Press Releases

Cetane Associates Partners with Safe House Project to Launch In-Home Service Provider Training Program

HOUSTON, Texas – January 17, 2025 – Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is proud to announce its partnership with Safe House Project (“Safe House”) to introduce a groundbreaking training initiative designed to empower HVAC, pest management, propane, heating oil, landscaping, and lawncare professionals with the knowledge to identify and respond to human trafficking. This transformative program, supported and fully funded by Barrett Conway, Managing Director of Cetane, marks a significant step in equipping service providers with tools to make a difference in their communities.

“Service professionals enter homes and businesses every day, often becoming trusted members of their communities,” said Barrett Conway, CEO of Cetane Associates. “Cetane is honored to partner with Safe House, supporting their mission to help survivors of human trafficking and create a brighter, safer future for all. Taking the time to watch these videos can make a world of difference. Workers in the service industry are in a unique position to spot the signs of human trafficking, and by doing so, they can play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable individuals and making a lasting impact on their communities.”

The initiative includes comprehensive training videos designed to help service providers recognize potential trafficking situations. The content focuses on identifying key indicators such as unusual behaviors, physical signs, and environmental cues. By presenting real-world scenarios and expert guidance, the training empowers participants to respond appropriately. The program also includes a certification process available on Cetane’s website, where employers and employees can complete a brief quiz after viewing the materials.

Kristi Wells, CEO of Safe House Project, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “In-home service providers have a unique vantage point into spaces where trafficking might occur. This training equips them with the tools to intervene and potentially save lives. We are deeply grateful to Cetane, Barrett Conway, and their partners for their commitment to this life-changing work.”

This training program is part of a broader effort to address the staggering statistic that 99% of trafficking victims in the United States go unnoticed. By increasing awareness and providing actionable steps, the initiative aims to empower workers in the HVAC, pest control, propane delivery, and other in-home service industries to play a critical role in combating human trafficking.

Barrett Conway, along with key collaborators Jeff Woosnam of Star Group, Bruce Spiridonoff of Tevis Energy, and Pat Beyer of Beyer Boys, worked closely with Safe House Project to develop this impactful training. The program highlights Cetane’s dedication to supporting survivors of trafficking and fostering a brighter future for vulnerable individuals.

About Cetane Associates

Cetane is a leading provider of financial advisory services to business owners in the propane, heating oil, pest control, lawn care, landscaping, HVAC, and plumbing industries. Clients engage Cetane to advise on sales, spin-offs, and acquisitions, as well as to perform valuation and ad hoc corporate finance assignments. For more information, please visit www.cetane.com.

About Safe House Project

Safe House Project is a national leader in combating child sex trafficking. Since its founding in 2017, Safe House Project has provided over 174,000 safe nights annually for survivors and continues to advocate for education, prevention, and survivor care. Through initiatives like this training, Safe House Project ensures that every child has the opportunity to live free from exploitation and fear. For more information, visit www.safehouseproject.org.


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We were very pleased to have such a knowledgeable and experienced company in our corner with the team at Cetane. It was obvious that they knew the best process and how to get the ball over the goal line. Their advice throughout the process was greatly appreciated and we thoroughly enjoyed working with them.

— Steve Lombardi, Brodeur’s Oil, Moosup, CT