Lowry Tims saw his father lose almost everything in the Great Depression. Yet that didn't discourage this shy, intelligent man from taking risks and seizing opportunities. After college, Tims worked as the chief LP gas inspector for the State of Mississippi. He borrowed money in the 1940's to buy his first propane transport truck and begin a retail propane business in the Delta town of Cleveland. This company grew from being a local provider to operating five branches across northwest Mississippi.

Ever the entrepreneur and building on his knowledge from the propane gas division, in 1957 Tims co-founded Quality Steel Corporation (QSC), a steel propane tank manufacturing plant. At that time, QSC was one of more than 50 tank manufacturers in the country.

When Mr. Tims died in 1975, management of the companies was left to three of his sons, one of whom left the business in 1982 and the other in 1998. Jim Tims, now president and CEO of QSC, has seen tremendous growth in this company's market share -- even though the propane industry is a shrinking market. Today, QSC is one of only four American manufacturers still in the national market. Jim credits QSC's success with the company's desire for unsurpassed quality.

"Being a family-owned company and not a division of some large conglomerate like many of our competitors, we're able to make changes quicker and react sooner if consumers' needs change," he said. "We have more of a partnership between employees and management, and are able to emphasize why it's important that we do things right and maintain quality."

In the late 1970's, QSC underwent the first of several major re-evaluations to remain competitive. The company modernized facilities, changed production plans and added incentive programs. The family's retail propane division was sold in 1992. As a result, the Tims family is focusing their energy on propane tank manufacturing. In 1999, QSC completed a major plant expansion and renovation.

"Quality Steel has experienced record growth over the past several years," he said. "We initiated many novel programs that truly have revolutionized the way that we do business. From our guaranteed delivery program and special finance plans to a patented cradling system and new paint product, we experienced wonderful customer loyalty and tremendous growth in new customers. We're preparing and looking forward to a great future in the propane industry."