For 90 years, Delta Liquid Energy has been built on dependable service, family values, hardworking employees, and strong community relationships.
What began in 1936 as a small family business in Atascadero has grown into a fourth-generation, family-owned propane company serving residential, agricultural, commercial, forklift, and Autogas customers across California and Nevada. While the company has grown and changed over the decades, its foundation has remained the same: safe, reliable, and courteous propane service rooted in trust, hard work, and care for the communities we serve.
“What I feel when I look out and see the longevity represented in the company today is something that I am still trying to find words to express,” said Allison Platz-Velazquez, Director of Sales and Marketing. “Humbled is a gross understatement.”
From One Pickup Truck to Generations of Service
Delta Liquid Energy’s story began in 1936, when Harry and Iva Platz started a small propane distribution company from their home and garage in Atascadero. With help from their 15-year-old son, Joseph, the business started with one pickup truck delivering 25-gallon cylinders of butane to local homes. The company also sold butane-powered appliances, including water heaters and cook stoves.
After Harry passed away in 1940, Iva and Joe continued growing the business from the family home. In 1942, Iva met Louis “Lou” Marx, and the couple eventually married. Lou joined the organization and helped continue its growth, becoming part of the family business during an important period of transition.
By 1953, the business had reached another turning point. San Luis Butane Distributors had been reorganized as a California corporation and relocated from the family’s residential property to a commercial location on the north side of Atascadero along the major highway. Propane was added to the company’s product offerings, and the new location included an appliance showroom where customers could see and order water heaters, room heaters, cooking appliances, washers, and clothes dryers.
That same year, Harry and Iva’s second son, Frank Platz, joined the family business after serving in the Korean War and graduating from UCLA. Frank joined his mother, Iva, his brother Joe, and Lou Marx as the family continued building the company into its next chapter.
In 1958, Frank and Joe purchased San Luis Butane Distributors from Lou and Iva Marx, carrying the family business into its next generation of leadership.
As the company grew, so did its service area. San Luis Butane expanded into new communities, including Cambria, Buellton, Arroyo Grande, Barstow, Santa Paula, Lake Elizabeth, Brawley, Blythe, and beyond. In 1987, San Luis Butane became Delta Liquid Energy, carrying the company into a new chapter while honoring the family legacy that started it all.
For more firsthand memories from Frank Platz, read the full origin story of San Luis Butane here: The Beginning of San Luis Butane and DLE, as Remembered by Frank Platz
Read the full history of Delta Liquid Energy.
A Living Family Legacy
One of the most meaningful parts of Delta Liquid Energy’s 90-year story is that the family legacy is still present in the company today.
Frank Platz helped carry the business through decades of growth and change, connecting today’s Delta Liquid Energy to the early days of San Luis Butane. His children, Bill Platz, President, and Cindy Belmont, Vice President of Administration, have continued that legacy through their own years of leadership, service, and deep involvement in the company. Bill has been with DLE since 1969, while Cindy has been part of the company since 1989.
“It truly has been a gift to each generation of our family that we have been able to work here,” said Tricia Cardenaz, Accounting Administrator. “I feel very lucky that even my children will have the opportunity to work at DLE someday if they want to.”
The next generation is also part of DLE’s story. Allison Platz-Velazquez, Bill’s daughter, serves as Director of Sales and Marketing, while Tricia Cardenaz, Cindy’s daughter, serves as Accounting Administrator. Both officially joined the company in 2016, but like many in a family business, they grew up around DLE long before their official start dates.
Together, they represent the continued family involvement that helps keep DLE rooted in its history while looking toward the future. For employees, customers, and communities, this makes DLE’s 90-year milestone more than a look back. It is a reminder that the people, values, and family connections that helped build the company are still part of its daily work.
A Family Business Built by Many Hands
Although Delta Liquid Energy’s roots began with the Platz family, the company’s 90-year history has been shaped by many hands: employees, customers, families, vendors, community partners, and generations of people who have supported the business along the way.
Today, DLE remains proud to be family-owned and operated. That family spirit has helped shape the company’s culture, from the way employees support one another to the way customers are treated across DLE’s branches.
“I believe DLE truly treats its employees and their families better than anywhere I have ever worked,” said Tricia. “When someone works for a company long enough and is happy in their job, they really care about the work, want to do well, and they extend that positivity to DLE customers.”
Over the years, team members have delivered propane through busy winters, responded to customer needs, supported local farms and businesses, maintained equipment, handled service calls, answered phones, built customer relationships, and helped keep communities fueled.
“Family is what DLE is all about, whether it’s an employee’s family, ‘office’ family, or being run by a family,” said Tricia. “I hope that continues for many more generations.”
Celebrating 90 Years at Atascadero Lake Park
To celebrate this milestone, Delta Liquid Energy hosted its 90th Anniversary Celebration on August 29, 2026 at Atascadero Lake Park. Around 150 attendees including employees, families, and friends gathered for a warm, beautiful afternoon by the lake.
The event included great food catered by The Ribline, audio support from Bill Gaines Audio, and a beautiful balloon arch created by DLE’s own Accounting Administrator Rittsi Anguiano, owner of Sweet Garland Creations.
Guests spent the afternoon chatting, playing cornhole and ladder ball, coloring, and enjoying each other’s company. For some employees from different branches, the celebration was their first opportunity to meet in person, making the day even more meaningful.
Check out this video from our celebration.
Honoring Longtime Employees
As part of the celebration, DLE recognized employees who have been with the company for more than 20 years. These employees represent decades of knowledge, loyalty, customer relationships, and dedication to the company’s mission.
Their years of service are a meaningful part of DLE’s story. Each longtime employee has helped carry the company forward, not only through the work they do each day, but through the example they set for newer team members.
Frank Platz, Owner (Paso Robles) – 73 years
Bill Platz, President (Paso Robles) – 57 years
Cindy Belmont, VP of Administration (Paso Robles) – 37 years
Troy Mack, Paso Robles Branch Manager – 34 years
Polo Rosales, Santa Paula Service Technician – 27 years
Fred Ayala Jr., Lancaster Service Technician – 25 years
David Martinez, Santa Maria Branch Manager – 25 years
Leonard Maese, Farmerville Delivery Specialist – 24 years
Matt Norton, Delta RV – 24 years
Chris Kneel, Santa Maria District Sales Manager – 22 years
Kelly Steil, Delta RV – 22 years
Jesus Henriquez, Paso Robles Delivery Specialist – 22 years
Jorge Herrera, Lancaster District Sales Manager – 22 years
Fernando Galindo, Farmersville Delivery Specialist – 21 years
Tina Viramontes, AePEX Energy Wholesale Administrator – 20 years
Kari Dulitz, Delta RV – 20 years
Martha Hiatt, Paso Robles Customer Service Representative – 20 years
Noni Robinson, Senior Staff Accountant – 20 years
“We went around the room at our Annual Manager Meeting and noted how long each of us has been with DLE,” said Allison. “To hear more double-digit numbers than not really gave me the feeling of, ‘Wow, okay, we’re doing this. And look what we’ve already done. And what we’ll do in the next 90 years. What else can we accomplish?’”
Recognizing Exceptional Leadership
During the celebration, DLE also presented Exceptional Leader Awards to two branch managers who have made a lasting impact on their teams and the company as a whole: Paso Robles Branch Manager Troy Mack and Lancaster Branch Manager Michael Shuman.
Troy Mack, affectionately known as “Mack,” has been with DLE for 34 years and has truly done it all. Aside from members of the Platz family, Troy is one of DLE’s longest-standing team members. He is known as a teacher, leader, and teammate who is always ready to step in when needed and share his breadth of knowledge.
Michael Shuman began his DLE career as a mechanic and has grown into a natural leader known for his determination, optimism, and “never give up” attitude. He is known for approaching challenges with the mindset of, “What’s next? We can do anything!” and helping guide his team with confidence as DLE looks toward the future.
Together, Troy and Michael represent the kind of hands-on leadership, dedication, and team-first mindset that have helped DLE continue growing and serving customers for generations.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Reaching 90 years is more than a company milestone. It is a reminder of the people, relationships, and values that have carried Delta Liquid Energy from one pickup truck in Atascadero to the company it is today.
“It was started by the Platz family, but its legacy is built by our amazing team, both past and present,” said Allison. “They are the heart and soul of DLE. It takes all of us and all of our different roles to make DLE thrive, and it’s my hope that this continues for another 90 years and beyond.”
As DLE looks ahead, the company remains committed to safe, reliable propane service, strong customer relationships, community involvement, and supporting the employees who make that service possible.
To our employees, customers, families, and communities: thank you for being part of Delta Liquid Energy’s story.
Here’s to 90 years of service, teamwork, family, and community, and to the years ahead.