Hometown News and Views

By Phyllis J. Neuberger

Manuel Chris Rosado, owner of Forever Propane, says, “We’re not just a gas company. We have to educate the consumer about propane.” He goes on to explain that propane is actually extracted from gasoline, but it is cleaner, cheaper, more efficient and environmentally attractive. He predicts that it will become more popular as its green appeal becomes more apparent.

Still a young man, this former semi-professional baseball player knew that in order to play ball he needed an income so he started his own landscaping business when he was just 21.

Now, a successful business man, he pauses to reflect on his past. “A leg injury when I was 33 ended my career on the diamond and motivated me to build this empire.” He refers to merging the propane gas business and the landscaping business which has worked out so well that he has recently opened two branches. Hollywood opened in 2010, and the Boca store opened in 2011. Rosado adds, “Our main location is here in Fort Lauderdale at 350 E. Prospect Road.  Although we now have a staff of 14 and growing, we are still a family owned and run business. My sister, Monica is the office manager. My father, Manuel M. Rosado, has sold his own propane business in Pompano Beach which he started back in 1984. Then he came over here to work with me. He is our living encyclopedia.”

Rosado Sr. joined  this interview saying, “Propane gas is most frequently used in barbecue grills, hot water, pool and patio heaters, floor buffing machines, lawn mowers, generators and yes, in vehicles.”

Asked if vehicles could run on propane, Rosado, Jr. was quick to answer, “ That’s right. This high octane fuel can be used in cars once a car is converted, and we do the conversions right here. Once the conversion is made, a vehicle can run on either propane or gas. The car gets filled up here at our drive through propane refilling station. If the propane runs low,  and the driver is too far away, he can pull into a gas station and fill up with gas. Propane is much kinder to the environment, and to your pocket, so we know it has a bright future.”

Continuing to talk about the business, Chris says, “Our refilling station is very busy in all three locations because of our service and prices.  We also have a barbecue delivery service that makes ordering propane  as easy as ordering a pizza. Just pick up your phone, order your gas and we will deliver it. You can leave a check if you’re at work, and we will install ours and take your empty.”

John Bernard of Oakland Park enjoys delivery service for his hot water heater about every three months. He says, “I like going into the place and visiting with staff so I bring my tank for the barbecue in to be filled myself.  When it comes to the hot water heater, they come to me. When it broke, they fixed it. I’d recommend the Rosados to everyone.”

Sean Harrigan, yard manager for Capital Scrap in Deerfield Beach, is also very pleased with Forever Propane. He says, “They fill our propane tanks in the forklifts and torches. They are prompt and very willing to help us out if we run out unexpectedly.  We have been doing business with them for six years. We like doing business with local companies over the big chains.”

Chris is eager to point out that “Our 20-pound tank really holds 20 pounds as opposed to some places that sell you a bottle holding less gas than claimed.”

“We also will deliver and connect our 20-pound tanks for outdoor patio heaters in the home or business.  We have two cylinder trucks to deliver everything from 20 to 100-pound cylinders plus 33–pound forklift tanks.  We make our own cylinder cages to store our own or your tanks. Our Bobtail propane truck will come to you to refill your above or underground tank at home or at business. Customers really appreciate this convenience.”

 He says a special service truck which actually runs on propane is kept busy, especially at this time of year when pool heaters need replacing or servicing. The driver, a qualified technician, can convert stoves and dryers, repair outdoor heaters, water heaters and more. He will also deliver from 100 to 1,000 gallons of new propane tanks.

Landscape installation and clean up

Chris will work with a client to create and install  that customer’s dream landscape from start to finish.  If the client wants to do part or all of  the work himself, Chris will  deliver any or all of the materials desired. If there’s a mess to be cleaned up first, he will provide that service and trash hauling as well.

Chris says, “Landscaping was my first business which I started in the late 90s, and as it grew, I incorporated trash hauling and dumpster rental service. In 2006, I added  propane, and the combination works well. Especially with our Bobcat and dumpster service.”

He wraps up the interview suggesting, “If your readers have any questions, just call us and our staff will help solve their landscape problems, or help them with information on propane uses and supplies. If they want to talk to me personally, just say the word and if I’m not available, I’ll call them. We are happy to give our customers advice and service.”

Open Mondays through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 954-566-3074.