n this episode of Jack of Oil Trades, Stephen sits down with serial entrepreneur Kristen Chandler, whose career spans wellness clinics, Subway franchising, occupational drug testing, and supporting oil and gas companies nationwide.Kristen’s story is a masterclass in figuring it out as you go. From opening the first Subway in Greenwood after realizing the community had literally nowhere to eat, to running drug testing services across the U.S., to managing wellness spas inspired by her sister’s cancer journey — Kristen has built every business by solving real problems as they appeared.This is an episode full of entrepreneurial wisdom, wild stories, and genuine inspiration for anyone building something from nothing.

In this new episode of Jack of Oil Trades, host Stephen Wilson sits down again with Dakotah Klein of LOC for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on business, faith, and the mindset it takes to thrive in uncertain times.Dakotah opens up about learning to surrender control — in life, leadership, and the oilfield — and how blending faith with business transformed his outlook. He shares real-world lessons from managing downturns, balancing humility with confidence, and investing in relationships that last longer than any company name.From oil prices and loyalty to pride, mentorship, and Midland life, this is a grounded, hard-won conversation about staying centered when everything else shifts.Chapters00:00 – Cold Open00:31 – Introduction01:12 – Controlling Costs in a Downturn03:59 – Faith in Business07:34 – Perspective on Influence09:01 – The Illusion of Control13:45 – Humility and Mentorship17:20 – People Over Companies20:12 – Character in Business23:54 – Wisdom and Acceptance27:39 – Hearing vs. Listening31:26 – The Real Market36:27 – Small Bank Relationships40:32 – Life Updates44:57 – New Ventures47:05 – Closing Reflections

In this episode of the Jack of Oil Trades Podcast, host Stephen Wilson sits down with a very special guest—his wife, Amanda Wilson, co-owner of Paper & Vine in Midland, Texas.Amanda shares the journey of opening a bookstore and bar with her mom and sister, from an idea sparked on TikTok to a reality in just 45 days. She opens up about the challenges of choosing the right books for her shelves, managing a team, and balancing life as a nurse practitioner, mom of four, and business owner.She also talks about why building community matters so much to her, the joy of hosting events like fantasy nights and trivia, and how Paper & Vine is more than a bookstore—it’s a space for connection, creativity, and belonging.Chapters00:00 – Meet Amanda Wilson, Co-Owner of Paper & Vine02:00 – From Meet Cute to Paper & Vine: The Naming Journey04:30 – Inspiration Behind Starting a Bookstore07:45 – Launching a Business in 45 Days10:15 – Learning the Publishing & Ordering Process12:20 – Family Roles in Running the Store15:20 – Building Community Through Books & Events18:00 – The Challenges of Bookstore Ownership21:30 – Leadership & Management Styles23:45 – Creating a Happy Space for Women in Midland26:00 – Amanda’s Favorite Genres (Thrillers & Dark Romance!)29:00 – Balancing Motherhood, Work & Passion32:00 – Looking Ahead: Events, Community & Expansion34:30 – Closing Thoughts with Amanda & Stephen

n this episode of Jack of Oil Trades, host Stephan Wilson sits down with Curtis Raymond — a former Ivy League and TCU football player turned heavy machinery sales rep. Curtis shares the raw, unfiltered story of how childhood lessons, athletic setbacks, and personal grit shaped the way he approaches business and life today.From tearing his labrum in high school, to flipping a beach cart in college, to eventually earning a spot at TCU and competing in the National Championship — Curtis talks about how doing one more has always been his secret weapon.Now in the oilfield equipment world, Curtis brings that same energy to service, partnerships, and pushing through adversity. Whether you’re in sales, sports, or just trying to grow as a man — this conversation delivers real insights, tough lessons, and practical takeaways.Filmed at Forty Wolves Podcast Studio in Midland, Texas.Chapters:00:00 – Intro & Curtis Raymond’s Background02:00 – Connecting Through Equipment Rentals05:15 – Childhood, Family Values, and Upbringing10:50 – Baseball Dreams vs Football Reality16:10 – Breaking Through in High School Football21:20 – The Injury That Changed Everything26:15 – Ivy League Life & Culture Shock at Cornell31:30 – Setbacks, Mental Growth & Mentorship37:50 – TCU Football, Transfer Portal & National Championship45:30 – What Makes a Great Team: The Max Duggan Effect50:45 – Lessons from Kaz Casati on Mental Toughness55:10 – Business Parallels: Grit, Teamwork & Focus1:00:00 – Jiu-Jitsu, Calm Under Pressure & Life Lessons1:05:00 – Final Thoughts: Competing with Integrity1:07:15 – Outro & Plans for Round Two

Step into the world of rural finance, oil fields, and unforgettable stories with Stephen Wilson and his guest, Michael Eisenwine — a fifth-generation banker with deep West Texas roots. In this episode of Jack of Oil Trades, Michael takes us through a career shaped by the highs and lows of community banking, the chaos of the 2008 financial crisis, and the colorful history of cattle rustling and oil booms.From regulatory battles and economic shifts to eyebrow-raising tales of conspiracy and small-town intrigue, this conversation unpacks the complexities of modern banking through a lens only someone with Michael’s legacy could provide.Whether you're in the industry or just love a good story, this episode brings sharp insight and Texas-sized personality to topics often hidden behind boardroom doors.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories at the intersection of oil, money, and the people who keep both moving.

Bitcoin mining is changing the game in the Permian Basin, offering a groundbreaking way to utilize natural gas that would otherwise be wasted. In this episode of Jack of Oil Trades, host Stephen Wilson sits down with Paul Cockerham of Verde Mining to discuss how Bitcoin mining is driving innovation in the energy sector.From reducing gas flaring to integrating renewable sources like wind and solar, Bitcoin mining is emerging as a key player in West Texas' energy future. Learn how industry leaders are leveraging this technology to create a more sustainable and profitable approach to energy production.Whether you're in oil and gas, tech, or crypto, this conversation dives deep into the intersection of energy and blockchain technology. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the future of energy in Midland and beyond!Subscribe for more discussions on energy, technology, and cryptocurrency! Like and share to spread the conversation.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction: Bitcoin & Energy in West Texas01:10 - Stephen Wilson & Paul Cockerham Connect on LinkedIn02:05 - Paul's Background: From Gaming to Petroleum Engineering05:00 - Discovering Bitcoin & Entering the Mining Industry06:45 - The Role of Bitcoin in Natural Gas Utilization08:30 - Bitcoin Mining in the Permian: Current Landscape10:15 - Understanding On-Grid vs. Off-Grid Bitcoin Mining12:50 - Why Midland's Climate is Ideal for Mining Operations15:00 - Verde Mining's Mission & Bitcoin’s Role in Reducing Flaring17:45 - Proof of Concept: Turning Flared Gas into Revenue20:30 - Navigating Regulations & Securing Flare Permits23:10 - Overcoming Industry Skepticism & Bitcoin Adoption26:00 - The Growing Energy-Bitcoin Intersection in Texas28:15 - Challenges to Adoption: Contracts & Regulatory Hurdles30:40 - The Economic Case for Mining: Why It’s Profitable33:00 - The Future: Bitcoin & Oil Companies Working Together35:20 - Exploring Mobile Bitcoin Mining for Short-Term Contracts38:00 - The Potential for Bitcoin in Large-Scale Energy Investments40:45 - Verde Mining’s Focus on Education & Industry Training43:30 - Teaching Operators How to Mine Bitcoin with Natural Gas46:15 - Why CEOs Need to Understand Bitcoin’s Value49:00 - How Bitcoin Could Transform the Future of Energy Contracts52:00 - Final Thoughts & The Future of Bitcoin in Oil & Gas

Join us in this insightful conversation with Alan Peters, a visionary leader dedicated to solving the global water crisis with atmospheric water generation. Discover how Alan is revolutionizing water access by transforming humidity into clean drinking water — a game-changer for communities facing water scarcity. In this video, Alan shares his journey from a career in the energy sector to pioneering solutions in sustainable water technologies through his company, Tsunami Products.Learn about the challenges, successes, and the future of innovative water generation technologies. Don't miss Alan's story of passion, perseverance, and progress toward a world with reliable, safe drinking water for everyone.Stay tuned to hear about the potential impacts and real-world applications in various climates and regions. Be inspired by Alan's commitment to making a difference in the lives of many and the environment. If you care about water conservation and technological innovation, this video is a must-watch!Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content.#AlanPeters, #WaterGeneration, #CleanWater, #AtmosphericWater, #SustainableSolutions, #Innovation, #WaterScarcity, #TsunamiProducts, #Technology, #WaterCrisis, #EnvironmentalImpact, #RenewableEnergy, #TexasInnovation, #CleanDrinkingWater, #watertechnology

Midland, Texas is changing, and Mayor Lori Blong is leading the way. In this episode of Jack of Oil Trades, host Stephen Wilson sits down with Mayor Blong to discuss her dual role as an entrepreneur in oil and gas and the Mayor of Midland.Topics Covered:Balancing business ownership at Octane while serving as mayorThe transformation of Midland, from infrastructure improvements to crime reductionThe economic resilience of Midland amid oil price swingsNew developments shaping the city, including Costco, sports tourism, and 62 new soccer fieldsHer journey into politics and what it takes to run a cityWhy Midland is more than just an “extraction colony”With a 10 percent drop in violent crime and a push for long-term growth, Mayor Blong shares what it takes to keep the heart of West Texas thriving.Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more deep dives into oil, energy, and leadership.#MidlandTX #MayorLoriBlong #OilAndGas #TexasEnergy #CityDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #JackOfOilTradesCHAPTERS:00:00 Building entrepreneurial structures00:27 Optimizing existing systems01:09 Strategic change management02:21 Mayor daily responsibilities03:16 Balancing work, family04:26 Mediating community issues05:08 City council meetings06:28 Deciding on community issues06:58 Love for Midland07:54 Encouraging community improvement09:27 Political campaigning experience11:05 Exhausting campaign process12:44 Voter targeting strategy14:09 Prioritizing voter outreach16:03 Values-driven decision making17:59 Addressing public disagreements19:51 Optimizing organizational efficiency21:25 Entrepreneurial foundation established22:06 Strategic optimization needed23:19 Violent crime reduction24:56 Developmental changes implemented26:35 Sports tourism initiatives28:26 Midland's revitalization underway29:38 Place-making community enhancements31:17 Strategic plan adjustments33:21 Oil industry's discipline improving35:12 Revenue stability maintained37:19 Economic resilience prioritized39:34 Financial management excellence41:20 Personal resilience demonstrated42:45 Losing not option43:26 Transitioning business strategy44:08 Family support crucial45:04 Multiple business models45:54 Mayor role volunteer47:28 Focus on community48:09 Game-changing strategy48:38 Midland's growth praised

Discover "The Untold Story of Risk, Faith & Market Domination" in this candid conversation revealing the remarkable career trajectory and leadership journey of Chance David. From his early days in forestry to building a thriving career in the Permian Basin's oil and gas industry, Chance shares valuable insights into navigating challenges, leveraging faith, and employing bold business strategies to achieve success.

Discover how self-development fuels petroleum success in this inspiring episode of the Jack of All Trades Podcast featuring Yogashri Pradham who goes by Yoshi, a trailblazer in the oil and gas industry.