Faithful business

You might not know it, but TYL Propane stands for Jesus.

TYL stands for "Thank You Lord." The Christian faith is a central part of TYL and other businesses across the Basin. At TYL, the name is a response to the business’ success.

"We started this new company and were truly thankful to the Lord and give him praise for its success," owner Debi Ward said.

She said she’s a Christian and believes that all things ultimately come from God, so the focus of the business acknowledges that aspect, flowing out in how the company workers deal with customers.

"We are known as the propane company that will help people, and one year it got a bit out of hand," Ward said.

She said TYL sells propane for barbecue grills or to heat the home, but the name stands to keep faith a part of the business fairly explicitly instead of just behind the scenes, all the while putting an emphasis on the work.

Ward said she believes people note something different even if they don’t understand what "TYL" represents.

"I think they know we are Christian people anyway and can see that in us. We don’t have foul language or act poorly," she said.

TYL isn’t alone in making faith a part of business practice. Those running West Texas Windshield have faith at the core.

Owner Bill Avary was recently featured on the syndicated program "The 700 Club" to share the story of the business, which he started 18 years ago repairing auto glass chips. Since that time, the business has grown into three auto glass shops and offers much more than small chip repair.

He said his faith in God has brought him peace and ultimately brought the business success when doors gradually opened through what he believes are providential actions of God. He said his faith brings a sense of purpose to the business, something beyond just profits.

"There has to be a sense of purpose. My biggest goal is to help people do something with their lives," Avary said.

He explained that his Fort Stockton manager worked hard to attain that position, but before he started working for West Texas Windshield he was homeless and living in his car. Another employee started working at 17 and his first car was a company car.

Avary has spoken around the world about Christian ethics in business, such as far-off places like South Africa and Greece.

For Avary, a faith-centered business means he should treat his workers and customers with care.

"I am convinced God gave me the opportunity to not just build a business, but to make a better world," he said.

CHRISTIAN BUSINESSES

Several businesses in the area have religious faith as one of the ingredients to daily operations. Here are two local examples:

>> TYL Propane owners keep their faith front and center since stands for "Thank You Lord."

>> West Texas Windshield’s owner was on a national religious program testifying how his faith helped him build his business.