Longtime plant manager Dale Parman will retire at the end of March. He has managed the company’s Sheridan location since 1989. Parman says his career with the cooperative has been ever-changing.

“I started as the refined fuel manager and was given the propane plant two years later,” Parman says. After a buyout, we added Lenox, Iowa, to the operation, and the Mt. Ayr plant came later.”

Parman says things have come a long way at MFA Oil since he began working.

“When I started, everything was handwritten, including delivery tickets,” he recalls. “I had a 1500-gallon fuel truck, and the propane trucks were much smaller.”

Many memorable moments stand out from his career, including the opportunity to fuel a movie shot in Lenox.

“We sold them propane to burn houses on set during filming, and also provided refined fuels for vehicles used by the production company,” Parman says.

When asked why he chose to stay with the cooperative for 35 years, Parman says the company’s long-term employees are the number one reason. He also appreciated MFA Oil’s support and the ability to run his plants as if they were his own business.

Parman thanks his previous and current district managers for helping make his plants successful. District Manager Tony Johnson says Parman will be greatly missed by his co-workers and customers.

“I have worked with Dale for several years in different capacities,” Johnson says. “He was always very entuned to his customer’s needs. Dale is very knowledgeable about the products he handles and is always willing to help wherever needed. I wish him the best as he moves into retirement.”

Western Region Vice President Tom Procter says Parman has been a great example to all the employees he’s worked with at his plants.

“Dale operated his locations as if they had his own with his name on the side of the truck and building,” Procter says. “You could tell he took a lot of pride in how he managed his plants. I wish Superman all the best in his retirement.”

Kenny Steeves, senior vice president of MFA Oil operations, says it has been an honor working with Parman for many years.

“I could always count on Dale for professionalism and concern for our member-owners,” Steeves says. “I wish him the best in retirement and hope he can spend time with friends and family.”

In retirement, Parman looks forward to spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids, getting his boat on the water, and enjoying life.