Staff Bios

Bill Ermer, President & Owner

Department: Management

Years with Company/Industry: owned since 1969

Role: Work with management to set programs & policies and procedures. Assist customers, purchase Propane & Fuel Oil for the company, work with the marketing team.

Favorite Quote: “It is what it is!”

Memorable Moment: I had a customer that received one of our many communication items regarding the volatility of the pricing and supply of the fuel market. They were so impressed with the way we were communicating with our customers, they actually called a reporter and praised me and my company for being so honest and caring towards its customers.

Joe Trefethen, General Manager

Department: Management

Years in Company/Industry: Started in energy business in 1989

Role: Responsible for growth and forward momentum of Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil Company. As General Manager, I work with all departments to ensure that our customers receive the best possible service.

Favorite Quote: “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

Jim Krzywicki, Operations Manager

Department: Operations

Years with Company/Industry: 31

Role: responsible for facility building & maintenance. Vehicle & equipment purchasing and vehicle maintenance.

Memorable Moment: With 31 years with Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil I have had so many great customer experiences, there are too many to list. We truly have great customers and I enjoy being able to serve them.

Charlie Ermer, Supply & Pricing Manager

Department: Administration

Years with Company/Industry: Since 1989.

Role: Maintains liquid product supply and contracts. Develops customer pricing programs.

Favorite Quote: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”

Memorable Moment: I remember one of our customers just moved into their new home and realized they did not set up an account and they were out of fuel. Palmer Gas/Ermer Oil dispatched their on-call driver to make an emergency delivery and our customer was so thankful and gracious we were able to get them back up and running.

Joanne Ermer, HR Director

Department: Human Resources – IT

Years with Company/Industry: 20 years

Role: I have many roles in the company. My main role is Human Resources and training.

Favorite Quote: “Coming Soon”

Memorable Moment: One Saturday, I was here working in the office trying to catch up on some work. The office is closed on Saturday but I happened to be downstairs near the front door and noticed this cute lady knocking on the door. I went to the door and opened it and asked if I could help her. She was a long time customer who lived in Ackerman’s Trailer park down the street.

She was very upset about a bill she received for service work and wanted to talk about the situation. I had her explain everything and told her I would talk to the service manager on Monday and get back to her. We had a very nice conversation and she gave me a big hug and thanked me for taking care of the situation.From then on, her and her husband would always ask to see me when they came in the office to pay their bill. We had a nice relationship and we would reminisce about the first day we met on that cold Saturday.

They have since moved to Florida but I still think of them and miss them coming to the office to visit.

Jessica Barnhart, Office Supervisor

Department: Office

Years with Company/Industry: Since 2006

Role: Supervise New Accounts and Billing Departments. Also oversee and supervise the Front Desk and Receptionist.

Favorite Quote: “No ONE can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it.”

Memorable Moment: A customer called me about 6 months ago stating that he wanted to cancel his account. He was somewhat vague on his reasons and the tone in his voice was short. Upon pressing him I learned that his wife had just passed away. He was calling because he needed to watch his money due to having just lost one income. I told him I would bring his price down a little to help him out. He was very pleased and I was able to save the customer. He is still a customer and has told me the sole reason he has remained a customer is because of me. I was happy to save a customer and very happy to help him out after finding out his situation.

Bill Griggs, Delivery Supervisor

Department: Delivery

Years with Company/Industry:
Since 2005

Role: As Delivery Supervisor, my primary duties are to ensure the distribution of product to our customers is timely and non-invasive. We strive to ensure each and every customer gets timely deliveries from our professional staff of drivers. I also work closely with our dispatch and scheduling teams to ensure our distribution chain is efficient and forward thinking.

Favorite Quote: “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” –Mark Twain

Memorable Moment: PGEO has an annual Safety day. This is an orchestrated event where all employees are given training seminars from local fire and safety representatives. Last year, we had a New Hampshire State Trooper come and give our driving team a walk through on truck inspections. The officer commented on how well our fleet checked out and said he could notice the great attention to detail and safety that our company has a reputation for. Coming from him, it made me feel proud to be part of this great company.

Ron Cormier, Controller

Department: Accounting

Years with Company/Industry:
Since 2011

Role: Supervise the accounting, credit, payables and collections staff. Prepare financial reports and file accounting statements. Over 30 years of experience at the Controllership level. Graduate of Franklin Pierce University, BS Degree in Accounting. Reside in Amherst with my wife Barbara. We have two daughters and one granddaughter. Hobbies include cooking on my “Big Green Egg” and “eating” what I cook.

Favorite Quote: “Figures don’t lie but liars can figure”