Mary Skipton committed her life savings to
launch Energon. She believed the energy business represented a long-term growth opportunity regardless of what the short-term economic outlook might be.
She chose natural gas because she anticipated the opportunities that deregulation of
the natural gas industry in Illinois would create. It was also the environmental fuel of
choice. In 1992, it was difficult to launch a
capital-intensive business in a male-dominated industry controlled by large multinational companies. Even with her management and executive experience, it took considerable time and effort to establish independent credit relationships.
There are always business challenges and
obstacles to contend with that are out of
ownership’s control. For Skipton and
Energon, some of those challenges included:
historically low prices for natural gas, which
discouraged people to commit to Energon’s
cost-savings program; high prices caused by
weather-related and global incidents, resulting in supply disruptions; and reluctance of
some large companies to commit natural gas
procurement and management to a small,
privately held company.
Skipton overcame those obstacles
because she established strong and trusting
relationships with her customers, utilities
and suppliers, and she also earned their
respect by always ensuring the company
met its financial obligations.
Skipton has always believed that the key
to success and profitability was not how
many customers you have but who you
have as customers. As a result, she has
always controlled the company’s growth,
and it now has an elite group of customers
who help drive its profitability.
HOW TO REACH: Energon Inc., (312) 443-5700