One of these women works in the manufacturing and marketing side of the heating industry and when it comes to knowing her company’s products, whether it’s a furnace or boiler, she is on her game at all levels. In 2009, I had the distinct honor to present her with then NAOHSM Associate of the Year award (now Oil and Energy Service Professionals) for both her compassion and the many years of dedication to both this industry and a company. A true icon!

            Most of the time I do not mention names, but I’m going to make an exception to my own rule. Julie, as she is known, doesn’t just work for a family oil company that was established in 1898 and located in Rhode Island; she is a vital link to its success. She arrived at this company out of high school and has been a faithful part of its success for several years. Julie always displays a take charge attitude and can make correct decisions on her own, weather it be service related, billing, budgets, or those ever nagging “What’s the price of oil?” calls.

            Some I have witnessed during my business calls to this company and when you talk to the owner the company, you soon learn that Julie is recognized as one of the family and the life blood of the business’s success. Then there is Alice the co-owner and president of a family owned and operated supply company. Alicecould well retire, but due to her dedication to her customers, she can be found daily at the counter greeting and serving their needs. Over the years Alice has gained a wealth of product knowledge and can assist in solving many trade related issues.

Take a moment after reading this article and reflect on a woman or women in your own company. Are they the ones that seldom receive any gratitude for what they do on a daily basis? Let’s not forget that many of these same women are wives and mothers at the end of the day! I would also call them company defenders. Why? Because they get to address every issue from the customer’s viewpoint and shield others from an often stressful and challenging situation, while maintaining the integrity of management and ownership.

             Women rarely get to leave the office (except for lunch) unlike most of the owners and managers and are generally the last to know when it comes to a policy change. Sound familiar?

            I recently had a credit card issue that involved over a thousand dollars in non-authorized charges that were applied to my company credit card. It too was processed and corrected by a woman from my own company. It’s been said that behind every good man is a woman. So to that end I agree and will close by saying hats off to all the women in the industry—let’s show our appreciation when they least expect it.

Clean
Research conducted at Brookhaven National Labs shows that Oilheat advances have reduced oil burner emissions to near zero levels. The new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission ratings affirm that oil burners are now one of the cleanest combustion sources in the United States.

Comfortable
One of the main things buyers want in a home—whether new or pre-owned—is comfort. (If you can’t be comfortable in your own home, where can you be?) That’s why the choice of heating fuel used in a home is so important. Oilheat is a smart choice. It keeps families snug, cozy and comfortable throughout the entire heating season—and supplies plenty of hot water as well.

Efficient
The cost of heat is also very important to homebuyers. Today’s Oilheat appliances offer energy efficiencies 83% to 94%. That means from 83 to 94 cents of every dollar spent on fuel goes to heating the house and the hot water used in it. This outstanding efficiency does wonders for the family budget!

Reliable
With Oilheat, homeowners have a secure supply of fuel right on their own property. When additional fuel is needed, it is readily supplied by dependable local oil dealers. With over 36 oil-producing countries, the U.S. is not dependent on any one region—and totalproven reserves are about 60% higher than they were in 1985. All this makes oil the dependable heating fuel of choice.

Safe
Homeowners will appreciate Oilheat’s safety for a variety of reasons. Home heating oil will NOT explode and is not even combustible at room temperature. It has to be heated to 140°F. before it vaporizes. In addition, an Oilheat system will give off smoke and turn itself off before emitting dangerous carbon monoxide. And having an oil tank allows homeowners to have their own supply safely stored on their property.

Environmentally Friendly
Today’s homeowners are aware of the importance of environmental protection. That’s another reason why they like Oilheat. Air polluting emissions from Oilheat are insignificant, and oil storage tanks offer no threat to the environment. Fuel oil is biodegradable. Oilheat is not only best for homeowners—it’s best for our planet as well.

• Storage
• Hydronic
• Forced Air
• Radiant
• Hot Water
• Heating & Air Conditioning
• Fireplaces & Decorative Stoves

Oilheat is versatile—it can be used in forced air, boilers or radiant appliances. Air conditioners, air cleaners and humidification systems can be added, radiant tubing can keep driveways and walkways free of ice and snow. Great for pools and hot tubs. Oil can be stored outdoors above ground or underground—in garages, basements, or utility rooms. Many of today’s tanks are even guaranteed against leaking. Tank enclosures can be custom-built to complement the style of home.