R & D Propane85900 Highway 99 S. , Eugene, Oregon, United States

"R" stands for my dad, Ray and "D" stands for my mom, Dene (Wilidene). Fitting, since they are the ones that started the company in 1982. Dad has since passed and Mom is semi-retired. My wife Jody and I have been helping Mom manage the company since Dads passing in 2007. We also have two other employees that help make R&D Propane an exceptional company.  R&D Propane came about out of necessity. The economy was bad in the 80's and Dad wasn't finding work, so he created a job and went to work for himself. It was the best thing he ever did, next to marrying my mother and he never regretted either decision. Dad and Mom ran the company; Dad delivering propane and set tanks while Mom worked in the office answering phones and paying the bills.  It wasn't long before they recruited me, their son, to come work for them. I started out at the bottom, refurbishing tanks and worked my way up to the position of driver then helping Dad set tanks. However, in 2006 about the time Dad and Mom were finally looking forward to enjoying a little retirement, Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and just a few short months later in 2007, Dad passed away. I certainly didn't feel ready to take the helm and find myself still wishing he was here to give me advice. I've had to fill some pretty big shoes and I hope to make my father proud. Before he left us, I promised him I would take care of things and that's what I plan on doing.