GARRETT SAGER never expected to make a name for himself in the propane industry.
In fact, just a few years ago, his sights were set on a career in occupational therapy.
But in a matter of months, he pivoted from health care to propane and hasn’t looked back since.
Today, the 34-year-old co-owner and operator of Henley Propane in Manchester is one of the top young professionals in the field, earning national recognition from the National Propane Gas Association as a “Top 5 Under 40” professional.
“It meant a lot, honestly,” Sager said of the award. “[It was] recognition of hard work. I was not born and bred in this industry; I got my master’s degree in therapy. It was a total about-face.”
Sager joined Henley Propane in 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The opportunity came not through a job posting, but a conversation over breakfast with his father-in-law, Brett Henley.
“He just kind of pulled me aside on a beach vacation and said, ‘Hey, there’s no succession plan. Would you be interested in stepping in as 50% owner and operator?’ And at that time, I thought, ‘Heck yeah. I could be my own boss and get out of the health care industry.’”
Founded in 1964 by Edward Henley, the company has been a local staple for over 60 years. When Sager joined, he brought with him a fresh perspective and a desire to honor the Henley legacy while modernizing operations.
“I didn’t know anything about propane. I came in as green as grass,” he said. “But I leaned on relationships and got involved with the Tennessee Propane Gas Association. Now, I’m the senior director of Middle Tennessee for the organization. That helped me grow quickly in the industry.”
His learning curve was steep, but his background in health care management gave him a leg up in streamlining operations and increasing compliance.
“I took the foundational knowledge my father-in-law passed down and added technology and efficiency,” he said. “We were handcuffed to our desks before. Now our team can work from anywhere. We upgraded our systems, added crane trucks for deliveries, and diversified our pricing structures.”
Those improvements have paid off.
“We’ve grown more in the past five years than probably ever before,” he said. “Our gallons sold have definitely seen an uptick.”
But for Sager, this career is about more than numbers; it’s really all about legacy.
“I take legacy super seriously. I’m just a steward of this opportunity,” he said. “I have a 2-year-old son and another on the way. I’m hoping one day they’ll step into it and take it even further than I can.”
Sager’s passion for family extends beyond his immediate household. Though he lives in the small community of Arrington, he said he remains connected to Manchester, where the business is based and where his wife grew up.
“Manchester is a home away from home for us,” he said. “I got married there, my in-laws live there, I’m involved in the chamber of commerce, and I even co-own a storage facility there.”
Family is what drives his commitment.
“I’d say my family is 100% my motivation,” he said. “The business side will take care of itself, but you only get one chance to be a dad. I want to raise my kids in an environment where they see the value of hard work and stewardship.”
Part of that stewardship is recognizing propane’s evolving role in today’s energy landscape. Though often overlooked in conversations about green energy, Sager is a vocal advocate for propane’s potential.
“Propane is a green energy; it has no carbon footprint,” he said. “It’s versatile, whether you’re building on a mountain or in a rural area. We can meet your energy needs.”
Henley Propane is actively expanding to meet modern energy demands. The company recently launched dispensing units in surrounding communities and is preparing to service a school bus fleet that will run entirely on propane.
“That’s forward-thinking,” Sager said. “Most people assume school buses run on diesel, but there’s a big push for clean energy. The cost savings alone from propane to diesel are huge.”
Henley Propane is also exploring large-scale industrial projects, including fueling backup generators for energy plants and providing energy for glass factories.
“Our handprints are on so many things — mom-and-pop customers, municipalities, and regional manufacturers,” he said. “That’s what excites me — the growth potential. The chance to help customers and literally keep them warm in the winter. I’d be nothing without the team and employees we have and our wonderful customers.”
Sager also sees a bright future in the trades. With advanced degrees under his belt, he understands the value of higher education but believes the skilled trades deserve just as much admiration.
“I talk to young people all the time. I went to grad school, sure, but I see people coming out of med school making less than some of my friends in plumbing or electrical sales,” he said. “There’s such a need for skilled trades, and the stigma is fading. You can build a great life through the trades.”
For now, Sager is focused on continuing to grow the company, honoring the legacy that started more than six decades ago, and ensuring that Henley Propane’s future is as strong as its roots.
“It’s not about accolades or business development,” he said. “My ‘why’ is my family. That’s what it all comes back to.” GN
