In 1980 when Lin Johnson, owner of Lin’s Propane, decided that he wanted a 500 gallon truck. He shopped around but couldn’t find anyone that would stop laughing long enough to take him seriously. Determined that he would have his 500 gallon truck he resorted to his own devices. He commissioned his friend Norman to assist him with the (undertaking) project. Norman would work all day on the truck and Lin would come after he put his business to bed to problem solve and design. This was quite a process as, Lin was not content with just satisfactory – a premise that still rings true with a Lin’s built truck. Now, if I was to tell you how humble our beginnings are, you will probably chuckle, as the first Lin’s truck was fabricated in nothing more than a cow barn. Lin loved that 500 gallon truck and he still has it today as a reminder of where and why it all started.
In and around 1983 the second Lin’s truck was born. It was a remount for Star Gas.
Now, Lin and his friend Norman had tinkered a bit but it was time for retirement or at least that is what they thought. You see, Lin sold his retail business in 1985 and when he got home that evening his wife looked at him and said, “Now what are you going to do – you aren’t going to hang around here all day.”
Feeling a bit dejected, Lin went where all men would go – to see his good friend, Norman, and as if Norman’s words were scripted he looked over at Lin and said, “Lin, what are you going to do with Lin’s (the former property of his retail business).” You see by this time Norman is a bit tired of working out in his cow barn and a heated garage looked mighty nice. So, the conversation went on and Norman said, “We’ll build a good one (truck). Not many people will want it. Lin replied, “Yep, that sounds good. That’ll keep you and I out of trouble.”
Well, Lin went and got overzealous and got them too much work – there went their retirement and Lin’s Propane Trucks was born.
Now, if you wonder how we got from there to where we are today you need to throw in a lot of years of experience and a man who would only allow his name to go on the finest product.
Today, the business is run by Lin’s son, Andy – who like his dad, will only accept the best. Andy learned the business from the bottom up and strives through education and innovation to make the best propane truck in the industry.
We hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse into the history of our company and we would love to hear your story. So give us a call or stop by anytime you’re in the area.