Ferralgas

Ever wondered about the hidden stories behind the everyday objects we use? Ferralgas, right here on Holmes Road, might seem like just another propane supplier. But its story connects to a much larger narrative, one that stretches from a small-town storefront in Kansas to a nationwide enterprise. Ferralgas started as A.C. Ferrell Butane Gas Company in Atchison, Kansas, in 1939. A.C. Ferrell, the founder, was a man of resilience. He navigated the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl years. He and his wife, Mabel, built the business together, with A.C. handling sales and Mabel managing the operations. The company found early success after World War II, catering to the rising consumer demand for modern amenities. Ferralgas even used creative marketing tactics, like outfitting a trailer as a model kitchen to entice customers. Tragedy struck in 1952 with Mabel’s passing, leaving a void in the business. A.C. tried diversifying into furniture and televisions but eventually returned to propane. When son James Ferrell joined in 1965, the company was down to just four employees. James, however, had a vision for growth. He renamed the company Ferrellgas, initiating an era of expansion. He adopted his parents’ team approach, with his wife, Zibbie, handling finances. Ferrellgas strategically acquired other propane businesses, including portions of Buckeye Gas Products Company in 1984 and the rest in 1986. This transformed Ferrellgas into a national player. The company even dipped its toes into the natural gas liquids market with the purchase of Kathol Petroleum, later renamed Indian Wells Oil Company. This was later sold for a profit, demonstrating James Ferrell’s shrewd business acumen. By 1994, Ferrellgas was listed on the New York Stock Exchange as a Master Limited Partnership, a pioneering move in the propane industry. This innovative approach facilitated further growth, with over 50 independent propane companies acquired. Remarkably, this included Skelgas, a company where A.C. Ferrell’s grandfather had once been a dealer, bringing the story full circle. And right here in Houston, at 99 Holmes Road, you see a piece of that larger story, a testament to the vision and resilience of a family business that has fueled homes and businesses for generations.