued a career as a firefighter with the Town of Cary in Cary, North Carolina. While working as a firefighter, I returned to Euliss Propane as a part-time delivery driver on my days off. That experience opened my eyes to how much opportunity existed within the propane industry. I wanted to learn more, so I transitioned into service and installation work, continuing to work at Euliss on my days off. After about a year of working part time, I made the decision to leave my firefighting career and pursue propane full time. I started as a service technician, eventually became the lead service technician and later transitioned into my current role as operations manager.
How has your experience working in different roles shaped the way you approach your role today?
Working in different roles throughout the propane industry has given me a much better understanding of the people I lead and the challenges they face every day. I’ve worked in delivery, service and installation, so I understand what it takes to safely complete the work in the field — not just from a management perspective, but from firsthand experience. I try to lead with empathy and by example. I understand the conditions our technicians and drivers work in, whether that means extreme weather, difficult installations, challenging service calls or simply trying to get everything done safely and efficiently. My goal is to help make those conditions as safe and manageable as possible.
Who have been the strongest influences on your career to date?
My mother taught me from a young age to never give up and that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career. There have been plenty of times when I’ve questioned whether I could figure something out or even wondered if I belonged in a particular room. In those moments, I remind myself of what she taught me. Chris Stanley, the owner of Euliss Propane, has invested in me both professionally and personally. He has given me opportunities to grow, challenged me to expand my abilities and trusted me with responsibilities that have helped me become the leader I am today. My grandfather has also been an incredible influence. He spent 50 years in the propane industry with Euliss Propane and has shared a tremendous amount of his knowledge and experience with me over the years. There is no substitute for 50 years of experience, and I’ve been fortunate to learn from many of his lessons without having to spend 50 years learning them myself.
How can propane companies show younger generations that the industry offers opportunities for long-term career growth?
I think the biggest thing propane companies can do is show younger employees that this is more than just a job — it can be a career. We have to give people a clear vision of where they can go and what they can accomplish if they are willing to put in the work. If we want to attract and retain the next generation, we have to invest in them. Give them a mentor, give them training, give them responsibility and, most importantly, give them a reason to believe they have a future in this industry. I believe our goal should be to make propane a career, not just a job. When employees can see a clear path forward and know their company is willing to invest in them, they are much more likely to invest in themselves and in the future of the industry.
What or who motivates you?
My wife and my three daughters are my biggest motivation. They stand by my side through the long days, late nights, long weekends and even the times when work finds its way into our vacations. They understand the ‘why’ behind the work I pour myself into, and their support means more to me than I can put into words. I’m also motivated by seeing the people around me grow. I really enjoy watching members of my team become better technicians, better teammates and better leaders, but also better parents, spouses and people. When someone sets a goal for themselves and I get to watch them work toward it and achieve it, that’s incredibly rewarding.
