75 Years of Blossman Gas

In 1951, Woodrow “Woody” Blossman started a small propane business along the Gulf Coast with a simple idea: build a company that serves people well, both employees and customers.

75 years later, that idea has grown into one of the most respected propane companies in the Southeast. But while the footprint has expanded, the foundation has remained consistent.

From a Small Family Business to a Regional Leader

What began as a local operation has grown into a multi-state company serving communities across the Southeast and beyond.

Through each generation of leadership, the company has evolved, without losing sight of its purpose.

COO David Reynolds, who has spent 41 years with Blossman Gas, has witnessed that transformation firsthand:

“When I started, we were still using paper tickets and route books… and today we’ve embraced technology across the business. But at the same time, the core hasn’t changed. Blossman Gas exists for the benefit of its employees, and in order to succeed, the employee must work to benefit the customer. If that’s more than just words, you attract people who want to be part of something meaningful.”

That balance, holding onto values while adapting operations, has been key to reaching this milestone.

Growth Built on Quality, Not Speed

Blossman Gas didn’t grow by chasing size alone. Instead, the company focused on building the right foundation first.

Gary Sly, Director of Technical Services and a 44-year member of the Blossman team, reflects on that approach:

“As much as we’ve grown, we probably could have grown a lot faster. But we chose to grow quality-wise first. We focused on healthy growth, making sure we could support it, train people properly, and build the right systems along the way. That’s made all the difference in where we are today.”

That philosophy helped the company navigate both opportunities and challenges over the decades.

“There were times we had to rethink how we did business,” Sly adds. “We learned to be profitable in different ways, not just relying on gas alone. Those moments changed us, and ultimately made us stronger.”

Evolving with Innovation and Technology

While the company’s values have remained steady, its operations have transformed dramatically.

CEO Stuart Weidie, who joined the company in 1991 and became CEO in 2003, emphasized that innovation is essential to preserving the legacy:

“I’ve always said, you’re either growing or you’re slowly dying. If we want to secure the future of this company, we have to continue to innovate. That means new products, new services, and new ways to serve our customers. Innovation and continuous improvement is what extends our legacy into the future.”

That mindset has driven advancements in areas like renewable propane, power generation, and autogas, ensuring the company stays relevant in a changing energy landscape.

Reynolds points out that innovation also improves the day-to-day experience for employees:

“We’ve moved from being a ‘call and pump’ company to being much more forward-thinking, using technology, improving processes, and thinking about how we create a better work-life balance while still serving our customers at a high level.”

A Stronger Focus on Safety and Training

One of the most significant changes over the decades has been the company’s approach to training and safety.

Sly recalls how different things used to be:

“Years ago, we’d hand someone the keys and tell them to go. Today, it’s completely different. We have structured training, safety checks, and detailed processes. The amount of training we do now compared to then, it’s night and day.”

That transformation is supported by leaders like Cathy Garcia, Training Administrator, who has been with the company for nearly 36 years.

“When I first started, training was pretty basic. Now it’s hands-on, detailed, and ongoing. It’s not just about reading manuals, it’s about making sure people can actually do what they’ve learned and feel confident in their roles.”

Garcia has seen firsthand how that investment in training impacts both employees and customers:

“We’re here to support the branches so they can take care of the customer. When employees have the tools and knowledge they need, they can do their jobs better, and that leads to better service and happier customers.”

A Positive Work Culture

Even as Blossman Gas has grown, it has worked to maintain the feel of a close-knit organization.

That culture traces back to its founding, and remains one of its defining characteristics today.

Garcia describes it like this:

“To me, it’s like a second family. I’ve spent most of my career here, and I’m proud to say I work for Blossman Gas. It’s a company that supports its people and gives them opportunities to grow.”

Weidie believes that culture is essential to long-term success:

“A lot of companies lose their way over time, especially by the third generation. What’s meaningful to me is that we’re still focused on people, our employees and our customers. That’s what has sustained us for 75 years, and it’s what will carry us forward.”

Positioned for the Future

As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Blossman Gas is focused on staying ahead, while staying true to its roots.

Expanding into new technologies and developing the next generation of employees, the company is preparing for what’s next.

Sly sees opportunity for those coming into the business:

“There’s a golden opportunity here. You can build a career, move up, and grow as far as you want, but it’s on you to put in the effort. We like to promote from within, and we’re always expanding.”

Weidie shares a long-term perspective on the company’s role in the energy mix:

“There’s going to be a place for propane in the energy picture for decades. It’s affordable, portable, and reliable. We’re well positioned to continue growing and finding new ways to serve our customers.”

75 Years and Just Getting Started

Reaching 75 years is no small feat, especially for a family-owned business.

For Blossman Gas, it represents more than longevity. It represents a commitment to doing things the right way.

Reynolds puts it like this:

“If I had to sum it up, Blossman Gas is a company that truly cares about its employees and its customers, and that’s the foundation for everything we’ve accomplished.”

From a small Gulf Coast startup in 1951 to a thriving, forward-thinking company today, Blossman Gas has built a legacy rooted in people and strengthened by innovation.

And if the past 75 years are any indication, the best is still ahead.