Get On a Truck: Bridging Strategy and Operations in the Propane and Heating Oil Industry
FIRST SEEN IN FUEL OIL NEWS | In the propane and heating oil industry, staying connected with employees and customers is crucial. For many owners, the last time they spent a full day in a truck might be a distant memory, overshadowed by the demands of strategic planning and management. Spending time on a truck making deliveries provided valuable insights and learning opportunities that bridged the gap between strategy and operations. My experience before riding on a truck was largely limited to analyzing financial statements and having discussions with owners and colleagues. However, firsthand exposure to the delivery operations has provided me with deeper, practical insights that have significantly impacted my understanding of the business.
A Common Practice for Some, A Forgotten Experience for Others
While some owners still routinely make deliveries, for others it has been several months or even years since their last time on a truck. This detachment from the day-to-day realities of delivery operations can lead to a disconnect between what is envisioned in the meetings and what happens on the ground. Re-engaging with this aspect of the business can help to understand driver perspectives, ensuring that strategies are grounded in the realities faced by delivery drivers.
Bridging Strategy and Operations
Understanding the challenges and successes drivers encounter every day is critical. A ride-along offers a firsthand look at the operational side of the business. This experience provides a deeper understanding of logistical challenges, customer interactions, and the overall efficiency of delivery processes. By experiencing these firsthand, owners can better align their strategic decisions with operational needs, leading to more practical and effective business strategies.
Uncovering Insights and Reducing Friction
Spending time on a delivery truck allows for informal conversations with drivers. These employees often have a wealth of ideas that can make their day-to-day tasks easier and more efficient. From route optimization to customer service improvements, drivers’ insights can lead to significant enhancements in operations. Engaging in these conversations can uncover creative solutions that might otherwise remain unheard.
Understanding the daily obstacles drivers face helps owners identify areas where friction can be reduced. Whether it’s streamlining paperwork, improving route planning, or enhancing vehicle maintenance protocols, firsthand experience can highlight inefficiencies that need addressing. Making these improvements not only makes the drivers’ jobs easier but also increases overall operational efficiency, leading to better service and cost savings.
Hearing driver feedback offers owners and managers an opportunity to explain how some of the tasks drivers may find repetitive or burdensome help provide the necessary information for making better decisions in the office. This mutual understanding can foster a more cooperative and productive working environment, helping drivers see how their roles play a crucial part in the symphony of the business.
Identifying and Mentoring Potential Leaders
Riding along with an employee who you anticipate could take on a larger role within the company provides an excellent mentoring opportunity. Spending a day in the field allows for in-depth conversations that may not typically happen during a busy office day. This interaction helps in assessing the employee’s understanding of the business, their problem-solving skills, and their potential for leadership roles.
Gaining a 360-Degree View
Getting on a truck gives owners a 360-degree understanding of their business. This holistic view ensures that decisions made at the strategic level are informed by operational realities. At the same time, it offers drivers a chance to increase their understanding of the business, potentially identifying those who have qualities that could make them successful managers. This enhanced perspective enhances the owner’s ability to lead effectively, making them more attuned to both the challenges and the opportunities within the business.
Stepping away from the desk and into a delivery truck is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It is a strategic move that can significantly benefit both the owner and the business. By understanding the daily operations, engaging with employees, and identifying ways to improve efficiency, owners can lead more effectively and ensure their strategies are both practical and impactful. So, next time you find yourself disconnected from the daily grind, remember the value of getting on a truck. It might just be the key to unlocking new opportunities for your business.
Associate, Cetane Associates
First published in Fuel Oil News, September 2024 issue.
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, and HVAC & 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.