Page 18 - jul-aug 2023
P. 18
Navigating Propane Equipment
Navigating Propane Equipment
Finance in 2023: Part 1
Finance in 2023: Part 1
How to determine the best equipment finance
solution for your propane business
M ment finance solutions that are available, we will
By: Paula Summers
Before we discuss the different equip-
y education as a civil and environ-
mental engineer, plus 20 years in
the real estate development indus-
identify the types of equipment and software in
try, has provided me with valuable
project management and problem-solving the propane industry that are common finance-
able capital expenditures.
skills — a rather uncommon preparation for the • Vehicles — bobtails, crane trucks, service
finance business. I joined Vision Financial Group trucks and vans, work trucks, transport
Inc. in 2017, a company started by my father in trailers
1991, and set forth to learn about equipment • Tanks — bulk storage facilities,storage
finance. tanks
Now having fully transitioned from the • Autogas — vehicle conversions, refueling
engineering world to the finance world over stations
the last six years, during which time I obtained • Tank monitors and monitoring software
my Certified Lease Finance Professional Certifi- • Logistics/route management software
cation, my expertise has shifted from analyzing • Cylinders and cages
pipe diameters and protected tree species to Some businesses will use cash to ac-
understanding the different types of equipment quire these assets instead of finance options.
finance solutions available to United States busi- While that is a viable solution for some capital
nesses. acquisitions, this article will focus specifically
The purpose of this series is to provide on financing options available in the propane
an overview of the types of equipment finance industry and why companies may choose these
solutions available in the market, as well as tips different options and in which scenarios. Primar-
and strategies to help guide you through the ily, companies choose to finance equipment and
financing approval process. software to preserve cash, facilitate growth and
maintain working capital.
18 Alabama Propane Gas Association | July / August 2023
