July 1, 2021
Employee Spotlight: What’s a Great Employee? These Two Demonstrate What That Means & What it Takes
Art Ravo | Exemplary Ethics and Reputation – A Work of “Art”
Art Ravo, Vice President – Supply Chain, reports to Jeff Ruffner, Executive Vice President, Operations. Art has an impressive tenure with Paraco — a key contributor to Paraco for over three decades. With our organization 32 years now, he has amassed a wealth of knowledge about the industry. Art’s main responsibility is the purchasing of our propane supply. This might sound simple but in actuality, it’s a very complex task with many moving parts involving the delicate balance and active streamlining of our organization’s supply-side activities to maximize customer value and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Jeff explains, “Art works with up to 18 suppliers to get us the best price, and at the same time, making sure we never run out of product”. Further, Jeff says Art does so much more than that, adding “Art is one of the most respected individuals in the industry. When talking to an industry expert prior to my joining Paraco, his comment to me was ‘If Art Ravo is making a move on purchasing or hedging, everyone else is two weeks behind’”.
Andy Mirchin, Director of Market Development expressed “the utmost respect for Art. His listening skill set and fairness make him a special individual Paraco is fortunate to have”. Donna Howay, Senior Manager – Procurement & Special Projects works with Art and recognizes him for being “an exemplary and essential employee at Paraco throughout my entire career. He has mentored not only me but others to be confident, understanding, motivated and fair professionals who maintain strong business ethics and who strive to improve both personally and professionally. Arthur’s perseverance and integrity during hectic times speak volumes to his ability to pivot and manage situationally. His encouragement and advice has led me to places I never thought I would go.”
James McGinty | Admired & Expert Service Technician
James is Lead Service Technician, working out of our Brewster, NY facility. Reporting to Jarett Forzano, Area Manager, James is responsible for servicing customers and ensuring the Brewster location has the necessary inventory to complete all work needed. James has the reputation of being the go-to guy, always willing to jump in and help with a task, even if it’s outside his scope of responsibilities. James takes pride in his work and pays attention to the fine details of a job.
An eager mentor to others who want to learn the trade, James particularly stands out because of his extensive knowledge and years in the propane industry. Jarett attests to the extensive value James brings to his job, customers and industry, stating “James is a wealth of knowledge. He’s an individual you can go to with questions and he will always have the answers. If he doesn’t, he’ll help find them. His service vehicle is always stocked so that no matter what job he goes to, he is prepared and able to accomplish the task with the needed tools and materials.” Jarett further explains that James “doesn’t need direction to get things done. He takes charge and successfully completes tasks. And in times of need, James will step up and do extra just to help out”.
Will Fabrizio, Director of Production and Northeast Service says of James, “[He] is a pillar of the Brewster team and an incredibly valuable voice not only pertaining to his service knowledge, but to his knowledge of the area’s needs. He is a true ‘Propane Expert’ and is our go-to resource for out-of-the-box situations needing a creative solution”.