U-Haul propane program manager John Barnett is front and center in the most recent edition of LP Gas Magazine, profiled as one of the industry’s rising leaders.

Barnett, 36, is one of nine young propane professionals on the magazine cover. His two-page spread in the February 2018 publication looks at his start in the industry, his vision for expanding the propane market at U-Haul, how technology will affect the industry, and also other aspects of his career.

“The propane industry has the opportunity to expand in the digital market,” Barnett shares in the profile. “Propane is a green product, yet we still have so much printed material and not enough online reach. The propane industry needs to build a stronger online presence that can capture and educate today’s digital consumer on the benefits of propane as an eco-friendly alternative to other energy sources.”

Barnett carries significant clout in the propane world. He is a member of the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) and the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). He is also on the Safety and Technical Training Working Group for the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). PERC is a leading body in the oversight of propane safety.

Barnett has 11 years in the industry. He began his dispenser training in 2006 in San Clemente as a U-Haul moonlighter.

Making a Difference

“U-Haul was supposed to be just a part-time job for me, being as I owned an event video-production business,” Barnett notes. “Before long, I was promoted to general manager and was running my own store at U-Haul Moving & Storage of Costa Mesa (Calif.). During my time in Costa Mesa, I dispensed a lot of propane. I was always brainstorming about how I could sell more. You could say it was around this time that I became obsessed with propane. I thought to myself, ‘Here’s an energy source that is both green and inexpensive.’

“Once I was promoted to U-Haul Marketing Company President of Los Angeles East, I continued to upgrade the dispensing equipment in my company and grew my propane sales. I encouraged general managers in my area to invest time and resources in propane. They could be more successful, I told them, if they put in the work needed to increase their propane sales.”

In 2015, Barnett took on his current role at the U-Haul corporate towers in Phoenix. “Since I started directing the Propane Program for the largest U.S. retailer of propane, with nearly 1,200 locations, I have plunged into the industry on a full-time basis,” he added. “Now I get to dedicate all of my time to selling, teaching, learning and promoting the propane industry.”

Barnett is just getting starting growing U-Haul propane and the products associated with it.

Congratulations, John!

To learn more about U-Haul propane and refill locations, visit uhaulpropane.com.