Joey Trappey, co-founder of Century Lodging, joins Power of the Permian to share how he built a small workforce housing company from just 10 beds to over 750 — serving oilfield crews across West Texas.
In this episode, Joey walks us through the real challenges of running a man camp operation in a boom-and-bust environment. From juggling customer relationships and rising housing costs to working with local governments and maintaining community trust, his story highlights the grit and creativity it takes to survive in this niche part of the oilfield ecosystem.
We also talk about Joey’s background in the restaurant business, how that skill set translated into oilfield housing, and why offering meals and lodging near location — even when not directly on-site — helps crews stay sharp and companies save money.
Whether you’re an operator, vendor, or entrepreneur, this is a grounded, insightful look into the behind-the-scenes world of oilfield living.