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
NPGA Legislative Update – Important Tax Credit Information
In December 2019, NPGA played a critical role in the reinstatement of the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit and the Alternative Fuel Refueling Property Credit. These credits are estimated to be worth over $500 million dollars to the propane industry. Use it. Don’t leave...
January Newsletter
Click here to read our January newsletter.
We Build a Better Bulk Plant
Derek Rimko, Vice President of Operations If you sell propane, you know bulk plants. Bulk plants are ideal for unloading railcars, fueling your bobtails and filling thousands of cylinders a day. These plants have significant impacts on the efficiency of your business...
HDT: Connecting Propane Fleets with the Fuel They Need
When commercial fleets look to decrease their emissions, save on budgets, and chose a sustainable fuel, many turn to propane autogas. On average, propane autogas is up to 40% less expensive than gasoline and about 50% less than diesel. One of the additional benefits...
PERC: Add Your Autogas Dispensers to the Alternative Fueling Station Locator
In 2019, hundreds of thousands of alternative fuel vehicle drivers, industry stakeholders, government agency staff, and academics used the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center Alternative Fueling Station Locator to find the nearest fueling station,...
NGTNews: Fuel Fact Check: Propane Is a Dirty Fuel
Myth: Propane is a dirty fuel Reality: When considering alternative fuels and options that are better for the environment, many fleet owners are overlooking propane autogas, thinking it is a dirty fuel. But this is not the case. The Natural Resources Defense Council...
LPGas: New rail terminals help address propane storage needs, logistics
Much of the propane industry recalls early 2014, when the U.S. Department of Transportation issued regional hours-of-service orders, designed to alleviate U.S. product shortages and allow transporters to move propane more freely through affected areas. The winters...
LPGas: Volunteerism represents a critical pillar of the propane industry
As you consider the answer to this question, consider the pillars that built the propane industry – the entrepreneur, the employee, the product and the volunteer organizations, each serving a critical role. Imagine for a moment the propane industry without...
LPGas: New NFPA 58 guidelines change autogas refueling process
Changes to the autogas refueling process are on the horizon due to new NFPA 58 2020 guidelines. The guidelines for the new year specify the propane industry adopt the K15 connection for all future autogas vehicles reinstated into service, purchased or converted after...
PERC: NFPA 58: Quick Connect Valve Now Required
Effective Jan. 1, 2020, NFPA 58 requires that the quick-connect valve, also known as K15, must be used for all autogas vehicles reinstated into service, purchased, or converted after the first of the year. The quick-connect valve offers a nearly identical refueling...
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.