Our Story
Arrick's Propane is a family-owned and operated propane provider. We have been operating for over seventy years with the same values we began with. From starting with a used pickup truck and a kitchen table to serving hundreds of our neighbors all across the tri-state area of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Our dedication to honesty, fairness, and service has set us apart from our competition and built strong relationships between Arrick's and the communities we serve.
The Early Years
By 1958, two more sons had been added to Ralph’s family, giving him and his wife three sons. In this year Ralph decided to build a gas station and the business expanded to be Arrick’s Gas and Oil with the addition of the delivery of fuel oils to customers’ homes. Ralph felt that these two additions fit in well with his existing business of propane. So, bulk plant storage of fuel oils and propane was built and Ralph dropped his association with Pyrofax to become his own independent business with the help of his wife and 3 full-time employees as well as a few part-timers. In 1963, a great opportunity arose for the small business. A bottle delivery and fuel competitor of similar size to Ralph’s successful business was going to be sold. Although it caused some tough financial times and many loans had to be taken, Ralph seized the opportunity that was right in front of him. Around this same time though the young family and business fell on some hard times as a truck wreck nearly took the lives of Ralph Sr. and his youngest son, Ralph Jr. The business hit a slump while Ralph Sr. was laid up for several months. Not long after the accident, nearly half of Ralph’s propane customers were lost to natural gas service expansions.. This, of course, caused a financial strain on the up-and-coming business. Because of the success of the oil business, the company persevered.
The 60’s and 70’s
Through the late ’60s and early ’70s, the business continued its growth and success, especially the propane business. In 1972, the company was tested through the oil embargo, and due to the embargo, a tough time of price controls. Despite these things though, things were looking up for the company as loans were being paid off and business was booming.
Through the tough times, the strength of this business and its owner has shown through. In 1976, Ralph Jr., the youngest son of Ralph Sr. and his wife, Louise, joined Arrick’s full time. Ralph and Louise’s other two sons had since found successful careers in other fields. With the addition of Ralph Jr., a true family business was formed – father, mother, and son. In 1978, Ralph Jr. married Patty Roe who would later help in the business by becoming the payroll clerk and a secretary as well as raise her and Ralph Jr.’s 3 children.
The 80’s and 90’s
By 1980, the business had grown to include three small gas stations, the fuel and propane businesses, and around fifteen full-time employees and a few part-time workers. In the 1990s is when the ride really began for the company. This was a decade of great growth.
In 1991, Ralph Jr. became manager of Arrick’s Gas and Oil. Because of his youth and enthusiasm, Ralph Jr. jumped in with both feet and began taking risks right away. He was very aggressive in his growth ideas, and with the help of some very fine employees, the business expanded rapidly. Ralph Sr. continued to help his son with his knowledge of the business that he had acquired through many years of experience.
During the 1990’s offices in Peebles and Proctorville, Ohio; and South Portsmouth, Kentucky were opened to expand the area of service. In addition, during this decade more trucks and tanks were added to keep up with the demand and more employees were added to better serve the growing number of customers. In 1998, the decision was made to discontinue the gasoline and fuel oil businesses to focus on the growing propane business, changing the name to Arrick's Propane.
2000 - 2010
In the year 2000, a great loss to the business and the family behind the business occurred when Ralph Sr. passed away. In the 2000's Arrick’s has added two more family members to the business. Josh Greene, who is Ralph Jr.’s son-in-law, was hired as manager of the South Portsmouth office. Josh is married to Ralph’s oldest daughter Jayme and they have two sons. Josh has a Business degree from Shawnee State University.
Ralph Jr.’s youngest child, Josh Arrick was hired in 2008. Josh graduated in May of 2008 from Asbury College with his degree in Business Management. He was hired as Arrick’s Business Development Manager. In 2011, Arrick's opened an office in Grayson, Ky serving Carter, Boyd, and parts of Elliott County. In 2013, Arrick's signed an agreement with Alliance Autogas, making Arrick's the exclusive installer and servicer of America's online complete propane alternative fuel program in our area.
In 2017, Arrick's opened a new retail office in Mount Orab, Ohio to better serve customers in western Brown, Highland, Clermont, Clinton, and Warren counties.
2020 and Beyond
Arrick’s continues to be a family-owned business. It has grown to include over 45 delivery bobtails, 3 semi transports, 7 retail offices, 12 satellite bulk plants and over 90 employees. A company that was started from a part-time job that was going to last three years has now been in business for 70 years. Delivering comfort since 1952!