Planning Ahead in Propane: Supply, Risk, and Market Insights with Jeff Thompson | The Drop Point

In this episode of The Drop Point, Brian Freeth and Justin Unger sit down with Jeff Thompson from Propane Resources to talk about one of the most important — and least understood — parts of the propane business: supply planning.

Jeff shares decades of industry experience, breaking down how to build a smart supply strategy, balance exports vs. domestic demand, and prepare for the next big market shift. From transportation bottlenecks to recruiting younger drivers, this conversation hits the real-world challenges propane marketers face every day.

If you’re a propane business owner, safety manager, or operations leader, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to strengthen your supply plan and your bottom line.

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00:00 – Welcome to The Drop Point
00:42 – Jeff’s background and how he got started in propane
02:32 – How the propane industry has changed (and what hasn’t)
05:03 – From phone calls to mass texts: supply communication today
06:42 – What drew Jeff into propane supply
08:35 – Exports vs. domestic demand: what it means for retailers
11:30 – Building a profitable supply plan around your marketing strategy
15:12 – Tariffs, trade, and how global politics affect propane pricing
18:23 – Stress testing your supply chain (transportation is the weak link)
23:45 – Planning ahead: why you should look 2–3 years out
27:28 – Tech, automation, and the next generation of propane retailers
30:39 – What makes a strong supply partner
35:17 – You can’t AI a delivery: the case for people in propane
39:43 – The limits of automation and the power of relationships
42:40 – The #1 thing to do right now to secure your supply
43:15 – Biggest risks and rewards heading into 2026
45:48 – Why U.S. crude production could drive propane prices higher
48:20 – Final thoughts and wrap-up

Keywords:
propane industry, propane supply, propane logistics, propane retailers, propane resources, propane consulting, 1075 Consulting, The Drop Point, propane business, propane operations, propane transportation, propane storage, propane marketing, energy markets, propane exports, supply planning, propane demand, propane drivers, propane workforce, propane risk management, propane margins, propane strategy, propane pricing, crude oil, natural gas liquids, propane trends 2026, energy forecasting