Como Oil & Propane names Jim Olson safety manager
Olson will lead companywide safety and loss prevention efforts
Duluth, MN - Como Oil & Propane has chosen Jim Olson of Duluth to serve as safety manager. Olson will lead companywide efforts to sustain Como's safety culture, benchmark loss prevention performance and ensure that best practices are followed and updated as new advancements are made in the industry.
"Safety is everything in our business and I'm very confident that Jim Olson is the right person to lead our daily quest to keep customers and coworkers safe," said Will Norman, chief operating officer. "We are fortunate to have someone of Jim's caliber, experience and extensive industry knowledge to help all of us stay focused on safety."
Most recently, Olson was chief operations officer at Points North. Prior to that, he served as Como's operations manager and Duluth division general manager. He also held management positions with Hill Pie, Kemp's Fisheries and Luigino's.
"Como has an incredible safety record, and I'm excited to build on that legacy," Olson said.
Founded in 1946 and celebrating 65 years of delivering a lot more than fuel, Duluth-based Como Oil & Propane provides propane and oil to more than 22,000 industrial, commercial and residential customers across Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin through nine local offices and a transport division.
Leadership transition at Como's Grand Marais Office
Duluth, MN - Como Oil and Propane, the regional industry leader in safety and service, would like to give a sincere thank you to Steve Ortmann, retiring manager of Como's Grand Marais office, for his seven years of dedication to the residents of the greater Grand Marais area.
"Steve has been a dynamic leader," said Will Norman, Chief Operations Officer for Como. "He was genuinely committed to making sure Como's Grand Marais division thrived by providing great customer service to residents and businesses in the area."
Luke Janiksela took over managing Como's most northern branch on June 1st. Janiksela began his career with Como over 12 years ago and has held many different roles including filling cylinders, service work, installation, delivery, dispatch, computer systems and most recently, manager of Como's Barnum office. With his recent promotion, Janiksela will manage both the Barnum and Grand Marais divisions.
"Luke is a natural leader," said Norman. "He has worked for the Grand Marais office for many special projects over the last 5 years and knows the people and area well. His experience in all job functions will help the office tremendously."
When asked about his new role, Janiksela had this to say, "Steve Ortmann will be greatly missed. I looked up to him and will work to make him proud by taking great care of our staff and customers in the region."
Janiksela will be assisted in Grand Marais by Rich Palmer, a 19-year Como team member. "Rich has held every position available at Como," said Janiksela. "I respect the commitment he has made to Como and look forward to working with him to expand Como's presence in Northeastern Minnesota."
Founded in 1946 and celebrating 65 years of delivering a lot more than fuel, Duluth-based Como Oil & Propane is the largest regionally owned oil and propane delivery company. Como serves more than 22,000 industrial, commercial and residential customers across Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin with nine local offices and a transport division.
COMO OIL & PROPANE ANNOUNCES INTERNAL PROMOTION
FOR NEW BARNUM DIVISION MANAGER
Barnum, MN – Como Oil & Propane announces the internal promotion of Luke Janiksela to the new manager of Como's Barnum division. Luke has been a part of the Como team for over 10 years now, and has learned the ins and outs of the business working in many different roles, including filling cylinders, service work, installation, delivery, being a part of the delivery department pipeline crew, and most recently he has worked as a "Delivery Specialist."
Luke has really enjoyed serving Como customers over the years from the many different angles of the business, and is excited to build even more customer relationships as he oversees the Barnum operation.
"Luke is a very proficient worker," said Will Norman, Vice President of Sales and Operations. "Having been with the company for over 10 years, he's done it all. Luke is experienced in every facet of the business and customers love him. The new position as Barnum Division Manager was a natural fit because of his can-do attitude – Como wants what is best for their customers and Luke is able to deliver that!"
Como Oil & Propane is a full-service heating fuel supplier providing propane, oil and related services to Northland customers. The company has nine local offices in Duluth, Barnum, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Grand Marais, Tower, Ashland, Cable and Minong. For more information, please visit www.comooilandpropane.com.
Como Oil & Propane names Will Norman chief operating officer
Experienced executive to lead efficiency improvement and safety initiatives
Duluth, MN – Como Oil & Propane has promoted Will Norman to the position of chief operating officer. Norman joined the company in 2005 as regional operations manager and was named vice president of operations and sales in 2006.
Under Norman's operational leadership, Como has achieved excellent safety performance, introduced remote tank monitoring technology to the regional marketplace and improved fuel delivery efficiency to significantly exceed national industry benchmarks.
"In today's dynamic marketplace, it is critical for energy companies to focus on excellent performance today as well as strategic innovation for tomorrow," says John Heino, Como president and CEO. "Will Norman is the perfect leader to ensure we serve our customers safely and efficiently every day. His expanded role will allow me to concentrate more on strategic initiatives to help Como adapt for future success."
Prior to joining Como, Norman acquired leadership and managerial skills through more than 22 years of experience in sales, operations and human resource management in a variety of industries, including regional oversight of sales and operations for Beckley Cardy. Norman earned a B.S. degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and numerous professional certifications in sales and operations.
"We have a super team of skilled and dedicated coworkers at Como who have made our improvements possible," says Norman. "I look forward to continuing to work with them to make sure we remain the best in the business for decades to come."
Founded in 1946, Duluth-based Como Oil & Propane is the largest regionally owned oil and propane delivery company, serving more than 22,000 industrial, commercial and residential customers across Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin through nine local offices and a transport division.
Como Oil & Propane completes one year without a lost-time injury
Safety-conscious coworkers credited with milestone achievement
Duluth, MN – The 107 employees of Como Oil & Propane and its Twin Ports Transport division recently completed one year without a single lost-time injury. Achieving one of the business world's major safety milestones is even more impressive for Como because its employees are routinely called upon to deliver fuel to customers in hazardous conditions such as icy rural roads, driveways and remote tank locations.
"All the credit goes to our safety-conscious employees," says Como Oil & Propane CEO John Heino. "We certainly make every effort to provide effective training and a supportive work environment, but it's the individual decisions our people make when nobody is watching that allow Como to be an industry leader in safety."
The track record of Como's Twin Ports Transport division is even more remarkable. TPT drivers have gone more than 12 years without a lost-time injury.
Founded in 1946, Duluth-based Como Oil & Propane is the largest regionally owned oil and propane delivery company, serving more than 22,000 industrial, commercial and residential customers across Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin through nine local offices and a transport division.
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