Our Team

Dale G. Delay is the President and Owner of Cost Management Solutions, bringing an impressive 38 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. His extensive career is marked by deep expertise in the gas liquids marketplace, developed through key roles such as gas liquids trader, marketing manager of merchant fractionation facilities, and director/manager of wholesale operations.

Dale’s notable achievements include his time at El Paso/PG&E, where he established and successfully managed a new wholesale propane marketing business line. His adept knowledge of risk management, marketing strategies, and financial performance consistently exceeded expectations and integrated significant assets like Hattiesburg propane storage leasing. At Warren Petroleum/Dynegy, Dale excelled as Manager of Asset Marketing and Raw Supply, overseeing the conversion of raw NGLs into finished components and managing revenues for internal transportation and pipeline groups. His role as a gas liquids trader involved managing sales and contracts, including propane futures. His career also includes pivotal early roles with Gulf Oil Corporation in finance and accounting. Dale is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, recognized for outstanding achievements in management and finance. Dale’s leadership is further demonstrated through his involvement with the Propane Education and Research Council, where he served as Vice Chairman and Secretary. His extensive background and commitment to the industry underscore his strategic vision and operational excellence in advancing the propane and gas liquids sector.

Mark Rachal is the Director of Research and Publications at Cost Management Solutions, where he has made significant contributions since 2005. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from Northwestern State University (1980). Mark’s career in the energy sector began with Chevron Production, and he later worked at Warren Petroleum, a division of Chevron, as a wholesale propane representative. With 6 years of experience in wholesale propane marketing and 10 years in crude and natural gas production, Mark has a deep understanding of the energy industry.

For the past 20 years, Mark has specialized in analyzing energy markets and writing about their impacts on propane supply pricing. This extensive focus has equipped him with valuable insights that drive his current role. Before joining Cost Management Solutions, Mark also taught 8th grade science, where he developed strong research and communication skills. His diverse background and expertise in energy market analysis are key to his role in directing research and publications at the company.

Dustin has been a cornerstone of Cost Management Solutions since joining in 2010. Over the past 14+ years, his journey from Sales Manager to Vice President of Operations reflects his unwavering commitment and substantial impact on the company. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Dustin earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Distribution in 2009, equipping him with a strong foundation in logistics and cost management. His early career in 2008 with a retail propane company in Texas gave him a firsthand perspective on the propane industry, shaping his ability to craft tailored solutions for propane retailers.

As VP of Operations, Dustin plays a key role in refining strategies that empower propane retailers, blending his technical expertise with an approachable demeanor that fosters lasting client relationships. Beyond the office, Dustin’s life is rich with family and outdoor passions. Married to his wife, Amy, for 15 years, they are raising three energetic children: Nolan (6), Camden (5), and Dawsyn (1). When he’s not driving the family business forward, Dustin can often be found indulging his love for the outdoors—whether he’s hunting, fishing, snow skiing, water skiing, or, his true favorite, perfecting his swing on the golf course. Dustin’s dedication to both his family and Cost Management Solutions’ mission to support propane retailers fuels the company’s growth and sets a robust course for its future.

Amy joined Cost Management Solutions LLC in 2024 as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer.  Amy Delay graduated with honors from Texas A&M University with a Master of Finance and Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting (2010). She has been a Certified Public Accountant for 14 years. She recently passed the National Commodities Futures Series 3 Exam. Amy joined CMS with a strong Oil and Gas background. Amy previously worked for ConocoPhillips starting in 2007 through 2017.  During her tenure there she worked as an accountant for both the crude and natural gas trade floors. She also had experience in internal audit and upstream operations focused on long range planning and budgeting. Her strong financial background, integrity, and attention to detail make her a great asset to Cost Management Solutions LLC.