How a trusted family business modernized its marketing while staying true to its roots.
A Legacy Built on Relationships
In central Minnesota, Rahn’s Oil & Propane has built a reputation for integrity, community service, and relationships that span generations. When they first connected with Vivid Image more than a decade ago, their business was expanding rapidly. They had a growing number of convenience stores, a respected service station, and an oil and propane business that customers across the region trusted. What they didn’t have was a cohesive way to represent that legacy online or connect with the growing number of customers finding businesses on the web.
While interviewing co-owners Lisa and Dave Rahn for website content, our writer Heidi discovered something fun and unexpected. Lisa and Dave actually knew Heidi’s parents, and she had grown up in the same rural area Rahn’s proudly serves. Years later, their account director at Vivid Image, Kristal, realized another connection when she found out that her son and Rahn’s Sales & Marketing Executive’s son were the same age, loved basketball, and eventually became teammates on the same AAU basketball team. It is truly a small world in the world of propane, and those shared connections have continued to shape a partnership grounded in trust, shared values, and a deep understanding of what community really means.
Laying the Foundation for Growth
As Rahn’s business continued to grow, Vivid Image helped them establish a strong foundation for their marketing. We developed their first website to clearly communicate who they were and the full range of services they offered. From there, we created consistent brand guidelines so that every truck, sign, and ad connected back to their well-loved name.
We also organized and optimized their Google Business Profiles for them and their growing list of convenience stores, ensuring every location appears accurately in search results. With consistent listings, positive reviews, and a clear message of local ownership, Rahn’s became even easier for new customers to find and trust.
Reaching Active and Passive Searchers
Once the foundation was set, we focused on helping Rahn’s reach new customers who were actively searching online. Through Google Ads, search engine optimization, and online reviews, Rahn’s began appearing at the top of local search results, connecting with families and businesses who needed a propane supplier they could rely on. Their Google Ads continue to produce measurable results month after month, consistently driving phone calls and contact form submissions on their website. These conversions are tracked year over year, providing Rahn’s clear insight each month into how their online presence continues to deliver real value for their business.
At the same time, we expanded into passive marketing to keep Rahn’s top of mind for people who were not yet searching. Social media and content creation helped the community see the faces and values behind the company, strengthening brand recognition and trust.
“Kristal and team have been outstanding to work with! They have such creative ideas and exceptional customer service! We love working with this team!”
—Angie, District Convenience Store Manager, Rahns Oil & Propane
Building Customer Loyalty Through Innovation
Rahn’s has always valued exceptional customer service. With that same mindset, they embraced technology to create a smoother customer experience. Together, we introduced a mobile app, online bill pay, email marketing, and digital contracts to make doing business easier for their loyal customers.
One of the most significant recent successes came from Rahn’s commitment to customer service, as we helped simplify and make the summer pre-buy process more convenient for their customers by moving it online. The goal was to have 100 customers use the new digital system, but more than 500 did! What began as a customer-focused improvement quickly created internal efficiencies that delighted their staff. What once required each contract passing across ten different desks now takes one. The switch saved countless hours, reduced errors, and improved the overall experience for both customers and employees. Rahn’s is already looking ahead to expanding more online processes in the future.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
The long-term relationship between Rahn’s Oil & Propane and Vivid Image remains strong and continues to thrive. Both teams share a belief in honest communication, caring for employees, saying “thank you,” and serving the community.
“Vivid Image treats our business like their own. When something happens, whether it’s a PR issue, a new c-store, or just a tech hiccup, they’re the first call we make!”
— Alyssa Rahn, Co-Owner of Rahn’s Oil & Propane
Future-Focused Marketing That Honors the Past
From their first website to their newest marketing strategies, Rahn’s Oil & Propane continues to protect the values that made them who they are, while embracing the tools that will keep them strong for the future. Together, we have built marketing that works as hard as they do, marketing that fuels growth, builds loyalty, and honors their legacy.
