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What does it take to steer a startup through the storm of a global pandemic and come out stronger on the other side? Join us as we sit down with Jim Holmes, President of LFS Chemistry, to uncover the secrets behind his company's remarkable resilience during the COVID-19 crisis. You'll hear firsthand how Jim's unwavering persistence, innovative pivots towards R&D, and a tight-knit team morale not only kept LFS Chemistry afloat but positioned it for future growth despite a downturn in the oil and gas industry.

Dive deep into the intricate world of developing new chemistries with Jim, who shares the long and challenging road from concept to market. From identifying early adopters to navigating regulatory hurdles, Jim offers invaluable insights into balancing short-term needs with long-term goals. Learn about the meticulous process of creating a dry scale inhibitor and the importance of tailoring solutions to meet diverse regional requirements. Jim's experiences provide a roadmap for anyone looking to innovate within a highly regulated industry.

But it's not just about the technicalities. Jim opens up about the vital role of financial planning and the necessity of having the right people in key positions, including the lessons learned from past failures. We also explore the evolving landscape of sales strategies, emphasizing the power of building lasting relationships even in a remote work environment. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone keen on understanding the future of the oil and gas sector, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that showcase the true essence of leadership and adaptability.

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Unlock the secrets to career success and industry innovation as we chat with William Standifird, President of Intelligent Wellhead Systems. Recorded in their Fulcher, Texas warehouse, William takes us on an inspiring journey from his military roots to influential roles at Schlumberger and now leading Intelligent Wellhead Systems. Discover how this pioneering company has reached impressive milestones, from winning industry awards to committed veteran hiring practices, reflecting the parallels between military service and the energy sector.

Safety, quality, and efficiency form the backbone of Intelligent Wellhead Systems' philosophy. William passionately discusses the significance of these principles in fostering a productive and secure work environment. Learn how their cutting-edge technology enhances hydraulic fracturing sites through advanced digital infrastructure and automation, ensuring exceptional safety, reliability, and efficiency. This episode is a comprehensive guide to understanding how prioritizing safety not only protects but also drives a company's success.

Building strong teams, adapting to rapid changes in the oil industry, and navigating career paths form the core of our conversation. William shares invaluable insights on leveraging personal and professional networks to assemble dedicated and versatile teams. Explore how technological advancements are reshaping oil production, offering cost-saving innovations, and creating new market dynamics. As we wrap up, William provides empowering advice for young professionals: embrace discomfort, take calculated risks, and clearly define your career goals. Join us for an episode brimming with practical wisdom and industry expertise.

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What if the skills you honed in one career could lead you to unprecedented success in an entirely different field? Join us as we sit down with Ashley Colquitt, who transitioned from a fulfilling 16-year career in education to becoming a Corporate Affairs Representative for Diamondback Energy. Ashley shares the pivotal moments that sparked her career shift and explains how her background in education has been instrumental in her new role. Her story is one of adaptability and the power of leveraging past experiences to create a broader influence, particularly through promoting energy education and preparing the next generation for future careers.

How can a simple coffee service program transform lives and corporate culture? In this episode, we spotlight a unique initiative that integrates students with developmental disabilities from Legacy High and Midland High into the workforce through a partnership with Scooters coffee shop. These students not only acquire essential work readiness and social skills but also enrich the environment at Diamondback Energy by engaging with employees and boosting company morale. Recognized by the school board and educational conferences, this initiative underscores the importance of soft skills and demonstrates how inclusive programs can break barriers and provide purpose-driven opportunities.

We also explore the myriad ways Diamondback Energy is investing in the community beyond financial contributions. From the Diamondback Rolling Baristas program to the innovative "Diamondback Career Connections" mentorship initiative, we discuss the significance of meaningful community partnerships and hands-on involvement. Ashley sheds light on the new mentorship program that uses virtual reality experiences to help students navigate post-high school challenges, fostering passion and interest in various fields. Tune in for valuable advice on making impactful career pivots and learn how you can contribute to creating opportunities for the next generation.

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Ready to uncover the secrets behind a successful oil field venture? Join us in this illuminating episode of the Energy Crew Podcast, where industry veteran Randy Nicodemus reveals how he turned his vision into reality by founding Complete Solids Control. Learn firsthand about the initial motivations that propelled Randy to leave the comfort of employment and how those motivations evolved over nearly two decades in the oil industry. Whether you're curious about the challenges of starting a business or eager to understand the nuances of fluid management, Randy's candid reflections and practical advice offer a treasure trove of insights.

Randy and I dive deep into the world of leadership, authenticity, and the importance of fostering a healthy company culture. We discuss his experiences navigating through toxic environments and implementing better business practices to bridge gaps between service companies and operators. Highlighting pivotal moments and lessons learned, Randy answers a thought-provoking question: does entrepreneurship ever get easier? Don't miss this rich conversation packed with rapid-fire questions, personal stories, and invaluable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike.

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What if embracing vulnerability could be your greatest leadership strength? Discover how sharing personal challenges, like divorce and imposter syndrome, can build deeper, more authentic connections within your team. In this episode, we explore the importance of openness in leadership, using real-life experiences and a revealing dinner with a successful acquaintance to demonstrate that even high achievers face self-doubt. You'll learn why being honest about insecurities can foster trust and inspire others to overcome their own challenges.

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Prepare for a cosmic ride alongside Caroline Ellis, our deep space systems engineer, as we chart the parallels between the energy industry and the vastness of space exploration. Her transition from oilfields to the stars epitomizes the power of seeking knowledge and choosing one's path, a theme echoed throughout our conversation. As we share tales from the Crew Club events, Caroline's insights reveal that the challenges and triumphs of space missions are not just captivating stories; they're part of our constant quest for discovery and the very evolution of our careers.

Unlock the secrets of space with Caroline's behind-the-scenes look at the life of a NASA flight controller and the monumental successes, like the OSIRIS-REx mission. The episode peels back the layers of complex space missions, from the rigorous technological planning to the emotional zenith of witnessing a project's success. Caroline's humor shines through as she debunks space myths perpetuated by Hollywood, while emphasizing the intricate reality of space travel and the meticulous work that goes into it.

In this journey from South Texas to the outer reaches of our solar system, we underscore the significance of clear communication, teamwork, and leadership in navigating challenging environments—skills that are invaluable in any high-stakes industry. Caroline's fascination with Saturn, her playful defiance in declaring Pluto a planet, and her candid thoughts on extraterrestrial life, underscore the infectious passion that drives STEM professionals. As the episode wraps up, we invite you to be part of this inspirational dialogue, reminding us all of the shared knowledge and wonders that lie in the final frontier.

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Have you ever considered the leap of faith it takes to move countries and pursue a dream? Rory, a Manchester native and marketing maestro, did just that, landing with a flourish on the cobblestone streets of Montreal. In this episode, he sits down with me to reflect on his inspiring journey post-university, offering a candid look at the hurdles he's vaulted and the wisdom he's collected along the way. As we dissect his evolution into the Marketing Coordinator at Midnight Marketing, Rory uncovers the critical role of embracing challenges and the unexpected beauty found in missteps.

If the thought of B2B marketing conjures images of dry, corporate strategies and endless product pitches, prepare to have your perspective flipped. Rory and I get to the heart of what truly moves the needle—storytelling with soul. We strip back the layers of misconception and reveal how human connections, powered by poignant narratives, are the secret sauce of successful campaigns. Through the lens of iconic brands like Nike and Red Bull, we illuminate the art of crafting stories that not only resonate but also create communities that customers yearn to be part of.

As the conversation winds down, we don't just look back—we gaze forward to the future of marketing and the evergreen importance of creativity. I share my own three-year tenure's insights, highlighting the nimbleness required to thrive amidst the lightning-fast changes in our field, especially with the advent of AI. Rory and I agree, though, that our best ideas often spark in those quiet moments of rest, away from the fray. So, if you're itching for a burst of inspiration or a fresh take on marketing's timeless dance with narrative, lend us your ears—you won't want to miss this.

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Embark with me, JP Warren, on a journey to the heart of the energy debate where we uncover the transformative role of propane and the intricacies of our global energy systems. This week, I'm joined by Tucker Parkitz, the seasoned President and CEO of the Propane Education Research Council and the voice behind the 'Path to Zero' podcast. Together, we navigate Tucker's personal evolution in the energy sector, inspired by his father's legacy, and uncover the powerful yet often overlooked implications of propane for global health, safety, and innovation.

Expect to gain unparalleled insight into the delicate balance between sustaining our planet, safeguarding our health, and ensuring energy remains economically accessible. We scrutinize the immediate health benefits of cutting NOx emissions, the underlying complexities of nuclear power debates, and the glittering promise of future technologies like fusion power. The dialogue pivots around the need for diverse energy solutions, the environmental nuances of electric vehicles, and the pivotal changes we can make today—transitioning to natural gas and propane for cleaner air and a healthier society.

As we peer into the future, the conversation turns to the dynamic energy grid, the varied potential of fuels like propane in agriculture, and the innovative pathways to a low-carbon footprint. We challenge common misconceptions, stressing the ongoing necessity of fossil fuels and the multifaceted nature of the energy transformation. My talk with Tucker not only illuminates the prospects of renewable propane but underscores the importance of educating both the young and old about energy's intricate dance with our environment—preparing them to critically engage with the energy solutions that will shape our world.