Meet John:
From High School Helper to Operations Manager at Euliss Propane
When it comes to keeping things running smoothly at North Carolina propane company, Euliss, Operations Manager John Hodges is the guy to call. From humble beginnings washing and painting tanks in high school to leading operations, John has done it all. We caught up with him to discuss his journey, a typical day in his role and how new technology is shaping propane services.
Q&A with John Hodges
Euliss Propane Operations Manager
What did you do before becoming Operations Manager at Euliss?
My story at Euliss goes way back! I worked here part-time in high school when I wasn’t playing football or at school—washing and painting propane tanks. After that, I went to college and became a career firefighter. I started as a delivery driver part-time on my days off from the Cary Fire Department, eventually leading to a full-time role in service.
Chris Stanley and I saw a great opportunity in the management area, so we decided to take on a full-time service role. I became the lead service tech for a few years before transitioning into operations management. And now, until Seth takes over, I’m also handling sales—so I’ve truly done just about every aspect of the business!
What’s a typical day like for you?
First thing in the morning, I block off about an hour to answer questions, handle job-related issues and ensure everything runs smoothly for our service techs and drivers. Then, I take care of scheduling—reviewing open work orders, ordering parts, aligning with contractors and making sure we meet deadlines.
I also oversee vehicle maintenance, ensuring our trucks are in top shape with inspections, new tires, brakes and other servicing. After that, I spend time on big-picture company growth—looking at profitability, new technology, expansion opportunities and areas where we can improve. Beyond that, my day is all about answering questions and solving problems as they come up!
How many trucks does Euliss have?
We currently have seven delivery trucks and six service trucks on the road.
I’m curious: what’s the breakdown between residential and commercial customers?
We’re about 80-85% residential, with the rest being agriculture or commercial. Residential gas is our niche—it’s what we do best. That said, we’re always looking at opportunities to expand on the commercial side.
What technology has made the biggest impact on your job?
When it comes to innovation, technology has been a game-changer! Here are some of the most significant innovations helping us improve efficiency:
- Cargas Software: Our delivery and service trucks are equipped with tablets running Cargas Energy, allowing us to see live job updates, process invoices faster and generate estimates on-site.
- Tank Monitoring: Real-time propane level tracking helps prevent unexpected outages, especially in extreme weather or for generator usage.
- FaceTime Troubleshooting: A surprisingly effective tool for assisting service techs and customers with real-time problem-solving, helping us resolve issues faster without unnecessary service calls.
- New Sensor Technology: We’re rolling out advanced sensors for our 120-gallon tanks, eliminating inaccurate gauge readings and providing more reliable data.
Safety is a big deal at Euliss. What measures do you have in place?
Safety is our top priority. Coming from a fire service background, I’ve always had a safety-first mindset. Every team member must complete 48 hours of training per year, with a big focus on safety and preventative measures.
We partner with a third-party company to handle our safety training, ensuring that drivers, service techs and even office personnel stay up-to-date on propane safety and best practices for bobtail operations. Our drivers must also recertify their HAZMAT endorsement every five years, which involves passing a written test on hazardous material handling.
By keeping our team trained and prepared, we ensure we’re handling gas safely—not just for ourselves but for our customers and the general public.
Outside of work, how do you juggle everything?
I stay busy! In addition to my role at Euliss, I’m also a husband and dad, so my time is full of family activities. I’m also involved in ministry, which I’m passionate about. On top of that, I went back to school to get a business certificate—it’s a one-year program at a community college. I’ll graduate in May, so that’ll be one thing off my plate. It takes a lot of organization, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s all about making time for what matters most and being intentional with every part of life.
What creates the team environment at Euliss?
The team is very big for me. One of my main goals is to make sure we’re more like a family than just coworkers. I believe spending time together outside normal work hours is essential.
We host a Christmas party at the end of every year where all our families come together. The kids enjoy Santa Claus and presents, we distribute year-end bonuses, and everyone enjoys a great meal. We invite retired employees and their families and even welcome people from the community. It’s a special night for everyone’s families to connect, eat and have fun together. Our kids really look forward to it, and I think everyone here anticipates this gathering each year.
During the summer months, we started closing midday on Fridays, which creates new opportunities for team building. Some of our guys enjoy golf, so I make it a point to go golfing with them about once a month. These outings let me get to know them beyond just being coworkers.
The Heart Behind Our Service.
John Hodges’ journey at Euliss proves that hard work, experience and a willingness to learn can take you far. Whether solving logistical challenges, exploring new tech or following safety protocols, John plays a vital role in keeping Euliss running at its best.
