Risk & Business Magazine Nesbit Agencies Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 26

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT GROEBNER: Natural Gas Solutions Done Right G ROEBNER is a leader in the energy industry, acting as a strategic sourcing partner and manufacturers’ representative for natural gas utilities and their contractors. Their specializations are in the sales, stock, and consultation of natural gas distribution products — from the pipeline to the meter. Additionally, they provide after-market maintenance, repair, and training to ensure the efficient and safe functioning of natural gas distribution to the public. But where did the company start? How did the company get to where it is today? In 1976, Chuck Groebner saw a void in the energy industry. Chuck got his start working as a sales representative, calling on many regional natural gas companies to service and sell gas appliances. Having spent 20 years in the energy industry, he was approached by several manufacturers who needed an independent representative to sell their products in the upper Midwest. Seeing the need for a reliable source of distribution products for natural gas, he started GROEBNER (initially known as Groebner & Associates, Inc.). The transition was a straightforward one. He already had contacts, knowledge, service, sales, and support skills in the energy industry, so 26 leveraging those to start GROEBNER was a clear choice. The current president, Joe Groebner, has been in this role since 1995. He initially joined the company in 1980, helping to maintain the culture of integrity, quality, and service that the company was founded upon. Over the years, GROEBNER has built a superior network of suppliers that continues to progress. The internal team h