How Suburban Propane’s President & CEO is Blending Tradition, Innovation, and Sustainability to Power America for the Next 100 Years
For more than a decade, Michael Stivala, President and CEO of Suburban Propane, has led one of America’s largest energy providers through a period of extraordinary transformation. Seamlessly blending the company’s nearly 100-year-old heritage with a bold commitment to innovation, Stivala has positioned Suburban Propane to meet the evolving needs of over one million customers across 42 states—while accelerating investments in future-forward, lower-carbon energy solutions.
But Stivala’s story is more than corporate milestones—it’s a journey grounded in humble beginnings, relentless work ethic, and an unwavering dedication to people and progress.
From New Jersey Beaches to the C-Suite
Michael Stivala’s path to the helm of Suburban Propane began far from boardrooms and balance sheets. At 14, his first job was collecting trash on the beaches of his native New Jersey—an experience that instilled in him both discipline and respect for every role.
After earning his degree from Rutgers University, he began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), developing a strong accounting and financial foundation that would become central to his leadership approach.
In 2001, Stivala joined Suburban Propane, serving in a series of key financial and operational roles—from Controller to Chief Financial Officer—before being named President and CEO in 2014. His cross-functional knowledge of the business, paired with a long-term commitment to learning, helped prepare him to lead the company through a changing energy landscape.
What Drew Him In—and Keeps Him There
The initial draw? The chance to join a New Jersey-based company with both deep local roots and national impact. Founded in 1928 by Mark Anton to deliver propane in compressed bottles to homes, Suburban Propane has grown into a nationwide energy leader while preserving its founder’s values of service and reliability.
What has kept Stivala for nearly 25 years is a mutual loyalty between the company and its people. “Over 25% of our employees have been with us for more than 15 years,” he says. “It takes time to establish yourself, build relationships, and demonstrate value—and Suburban Propane recognizes and rewards that dedication.”
Defining Success as a Continuous Journey
For Stivala, success isn’t a final destination—it’s a perpetual pursuit. “You don’t ‘make it’ and then you’re done,” he says. “Sustainable success comes from continuous learning, adaptability, and the drive to set new goals.”
This philosophy applies to both people and organizations. In an industry shaped by rapid technological advances, shifting regulations, and evolving consumer needs, Suburban Propane’s ability to anticipate change has been key to its growth.
Transforming While Staying True to Core Values
Under Stivala’s leadership, Suburban Propane has invested over $2.5 billion in strategic acquisitions, expanded its propane footprint, and launched Suburban Renewables—a new business platform focused on lower-carbon energy solutions, including renewable propane, renewable natural gas, renewable dimethyl ether, and hydrogen.
The company has solidified its position as the third-largest propane provider in the U.S., while deepening community impact through initiatives such as SuburbanCares® and its national partnership with the American Red Cross.
Suburban Propane also became the Official Propane Provider of NASCAR, introducing the sport’s first-ever propane-powered track dryers and delivering innovative fan-focused energy solutions—demonstrating propane’s versatility far beyond the backyard grill.
Propane: More Than Meets the Eye
Many associate propane only with barbecues, but Stivala emphasizes its versatility. It powers warehouses, farms, homes, and critical backup systems during emergencies. It also burns cleaner than many fossil fuels, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions—making it a valuable bridge fuel in the global energy transition.
Renewable propane takes this a step further, with an even lower carbon intensity. Through partnerships like Spark Charge, Suburban Propane is using renewable propane to power mobile EV fast chargers—offering cleaner alternatives to traditional grid charging.
Positioning for the Energy Future
With over $300 million invested in renewable energy in just the past five years, Suburban Propane is building a diversified portfolio designed for long-term resilience and relevance. From lower-carbon propane to renewable natural gas and hydrogen, Stivala’s strategy is clear: strengthen the core business while actively leading in the energy transition.
“The future starts with the actions we take today,” he says. “We’re preparing Suburban Propane to be a trusted, localized energy distributor for the next century.”
Balancing Work and Life
For Stivala, balance is about focus. “When I’m at work, I’m fully committed to leading our people and making sound decisions for all stakeholders. When I’m with family, they get all of me.”
Advice for Tomorrow’s Leaders
His guidance for the next generation is straightforward:
Work hard and strive to outwork your peers.
Stay humble, embracing both successes and setbacks.
Surround yourself with the best people who challenge and support you.
“The world will always be uncertain,” he says. “Focus on what you can control, and execute to the best of your ability. Excellence will set you apart.”
Michael Stivala’s nearly 25-year journey at Suburban Propane is a testament to the power of combining heritage with vision. By honoring the company’s roots while boldly embracing the future of energy, he is ensuring that Suburban Propane continues to serve its customers—and the planet—for generations to come.
