City family-run business nears milestone
With new, state-of-the-art equipment, Consumers Propane & Bousquet Oil hopes to be around for another 100 years
WOONSOCKET — Consumers Propane & Bousquet Oil next year will celebrate 100 years of continuous operation as a fourth-generation family-owned and operated business.
After 100 years in existence, the company is not only one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in the city, it has earned the status of a respected family-run institution.
Headquartered at 139 Hamlet Ave. since it was founded by Rene Bousquet’s grandfather in 1919, the company is still privately owned by the Bousquet family, and has grown over the last century by offering a wide selection of fuels such as heating oil, propane, gasoline, diesel and kerosene.
“The business was started by my grandfather and was handed down over the years to my father, me and now my son, Kenneth,” Bousquet says.
Bousquet, 78, who is semi-retired, says staying competitive as a business requires adaptability and being willing to do what needs to be done to stay successful.
“For example, four months ago we
installed a new 2,000-gallon propane gas tank on a five-byfive-by-five concrete pad that is capable of filling camper tanks, 20- and 30- pound gas grill tanks and fork lift tanks,” he said.
The new vertical tank replaces two 1,000-gallon propane tanks that had been in use since 1960.
“We had to put in the new tank because of new regulations,” says Bousquet. “We did all the work ourselves. There’s also new fencing and signage. But more importantly, we’re up to code.”
The company is offering $3 off next week for anyone filling a propane tank.
Consumers was founded in 1919 by the Bousquet family as a coal dealer, which was the fuel of the times. Today, the company installs and services all propane, oil, and natural gas heating equipment as well as central air conditioning.
As a full service company, Consumers Propane & Bousquet Oil offers automatic propane and oil delivery; installation of propane and oil heating and air conditioning equipment; annual tuneups for peak efficiency; 24 hour emergency heating service; and price protection and budget programs.
“We provide affordable, dependable oil and fuel delivery, heating system installations and service to homes and businesses throughout Northern Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts,” Bousquet says. “We offer only high quality products and expert service to meet the needs of our customers, at a fair and competitive price. We are fully licensed and insured. Our employees are properly trained and qualified to insure total customer satisfaction.”
At Consumers Propane & Bousquet Oil, customer service has always been a priority.
“We pride ourselves on knowing our customers on a first name basis,” he said. “More importantly, we will get to know what your heating needs are and render the personal service you expect.”
The company also installs and services a full line of propane, oil and air conditioning equipment.
“Our fleet of propane delivery trucks and our bulk storage facility provide an ample supply of propane gas to your home or business for all of your propane needs,” Bousquet said. “We have highly trained and qualified propane gas technicians and offer emergency heating ser- vice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” If you go: Consumers Propane & Bousquet Oil 139 Hamlet Avenue Woonsocket, RI 401-769-0146
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Gas station hours: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 7:55 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7:55 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.