Although it may seem like public companies such as Exxon and Chevron generate the lion share of our domestic oil production, they only produce roughly 30%. The other 70% is produced by smaller to mid-size companies. Many of these enterprises raise money via syndications from Private Equity, family offices, and High Net worth individuals. Depending on the size of the project, investment minimums can be as low as $25,000-$100,000 and have the potential to generate returns that far exceed those of other alternative asset classes. Michael Tanner, Co-founder and Managing Director at Sandstone Group, provides financial consulting and Asset Management for Oil and Gas and Energy clients.