ABOUT US
Superior Design. Super Quality. Superior Service. Why would you settle for anything less?
Superior Energy Systems has engineered, manufactured and installed propane infrastructure since 1975. We offer the engineering expertise, services and support to meet the needs of any application.
We build made-to-order propane vaporizers and mixers, portable and permanent rail towers, metering and odorant skids, propane autogas dispensers and complete dispensing stations. We are in the unique position to handle your entire project from start to finish — from planning and installing to service and maintenance . High-quality materials, customization, superior craftsmanship and responsive project management go into every job.
Our emphasis on safety, including codes and standards expertise and complete training programs, sets us apart from the competition. Our team holds leadership positions in the National Standards Institute, National Fire Protection Association, National Propane Gas Association, Propane Education & Research Council and many more industry organizations. We also are a member of the Energy Department’s Clean Cities program.
Learn more by downloading our company brochure.
Events and Trade Shows
Each year we attend, exhibit and speaks at dozens of shows, conferences and workshops across the United States about propane safety, regulation and infrastructure. Keep up-to-date on where we will be in the near future.
July 10-11: STN Expo, Reno, NV
August 4-6: Texas Propane Gas Association convention, Galveston, TX
September 11-13: Bus Con, Indianapolis, IN
October 19-20: GIE Expo, Louisville, KY
PERC: Protect Your Customers from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
It’s still cold in many areas of the U.S. and your customers might be tempted to bring their propane grill or other outdoor appliance inside to stay warm. Stop a potential death or injury from happening by sharing these resources: Carbon monoxide brochure. Carbon...
Rhoads Energy honored for advancing propane-powered school bus fleets
The Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation has selected Rhoads Energy for its Alternative Fuel Visionary Award. Rhoas Energy was recognized for its pioneering work in bringing propane-powered school bus fleets to the region. Since 2014, Rhoads Energy...
NGT News: Big Truth: Propane Autogas Buses Earn Top Marks for Schools
Recent arguments for clean diesel are raising questions over the validity of propane autogas as an outstanding choice for school buses. This type of over-simplified information is being widely broadcast. But comprehensive, evidence-based reasoning is what school...
PERC Safety Minute Video: What to Do in a Plant Emergency
Ensure that you’re prepared to respond to an emergency by developing a set of contingencies and communicating them to your plant manager, employees, and local community leaders. Learn more by watching this week’s video.
NGT News: Wisconsin School District Saves Big With Propane Autogas
Over the past two years, southern Wisconsin’s North Crawford School District has added Blue Bird propane autogas-fueled school buses to its fleet – in turn, lowering the district’s carbon footprint while reducing transportation costs. Equipped with Ford Motor Co.’s...
ACT News: School Decision Makers Deserve Facts about School Buses
The decisions school district officials make in terms of selecting school buses have a profound effect on many critical issues: students’ well-being, taxpayer-supported district budgets, staffing and personnel, and even the quality of air that people in a community...
WEAU 13 News: For school districts, propane buses can be a cheaper and more environmentally friendly option
SOLDIERS GROVE, Wis. (WEAU) -- At North Crawford schools some of their buses look and feel the same as traditional school buses.But they have a twist, instead of diesel they are fueled by propane. "We saw from a market perspective that here in the states it was very...
ACT NEWS: 6 Fleets That Recently Switched to Propane Autogas
Propane autogas is continuing to prove itself as a reliable fuel to improve the operations for a variety of commercial vehicle fleets that each face a unique set of challenges. Recently, the Propane Education & Research Council featured the stories of six fleets...
SES March Newsletter
Click here to read our April newsletter!
PERC Safety Minute Video: Do You Know the Safety Features of Autogas Systems?
Have you recently switched to using propane autogas to power your vehicles? If so, your drivers need to know about the safety features included in the operation of an autogas system. Click here to watch this week's PERC safety minute video.
Key Team Members Profiles
Donald Fernald
President and CEO
Donald (Don) Fernald has more than 45 years of experience in the design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, sale and service of gas equipment. He has been involved with Superior Energy Systems since 2002 and introduced innovative approaches in the design of equipment in this highly specialized field. Don graduated from UCLA with an associates degree in accounting and gained a bachelor of science from Cleveland State University.
Don has served on multiple research, safety and risk management committees with the Environmental Protection Agency, National Propane Gas Association, Propane Education & Research Council and Ohio Propane Gas Association. Since its inception in 1999, Don has served on PERC’s Advisory Committee in the Research and Development working group.
A regular speaker at Institute of Gas Technology seminars throughout the U.S., Don has also presented technical papers to the World LP-Gas Forum.
Don enjoys spending time with family, golfing and boating.
Derek Rimko
Vice President of Operations
Derek Rimko manages the company’s operations,sales efforts and customer relations as well as overseeing all in-house personnel. He has served the propane industry for 24 years and has been with SES since inception. Derek graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and advertising.He stays active in numerous state propane gas associations andalso serves on the Propane Education & Research Council’s Advisory Committee in their Market Outreach Working Group. Derek enjoys being with his family and traveling.
Mike Walters
Vice President Safety & Training
A member of the Propane Industry for over 40 years, with over 25 years as a Safety Professional, Mike’s educational background includes New York Academy of Fire Science, Syracuse University and Columbia Southern University. He is certified in Environmental Compliance and Accident Investigation as well as several certification areas of the industry’s Certified Employee Training Program.
Mike is a charter member and served for over 20 years on the Propane Education and Research Council’s Safety and Training Advisory Committee; serving as Chairman for four years (2004-2007). A recipient of the NPGA Safety Award, Mike served for many years on the National Propane Gas Association’s Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) Certification Committee and is a member of an Industry Trade Magazine Editorial Review Board. Mike is considered a subject matter expert in the development of safety and training programs within the propane industry.
Mike serves on the Board of the Ohio Propane Gas Association, the NFPA 59 Technical Committee on LP-Gas Utility Gas Plants, NFPA 30A Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages, NFPA 1402 Technical Committee on Facilities for Fire Training and Associated Props and the Underwriters Laboratories UL 87 and 495 Standards Technical Panel. Mike is also a member of the International Codes Council and the American Society of Safety Professionals.
In his spare time, Mike spends time cruising his ’57 Chevy as a member of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America Cuyahoga Valley Region.
Greg Whitesel
Director of Engineering
Greg Whitesel oversees all civil, mechanical and electrical engineering documents as well as leads the design for all propane bulk terminals and autogas installations. . He has been with SES for almost 20 years. He holds an associate’s degree in mechanical design from Lorain Community College. In his spare time, Greg enjoys being with his family and outdoor recreation.