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Ever been curious about the eclectic life of an engineer by day and a country singer by night? Our guest for today's episode, Wesley Hanna, Vice President of Engineering at Burnett Oil, and a Texas Country singer-songwriter, weaves an engrossing tale about his journey. Raised in the heart of Houston, Wesley's musical voyage started with a guitar during his high school days and later, open-mic nights at Texas A&M University. He released his first solo album in October 2022 that marked the beginning of a musical odyssey filled with personal growth and tireless commitment.

Wesley doesn't shy away from revealing his metamorphosis from a reticent kid to an accomplished performer who unshackled his inhibitions through music. Interestingly, he shares how the pandemic, while disrupting the music industry, became a game-changer for him. Wesley harnessed the power of live streaming and adapted to the new normal, turning the crisis into an opportunity for success in the music industry. He candidly talks about the unvarnished truth of a music career, underscoring the significance of album promotions, engaging with fans, and performing live.

In the final segment of the chat, Wesley imparts invaluable insights into the art of setting goals and dreaming big. Illustrating his own experiences, he emphasizes the concept of taking small strides towards significant victories, whether it's performing on a dream stage or launching a successful album. He also lets us in on his favorite parts of performing and songwriting, expressing the profound passion he harbors for his craft. Wesley's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the allure of music, and the fascinating saga of a man who followed his heart, no matter what. Tune in to be inspired and to appreciate the mesmerizing fusion of oil and music in Wesley's life.

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What if I told you that the key to success in the oil and gas industry goes beyond mere technical know-how and instead lies in the intersection of vision, hard work, and a relentless drive for building strong connections? Join us this week as we welcome Michael Hale, Vice President of Exploration at Novo Oil and Gas, who delves into his 15-year sojourn in this challenging yet rewarding industry. From navigating hundreds of permits to developing acreage positions in northern Delaware, Michael's determination and perseverance are an inspiration for us all. 

In our candid discussion with Michael, we investigate the paradoxes and pitfalls of this intricate industry. Michael not only shares his experiences of working through the market's downturns, including the recent COVID pandemic, but also his unique application of the Stockdale Paradox. It's here where unwavering faith meets brutal acceptance of reality, and the importance of a positive yet realistic mindset is emphasised. Michael's insights and experiences provide a fresh perspective on how to approach challenging situations and stay motivated in the midst of adversity.

We round up our conversation with a focus on effective leadership and personal growth. Michael underscores the importance of knowing your team's strengths and weaknesses, managing fear, and the value of self-reflection. He brings to the table his personal journey towards success and happiness, and how his definition of success has been his fuel over the past 15 years. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and insights from an industry veteran and is sure to offer valuable lessons for every listener. Tune in to hear about Michael's journey and his take on navigating uncertainty and transition.

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Ever wondered what it takes to start a niche business in the oil and gas industry? Join us as we chat with Rodney Giles, co-founder of BidOut, a company handling the procurement of billions of dollars in capital expenditures. Discover how Rodney, a high school entrepreneur, transitioned from the tech world to oil and gas and the advantages of focusing on a specialized niche.

Rodney shares the valuable lessons he’s learned from starting multiple businesses, both successes and failures, including the importance of timing investments, and surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people. He also reflects on how his energy levels have shifted over the years and how he now prioritizes his family more than ever. Get ready to be inspired and gain insights to fuel your own entrepreneurial journey.

Finally, learn about the purpose of BidOut and the value of using their platform for procurement. Rodney explains how the reverse auction format forces price competition and exposes service companies to new opportunities they may not have been aware of before. Don't miss this fascinating episode and uncover the secrets behind Rodney entrepreneurial journey and the success of BidOut.

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What does it take to build a successful chemical company and navigate the challenges of the energy industry? Join us as we sit down with the inspiring Jim Holmes, President, CEO, and founder of LFS Chemistry, to uncover the driving force behind his journey and the growth of his business.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the significance of focusing on multiple chemical markets, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how to build trust and accountability within your team. Jim also shares his fascinating story, from his days as a three-sport high school athlete to driving vacuum trucks in the oil field and founding LFS Chemistry. 

Running a remote team is no easy feat, but Jim Holmes lays out strategies for overcoming these challenges and fostering genuine connections with customers and employees. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from the man himself as he imparts valuable lessons and stories that are sure to resonate with anyone interested in the energy sector and business growth.

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We're back after a much-needed break, and what better way to kick off our new season than with a riveting conversation brimming with inspiration and valuable insights? Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Brett Chell, CEO and founder of Cold Bore Technology, as he takes us through his remarkable journey and shares his wisdom on the evolving industry and the power of collaboration.

Navigating stress and ambition, Brett opens up about the importance of self-awareness, self-love, and routines in overcoming life's hurdles. We also delve into the power of vulnerability in leadership, the value of authenticity, and how belonging to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs can be incredibly supportive. Along the way, we tackle the impact of imposter syndrome and destination anxiety on our lives and discuss strategies to rise above these challenges.

Finally, we explore the role of gratitude and freedom in ambition, and how a healthy balance can lead to happiness and fulfillment. Join us for this impactful and engaging conversation with Brett Chell, and get ready to be inspired to uncover your own passions and ambitions. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a leader who has navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and personal growth.

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Welcome back to the Energy Crüe Podcast! It's been over 7 months since our last episode, and we're thrilled to be back with a fresh, revamped style of Energy Crüe convos. In today's episode,  JP takes us through his evolution from starting his very first podcast to launching his own company, and why Energy Crüe took a backseat. Join us as we delve into the power of connections and the transformative impact of sharing our passions, both in our professional and personal lives.

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Jonathan and I sit down to discuss the importance of relationships and networks in relation to sales, and how he teaches this to his students at TCU Sales Center. We discuss how sales is more about active listening, problem-solving, and helping others out before ourselves. We chatted about recruiting talent into the energy industry as well as utilizing new means of marketing to improve your sales process. We dove into the realities of energy and how it’s often disconnected from people’s expectations. Always great chatting with Jonathan and really dig his passion to develop future leaders!

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I got behind the mic with my amigo Rey Treviño III (Director of Operations - Pecos Country Operating). 

I met Rey a few months back at a Crüe Club event, and since then we’ve become pretty good friends. From catching up at events to me being a guest on his podcast The Crude Truth. 

We chatted about how he got into the oilfield after a few years in the banking world. We discussed his experience of working in the field to learn about the industry and its importance of it. Also what it was like to be catapulted 5-6 years forward to being an operator through a series of chance events. Of course, it wouldn’t be an energy podcast if we didn’t discuss what’s going on in the world right now. Always a blast catching up with Rey, and thanks for setting up the awesome studio experience!

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Had a great conversation with our West Coast California energy enthusiast oilman Mike Umbro (FieldView Capital) yesterday for another Energy Crüe Podcast.

He flew in to attend a Crüe Club event, be a guest on the Energy Crüe Podcast, and of course head to the FUZE event to speak on a panel. But was fortunate to have a chat with him about his next big project: and he needs all of our help! 

We discussed his goal of bringing together various industry professionals in California to put together a broad study and teaming with universities on energy realities and how they impact the local economy, people, and environment. As he’s been battling politics and the narrative, all he wants is to produce domestic oil safely, and responsibly. However with the current rhetoric and policies, it is extremely difficult, and he sees it as a challenge we all will soon face unless we begin to get our ducks in a row as an industry. 

Really appreciate what he’s doing in California and spreading some words on energy facts and the impacts of poor energy policies. Keep up the fight Mike, and thanks for your time! You can reach out to Mike to see what you can do to help support the collective and study he plans to launch soon! 

With his title either Energy Enthusiast or Energy Entrepreneur, whatever y’all like the best!

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I sat with Bill Knox (VP - Ops - Anschutz) yesterday and we dove into his background growing up with a Vietnam helicopter pilot and how that instilled in him his love of aviation and flying. He discussed his experience in the Navy and the mentorship that he had there and how he strives to continue to mentor those around him. We discussed his experience and time as an oil’homme in Paris and what operating in that environment was like. We then chatted about what we can do as an industry to actually be advocates for a purpose and direction.