To reach a milestone like 75 years, the third generation operating Dowler-Karn has had to maintain a commitment to customer service, while spotting opportunities and energy trends. Just as their grandfather, George Dowler did in 1943 when he saw homeowners were switching from coal to more efficient fuels. Dave Karn as President, and Barb Molinaro and John Karn as VPs, are siblings who absorbed — not just learned — the business from their parents Jack and Joyce Karn. As children, they all played roles in the family business, which was run much like a family farm — with all hands on deck. Savvy business acumen, community generosity and respect and care for their employees were all ingrained as key values.
To celebrate their 75th anniversary, Dowler-Karn is investing $75,000 in local projects, and encouraging charities and non-profit organizations to apply to be eligible for up to $10,000 in funding before mid-August. Dowler-Karn’s relationship with the agricultural community is at the core of their business.
“We understand the importance of agriculture to the
economy of Southwestern Ontario and are thankful to be able to support it,” explains Barb Molinaro. “The long-term support from businesses like Dowler-Karn is just one reason Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show is one of the most successful agricultural events in the country,” says Show President Doug Wagner. “We are pleased to acknowledge the support of Dowler-Karn as this year’s Official Fuel Supplier.”
“It’s a significant financial commitment to COFS, that we see as an opportunity to support agriculture in our community. There’s a lot of crossover between our business and the needs of agriculture,” explains David Karn. Advances in technology are impressive, with improved techniques and monitoring, but customer service is still key. John Karn is a great ambassador for Dowler-Karn and he stays in touch with his customers daily: “We provide the energy solutions to keep farms running. Propane, Fuels, Diesel Exhaust Fluid for next generation engines, Lubricants, Anhydrous Ammonia are all vital to day-to-day farming, so we have to be sure we have what farmers need.”