About Cetane Associates

Selling or transitioning your business is one of the most important decisions of your life. At Cetane Associates, we combine deep industry expertise with a confidential, proven process to guide you every step of the way.

With more than 135 completed transactions across propane, HVAC, landscaping, lawn care, pest control, plumbing, heating oil, we understand what it takes to protect your legacy and maximize value.

Our story

Cetane was founded in 2006 by Steve Abbate, who came from the downstream fuel world and recognized a gap in M&A advisory services for home service industries. Starting with propane and heating oil, the firm quickly grew its reach to HVAC, landscaping, lawn care, pest control, plumbing.

In 2022, Barrett Conway assumed leadership of the firm, continuing Cetane’s commitment to serving business owners with confidentiality, empathy, and a focus on outcomes. Under Barrett’s guidance, our team has expanded into additional industries and regions across the country—helping more owners than ever transition their life’s work with clarity and confidence.

2006

Year Founded

2022

Leadership Transition

2025

Increased Industries Served

our values

Everything we do is guided by a commitment to:
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Protect Owner Legacy

Preserving the reputation and continuity of the businesses we represent

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Operate Confidentially
Managing the process discreetly so owners stay in control
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Maximize Value
Creating competitive buyer environments that lead to the best outcomes
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Lead With Empathy
Understanding the weight of this decision for owners, employees, and communities
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Act With Integrity
Being transparent, honest, and client-focused in every engagement

MEET OUR TEAM

Our team brings decades of experience in M&A, finance, operations, and home services. Each advisor combines technical expertise with a genuine passion for helping business owners achieve their goals.

Managing Directors
Propane & Heating Oil
Pest Control & Lawn Care
Due Diligence & Closing Team
Finance Team
Marketing

life at cetane

Our culture reflects who we are: trusted advisors who care deeply about the owners we serve.

From leadership meetings to client site visits, our team brings professionalism
and empathy to every interaction.

Work With a Trusted Guide

You have worked hard to build your business. When it comes time to sell or transition, you deserve a team that understands your industry, protects your legacy, and delivers results. That’s what we do at Cetane Associates.

MEET WITH OUR TEAM
TALK TO AN ADVISOR
About Us - About Us
Managing Director
Barret Conway

With more than ten years of in-depth experience in the professional financial advisory space, Barrett Conway is Managing Director and Principal at Cetane Associates where he has led the execution of over 85 successful M&A deals. Prior to joining Cetane Associates he held a key position as an Associate at Salient in the Houston, Texas area for six years. Throughout his career he has exhibited proficiency in financial, business, and transaction analysis.

Barrett is a regular speaker and moderator on expert, educational panels specific to business valuation and M&A topics at industry conferences and webinars. As a member of the National Propane Gas Association, Barrett sits on the Audit Committee and was named to the propane industry’s inaugural class of 30 Under 30 in 2020. Barrett earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Finance from Texas A&M University. Notably, he holds several certifications, including Series 66, Series 7, Series 79, and SIE from FINRA. 

Outside of work, Barrett enjoys an active lifestyle, indulging in hobbies such as running, golfing, fishing, and skiing. Alongside his wife Amy, he is actively involved in supporting charitable organizations in the greater Houston area, reflecting his passion for giving back to the community.

Managing Director
Steven Abbate

With more than 35 years of experience in the downstream energy industry, Steve has been involved in the acquisition or sale of over 250 retail energy marketers providing a range of consumer products and services like propane, fuel oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, trucking, and HVAC.

Steve has consulted with and performed financial and operational evaluations on hundreds of retail energy businesses all over the United States. He’s built numerous financial models to evaluate and project future performance, enable benchmarking, and provide frameworks for operational improvement.

Steve is recognized as an expert in the field of end-use energy company valuations by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in both the District of Connecticut and the Southern District of New York, and the Connecticut Probate Court. He has also served as a Chief Restructuring Officer appointed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Several industry publications have published articles written by Steve on subjects such as improving operational efficiencies, business valuations, hedging techniques, cash flow management, and mergers and acquisitions. He is a regular speaker at the Eastern Energy Expo, National Propane Gas Association, Propane Gas Association of New England, and the National Energy & Fuels Institute on topics including acquisitions, valuations, process improvements, cash flow management, and strategic planning.

Director
Doug Woosnam

As a 40-plus year veteran of the delivered fuels industry, Doug has gained a reputation as an industry advocate and a champion for his clients. Doug strives to always do the right thing and his reputation is synonymous with integrity.

Doug began his career in a family-owned business, Sinkler Inc., in Southampton, Pa. After modernizing and growing the company, he sold the business and joined the purchaser as Director of Governmental and Industry Affairs and Director of Acquisitions.

Doug has always been deeply involved as an industry leader and has contributed to its betterment of the industry through his numerous industry affiliations including the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association (past president), Better Home Heat Council, PMAA (past regional vice-chair), NPGA, NORA, East Coast Energy Council, American Energy Coalition and Delaware Valley Fuel Oil Dealers Association. Notably, in 2023 Doug was honored as a NEFI Legend. Today he serves on the NEFI Executive Committee and Board and as the EVP of the Eastern PA Energy Association. 

Doug has been involved in over 100 acquisitions on both the buying and selling sides. His wide range of familiarity and involvement in so many aspects of the delivered fuels industry make him one of the most knowledgeable advisors in the field today.

Doug lists golf as his favorite thing to do and does so wherever he can. Daily exercise is a consistent hobby along with hiking when he’s visiting the California desert. He’s an action movie fan and now a proud great-grandfather.

Director
Jeff Brunner

Jeff has more than 35 years of leadership experience in the propane, distillates and HVAC sectors. He has held senior-level positions in operations, sales and marketing for some of the industry’s largest consolidators. His extensive experience in the entire acquisition process, including post-acquisition integration activities, comes from having been involved in more than 80 transactions throughout the eastern United States.

Jeff began his career as an accounting manager for a privately held multilocation marketer and quickly advanced to general manager of those businesses. A few years later he became regional sales manager for Star Gas-Petro. At his next position at HOP Energy, he served as director of operations during a decade of significant growth. His next move was to Inergy Propane, where he was recruited to serve as division president for the company’s largest and most profitable region.  

Prior to joining Cetane, Jeff spent five years with Energy Distribution Partners as Regional Vice President – Eastern US. These years included growth of more than 20 acquisitions encompassing the integration of each business unit. Jeff’s ability to develop relationships with the sellers contributed significantly to the success of those integrations.

Over the years Jeff has been active in industry associations, serving on the Board of Directors for PPA and PGANE’s Legislative Committee, as well as officer roles in other regional associations. Jeff’s broad industry knowledge and significant acquisition experience strongly supports the activities of Cetane’s origination and deal execution teams.   

Jeff enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, relaxing on the beach, and listening to Classic Rock.  He’s a life-long frustrated Philadelphia Eagles fan, and enjoys NCAA basketball, especially March Madness.   

Director
Tamera Kovacs

Tamera Kovacs has been in the retail propane/delivered fuels industry since 1998, with much of that time performing M&A advisory, business consulting, transition planning, and business valuation services. Tamera is a regular speaker at industry trade shows and she is a published author for nationwide business trade journals.

Tamera has touched every aspect of sale transactions including financial modeling, valuation analysis, confidential marketing, due diligence, contract review and negotiation of final closing documents. Her experience and skills are the perfect fit for clients seeking an experienced professional advisor.

Before joining Cetane Associates, Tamera spent 23 years with Propane Resources in various roles including senior advisor for their M&A consulting group. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri–Columbia as well as a Masters of Business Administration from Baker University.

Tamera enjoys several hobbies and other interests including global travel, photography, cooking, backcountry hiking, art, architecture, music, and classic suspense movies, listing Hitchcock’s “Rope” as a favorite.

Director of Business Development

Joe Rosengrant

For over 30 years, Joe Rosengrant has earned an outstanding reputation working in the propane and delivered fuels industries.
Most recently, Joe served in business development roles at ThompsonGas, Superior Plus Corp., and NGL Energy Partners. Earlier in his career, he held diverse roles in operations at Suburban Propane, Piedmont Natural Gas’s Piedmont Propane division, and Heritage Propane.
Joe is well-known across the country and has been an avid supporter of various industry trade associations. He enjoys travel to meetings where he lends his happy and positive attitude to every encounter he makes. His deep industry knowledge along with his extensive valuation and transaction experience bring a level of professionalism and trust to all his client, colleague, and industry relationships.

Director
Pam Giordano

Before joining Cetane Associates full-time in 2023, Pam most recently served as General Manager of Lake Region Energy in Maine. Prior to her time at Lake Region Energy, Pam was Director of Operations for M. L. Halle (Townsend Energy) where she served for 15 years. 

Pam’s industry involvement has supported various organizations and has been recognized at state and national levels. For many years Pam was involved with Energy Marketers Association of New Hampshire (EMANH) and became its first female Chair in 2016. She also served as the secretary of NEFI (National Energy & Fuels Institute) for three years and as well as a member of its Executive Committee. Today she is Vice President of Women in Energy. Her honors include being named Member of the Year by EMANH in 2019, and in 2021, Pam was named a NEFI Legend.

Pam’s deep and long experience with various companies in management roles, along with her exceptional industry volunteer work creates strong relationships with Cetane clients. She’s a people person with a true hands-on background in operations and business valuations. 

Pam holds a Bachelor’s degree from Franklin Pierce University. She recently bought a new house in Maine and acquired Beatrice, a rescue lab/terrier puppy.  Both her home and her puppy occupy her free time.  When she is not walking the beach, she is painting. She says she’s holding onto her house painting skills because you never know when they’ll be needed…   

Director

Griffin Sharp

Since 2010, Griffin Sharp has been involved in valuation, contract analysis, negotiation, and acquisitions. Before joining Cetane Associates, he served as Director of Corporate Development at Dead River Company, where he was a leader in the sourcing, valuation, closing, and integration of acquisitions. During his time at the company, he closed more than 15 transactions, significantly expanding the company’s scale and territorial footprint. He also served as Director of Strategic Growth at Zomedica Corp., where he led the negotiation and closing of multiple deals in the animal health sector.
Griffin has been active in fuel industry trade associations and is often invited to speak to industry leaders and law students on the subject of acquisitions.
Griffin holds BA degrees in Economics and International Relations from Michigan State University and earned a master’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of Detroit Mercy. He and his wife Stephanie reside in South Portland, Maine, where he enjoys disc golf, bowling, and volunteering with the local Red Cross chapter.

Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts, Michigan State Univ.
  • Masters in Financial Economics from Univ. of Detroit Mercy
Director
Don Smith

Don has nearly 40 years of M&A experience and has been involved in over 700 business transactions.  His work on behalf of small business owners includes positions at large, national investment banking firms, regional M&A companies, and as owner of a Colorado-based business brokerage firm. He has served as advisor and consultant to well over a thousand business owners contemplating sale.     

Don’s most recent work has been on the buy-side of transactions.  He developed and managed the M&A department for MFA Oil Company, one of the nation’s largest agri-energy cooperatives.  In that role, he led the acquisition effort for over 30 LP and refined fuel businesses. Don has a unique perspective on business valuation and sale process thanks to his experience on both the sell- and buy-sides of deals. 

Don has an Agriculture degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), has held Series 7 and Series 63 Securities licenses, and is currently a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Missouri. He is a long-time member of the International Business Brokers Association and has served on various industry and non-profit boards.

Outside of work, Don’s is an avid gardener, enjoys travel with his wife Kathryn, plays tennis (not yet fully succumbed to pickleball) and wonders if that second dog was really such a good idea. 

Favorite quote: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  – Ancient Chinese Proverb 

Director

Nancy Coop

As the founding chair of the national business council Women in Propane, Nancy Coop has worked diligently to help create a collaborative professional development environment for men and women.
Her work history includes owning a nationwide bobtail-building company and serving as a business development executive for the nation’s second-largest major marketer. Nancy earned a reputation as a propane industry advocate and now brings her experience to the Cetane team.
Nancy’s propane career began when the bobtail manufacturing company Jarco, founded by her father, needed a new leader. She acquired the business in 2005 and stepped in as president to ensure the family business stayed vital. She built a sales force, maintained quality and grew revenues. In 2010, Polar Company expressed interest in a strategic acquisition, a transaction completed the same year.
By then, Nancy was on the National Propane Gas Association’s board of directors and worked consistently toward the future success of the industry. In 2013, Ferrellgas tapped her to represent them in industry relations and in their acquisitions efforts. She continued to serve on NPGA committees and on the Western Propane Gas Association’s board of directors.
In 2020, Nancy was inducted into the LP Gas Hall of Fame. Her personal warmth, communication strengths and integrity are appreciated by her colleagues and clients.

Pest Control & Lawn Care
Bob Williamson

Bob Williamson has handled over 40 acquisitions during his career and has visited many diverse service companies across the country, sharing ideas that can help companies grow and prosper. He serves on the Pennsylvania Pesticide Advisory Board, is former President of the Lawn Care Association of Pennsylvania and former President of Warrington PA Rotary Club.

Williamson’s most recent completed transaction was the sale of Safeway Pest Control, a Pennsylvania corporation. Additionally, he has multiple deals under contract or listed in the Midwest U.S., California, and the Mid-Atlantic.

For over 30 years, Bob worked with Moyer, a large Mid-Atlantic residential service provider. The list of services Bob has managed includes Heating Oil, Propane, HVAC, Plumbing, Home Security, Swimming Pool, Lawn & Tree Care, and Pest Control. His management tenure at Moyer covered 25,000 customers and 250 employees.

Bob’s skills bring value to Cetane clients who are seeking an experienced, professional advisor. He contributes to industry publications in an online blog (PMP) as well as publishing his own blog filled with advice for business owners, which appears on Cetane’s website (PCO in the Know).

Bob has a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Penn State University and an MBA from LaSalle University. He and his wife Kathy have 2 children. His hobbies include reading, distance running, golf, and trivia of any kind. His favorite food is what is in front of him, his favorite movie is Groundhog Day, and his mantra is “Consistency Always Wins.” Bob has also completed over 30 marathons and has directed a local 5k race for over 25 years.

Pest Control & Lawn Care
Danny O’Laughlin

Danny O’Laughlin has over a decade of experience advising middle- market firms in various capacities. 

Prior to joining Cetane, Danny was on the buy side as VP of M&A at PestCo and Director of Western Region M&A for Anticimex. Between those two roles he closed 20+ transactions and took PestCo from unranked to a PCT Top 20 firm. Prior to M&A, Danny was a manager in the valuation services practice at RSM, specializing in private equity- backed enterprises, complex capital structures, and special situations. 

Danny holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Denver. Additionally, he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA – Colorado), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Danny is from Northern California and has spent the last 15 years in Denver where he lives with his wife. He originally came for the skiing but stayed for the world-class cycling. He is a self-ascribed foodie and loves trying new restaurants and dishes all over the world. 

Due Diligence & Closing Team
Fred Lord

Fred brings over 40 years of experience in the delivered fuels industry in various operational and financial management roles.

Before joining Cetane, Fred had been with HOP Energy and its predecessor as its corporate treasurer for over 25 years where he worked on more than 50 acquisitions and multiple refinancings. He has been active in industry trade associations and recently served on the executive committee of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association.

Fred has been involved in numerous acquisitions during his career. His expertise extends the capabilities of Cetane’s transaction execution team. Fred brings wide-ranging experience and a friendly manner that is so important in bringing transactions across the finish line.

Fred holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Furman University, an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a law degree from Western New England University School of Law.

Due Diligence & Closing Team
Dalton Brooks

Before Dalton Brooks joined the Cetane team, he was a project manager at Southwest General Contractors in Amarillo, Texas, doing large scale commercial construction. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Texas A&M University (2014) and a law degree from Texas Tech University (2017).

A native Texan, Dalton was born, raised, and still lives in Amarillo. Married to his wife Madeline and father of one son Cole (born on Christmas day), Dalton is a runner, golfer, hockey player, fly fisher, skier, and occasionally remodels houses.

Dalton lists his three favorite movies as Goodfellas, No Country for Old Men, and Heat. 

Due Diligence & Closing Team
Whitney Parsley

Whitney Parsley has joined the Cetane team, she is an experienced Corporate Paralegal and Compliance Manager and comes to Cetane from the in-house legal departments of The Tatitlek Corporation in Anchorage, AK and Quanta Services, Inc. out of Houston, TX. She has 18 years of experience and specializes in corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions.

She has 5 kids and 9 grandchildren, and her hobbies and interests include scuba diving, softball, swimming and hanging out with her kids and grandchildren.

Finance Team

Trey Brasseaux

Trey Brasseaux has more than seven years of client advisory experience in financial roles with professional services businesses. 

Prior to joining Cetane Associates, Trey worked as an Associate at J Wolf and Company, an independent investment bank centered on raising capital for acquisitions in the lower middle market. Before his tenure at J Wolf, Trey spent five years in Houston at Opportune LLP where he worked across the finance/accounting service lines as part of the corporate finance team. His clients included private and public energy companies in upstream, midstream, downstream, and minerals.

Trey holds Bachelors’ degrees in Business Honors and Finance and a Master of Financial Management degree from Texas A&M University. Additionally, he holds FINRA Series 79 and 63 licenses. 

A native Houstonian, Trey lives in Houston with his wife Emily. Trey is an avid golfer and golfs as much as he can year-round in Texas. He appreciates spending time outside for exercise, golf, yard work, going to the beach, or hunting. A big sports fan, Trey loves watching his Texas A&M Aggies and frequently attends Houston Texans’ games. He is a fan of Tex Mex, barbecue and crawfish, especially with family and friends. 

A favorite quote: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” – Albert Einstein

Associate

Duncan McMurchie

Duncan McMurchie, CPA, joined Cetane Associates at the beginning of 2023. He provides analytical support to the firm’s M&A deal execution team. Working from his Dallas, Texas home office, Duncan is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant.
Prior to joining Cetane, Duncan worked in public accounting at Turner, Stone & Company, LLP in Dallas, where he assisted with the firm’s audit practice.
Duncan holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University—Commerce.

Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts – Economics, Texas A&M
  • Master of Science in Accounting, Texas A&M-Commerce
Finance Team
Ford DuBose

Prior to joining Cetane, Ford DuBose was a certified general real estate appraiser with more than six years of experience in the valuation industry. Most recently, he was a senior valuation specialist at Colliers International (Dallas office), where he specialized in appraising multitenant retail centers. Ford has also appraised a variety of asset types, including office and industrial buildings, land, special purpose properties, subdivision, and recreational facilities. During his tenure at Colliers, Ford was involved with the north Texas chapter of the Appraisal Institute.

Ford holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in real estate from Texas A&M University. A native Texan who enjoys landscaping, hunting, and fishing, Ford lives in south Texas.

Favorite books and movies Ford lists include the novels “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky and “Barbarians at the Gate” by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar, and films Shawshank Redemption, Godfather (both 1 & 2), and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. 

Analyst

Jack McMurchie

Jack McMurchie is an experienced audit professional with three years at Turner Stone & Company, where he led and supported audit engagements for a variety of SEC-registered and privately held clients. His work focused on evaluating financial statements, testing internal controls, and ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations.
Jack has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from the University of Oklahoma.
Based in Dallas, TX, Jack enjoys spending time outside of work on the golf course, watching films, and staying active through running.

Degrees

  • Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting and Finance, University of Oklahoma

Director of Marketing

Tara McCauley

Tara McCauley joined Cetane Associates in 2018 as the company’s Administrative Manager, where she supported the firm in areas of accounting, administration, information technology, advertising, and marketing. Over time, Tara has transitioned into a larger role and is now Director of Marketing, where her background in the arts provides valuable support and creative insight. She coordinates and manages Cetane’s participation in trade shows, website updates, and all graphic art. Tara holds a BA in Fine Arts from Molloy University.
Before joining Cetane Associates, Tara managed an art gallery. She has two daughters and enjoys spending time with her family as well as crafting, crocheting, and restoring her historical home in her free time.

Degrees

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, Molloy University