2011 marked the 60th Anniversary of Sparling’s Propane.

The 60th anniversary is one more accomplishment for Canada's Oldest Propane Company.

On August 13, 2011, Sparling's Propane quietly celebrated 60 years in the propane business. "Sure, business longevity is a credit to everyone involved, but one thing is clear. No business succeeds if the people in it forget their primary purpose: Taking Care of the Customer," says Founder Grant Sparling. "Service is the cornerstone of this company and 60 years confirms that our simple philosophy remains relevant," adds Grant.

There were branch luncheons, cakes, and short speeches, but rather than host extensive celebrations for the company, Grant requested that opportunities were created to share the anniversary with others. And using multiples of 60, the company supported a variety of charitable groups and organizations across Ontario. Support included donations to capital campaigns, community relief organizations, tickets to special events and gifts-in-kind. All designed to assist people in the communities Sparling’s serves.

1954 - Small Town but Land of Promise

From a newspaper article Written May 14, 1954. By Dorothy Howarth Telegram Staff Reporter

Blyth, Ontario - Some head for the city, but the smart™ ones head for the village, especially if they want to start their own business. Many villages are almost the same now as they were in pioneer days. The village is the last frontier and the land of opportunity.

Today the young men keep stores or small factories or filling stations, build homes, join service clubs, pay their taxes, keep the village running and hope to die wealthy. Grant R. Sparling, 31, at the moment is only hoping to get his building paid for, but if his past five years in the village of Blyth are the barometer of his future, he is going to be in a position to pay for a mighty fine tombstone.

Banker to Merchant Mr. Sparling was born in Forest, Ontario, and was an accountant at the Bank of Commerce in Kitchener. But in the back of his mind he always had the idea of owning a store in Blyth, where he was stationed with the bank before Kitchener. 'Hardware, because it appealed to me, but I'd been working in the bank for 10 years and even though I saved, I didn't have $10,000.' But he did have a close friend, B.R. Speiran, who had been in the air force. With his gratuities Mr. Speiran bought the Blyth hardware business when the owner retired. 'One day Vern Speiran walked into the Kitchener bank and said 'Do you want my business? I've got the urge to go back in the air force.' So I said 'I sure do' and I got it,' explains Mr. Sparling. 'I didn't have the money. I had to borrow to get the business, but the village and my friend trusted me,' said Mr. Sparling.

Four years later Mr. Sparling has paid for the business, has a completely stocked, large hardware store, and is now buying the big building itself.

1958 - A Propane Range for the Armstrong's

In addition to "shelf and heavy hardware", Grant sold appliances at his store, including gas ranges and starting in 1951, he sold the propane to go with them. So began Grant's entry into the propane business.

The first Sparling's Customer was Jim and Dorothy Armstrong, who purchased a propane range for their home on Drummond Street, in the village of Blyth.

Today, the Armstrong home is owned by Dave and Rose Lee, and their family counts on Sparling's Propane for central heating, lots of hot water, and a warm workshop in the backyard, too.

1958 - Reliable Cylinder Service

In the early years, Sparling's Propane was only sold in 100-pound cylinders, then often referred to as 'bottled gas.'

While Grant eventually owned over 1000 cylinders, it began with he and Howard Wallace, his first employee, who delivered cylinders to homes and farms in a 45-mile radius of Blyth.

Today, Propane Cylinders are available in a broad range of sizes, and are most often associated with barbecues and recreation, fork-lifts and industrial cutting, and construction heating.

1958 - A Red & White Truck

With the construction of a small bulk plant at the south edge of the village in 1955 and the purchase of a bulk delivery truck in 1957, Grant began uninterrupted service to most propane applications.

The first delivery truck was red and white.

At that time, there were many small, medium and large propane companies in southwestern Ontario. Grant's genuine commitment to fair pricing and Customer service helped him stand out in a crowded field.

Great people, Consistent Customer Pricing™, and 24 Hour Service remain the qualities 9 out of 10 Sparling's Customers most admire today.

1960 - Meeting the Challenges

While cylinders were easily transported and handled, bulk propane tanks presented certain obvious challenges.

Through the 1950's and 60's, Sparling's used special trailers to deliver and install tanks, a procedure that required a loaded trailer to be backed across a Customer's yard to the desired location. The tank was then lowered into position.

Fleet colour was changed to blue and white in 1960.

Cranes replaced trailers in the 1970's and today, ensure faster and safer tank delivery and installation.

1974 - Regional Philosophy

In 1967, Grant sold his hardware store in Clinton, and in 1970 began construction of a new larger bulk propane plant south of Blyth.

The first Sparling's office was built in 1977. Until that time, the office had been in the hardware store.

The Blyth plant has been expanded and upgraded several times and today, covers 9 acres. Grant's philosophy on distribution and Customer service however, remains unchanged: to develop a network of large, regional propane distribution centres and service large, regional markets - with a peerless commitment to Customer service.

1975 - A Family Affair

From an early age, Grant's sons, Steven and David, worked in the business, after school, weekends and during summer holidays. They washed trucks, cut grass and painted. And painted.

Today, each Sparling's Branch hires hard working, responsible students and young people as part of the 'Summer Crew'. They work with a minimum of supervision - and are encouraged to develop leadership and team skills.

Sparling's Propane is still 100 percent owned by the family, and Grant, Steven and David are active in particular segments of company operations.

1977 - Community Pride

The 'gasoline crisis' of the 1970's prompted the message of energy conservation across North America - evident on this parade float. Grant and Mildred Sparling shared in the celebration of the Village of Blyth's Centennial in 1977.

Community pride is demonstrated in many ways by the people at Sparling's Propane. The Company supports over 350 groups, organizations and events annually, across Ontario. You'll see employees active in your community, too. In service clubs and organizations, agencies, sports and churches, and through financial support provided by the Sparling's Employee Fund.

1994 - Goodbye to Hardware

In 1979, Grant sold his hardware store in Blyth, to concentrate on the growing propane business. He even suggested he may semi-retire...

To better define the propane supply and transportation operations, SLT - Sparling's Liquid Transport was established in 1981, as a specialized carrier of propane, butane, anhydrous products and industrial gases.

To industry, SLT became recognized as a specialized carrier with qualified, knowledgeable people, a large fleet of modern, well maintained equipment, and reliable service to central Canada, and as far south as Florida, Louisiana and California.

1990's - Here We Grow...

The 1990's was a period of sustained growth and exciting change at Sparling's Propane.

A new, regional distribution facility was built at Flesherton in 1993, to service Customers from Port Elgin to Tobermory, from Midland to Woodbridge, and all points in between.

Great Western Resources of Toronto purchased SLT in 1996. That same year, sparlings.com was launched on the world wide web.

In 1997, the construction of a new, regional distribution facility at Brechin extended service from Parry Sound to Haliburton, east to Hastings and south to Bowmanville.

Sparling's purchased the bulk propane business of Caledon Propane, a dynamic young company in Bolton, in 1998.

2000 - People. Technology. Service

The use of practical technology to improve efficiency and safety is part of day to day operations at Sparling's Propane.

Sparling's bulk delivery trucks for example, are the industry's most electronically advanced, with on board computers and satellite uplink capability. Even wireless remotes that enable drivers to safely control truck functions when out of the cab.

Technology though, only helps Sparling's provide service. It's the hard working men and women who deliver it - 24 Hours a day.

2001 - Thank You for the First 50 Years

Many years ago, Grant circulated a timeless Service Memo to all employees. He reminded everyone that, at Sparling's:

'It's about service. Not propane. It's about a friendly, cooperative voice on the phone. It's a knowledgeable service man, who shows up on time and takes his boots off at the door. It's a Clean shave, a Clean uniform, and a Clean truck. It's a fair price. It's a smile at the door. It's saying, 'thank you', to our Customers - for being our Customers. That's what we sell around here.'

On with the next 50 years.