Search
Close this search box.
Energy Workforce & Technology Council 90th Anniversary
Search
Close this search box.

High-Performer Spotlight: Jordan West, Mustang CAT

Jordan West, Petroleum Sales Representative, Mustang CAT, is a member of the Emerging Executives Committee. He recently shared his insights on the energy services and technology sector.

Jordan West

ENERGY WORKFORCE: What is your role with the company? What does a typical day look like?

Jordan West: I work as an outside sales representative for Mustang CAT. My core responsibility is covering markets in the oil and gas sector, which includes fracing, drilling (on and offshore) and industrial applications. The typical day starts off with phone calls, while I’m getting my two kids out the door and kissing them good-bye (my favorite part).

When possible, I try to start my day at the office and get paperwork and quotes completed. The rest of the day is solving issues/problems with ongoing projects and working on future projects. There are days that I might spend an hour on a jobsite or two weeks, depending on the issues. Other days I spend time doing activities with our customers. It’s a very un-balanced work schedule, but you adapt and figure it out.

EW: Why did you join the oil and gas industry? Was there an individual who influenced your decision? Was there an event or piece of technology that got you excited?

JW: I started working for National Oilwell Varco while I was in high school as a part-time job. I worked at a drill pipe facility that removed the internal rubber and replaced it before going back into the field. I worked at different NOV facilities through college to expand my knowledge in oil and gas. My last position prior to graduating was at facility that built mud pumps. I was involved with diesel-driven mud pumps. This was the first time I realized that Caterpillar made products beyond construction, and I immediately wanted to learn more about Caterpillar.

EW: What individual has been most instrumental in helping with your career? What did their mentorship look like, and how did it guide your path?

JW: There are three individuals that have been the most instrumental in my career. First, my grandparents, Elvie and Billie Hamilton, who owned a hot oil trucking business, Falcon Trucking Company, based in Andrews, TX. Growing up I was fascinated to hear their experiences and stories of working in the oil and gas business. My grandfather passed back in 2017, and I know he would be proud to see us still working in the industry.

Second, my father, who has worked for Dupont, Conoco and is currently with NOV. It was through NOV, where I worked numerous summer jobs and internship through college, which eventually led me into Mustang CAT. My father, brother, sister and brother-in-law all work in the industry. The oil and gas business has always been part of my family.

Third, my boss, Mark Reed has been my mentor since 2011 when I took the job. He has taught me the CAT product with his extensive knowledge dating back to his Navy days, when he ran the nuclear plant on the ship.

EW: What was your impression of the industry beforehand and how has it evolved?

JW: I began my oil and gas career as an intern in 2008 when the industry was booming and witnessed the bust when I was still in college. I officially began my sales career at Mustang CAT in 2013-2014 when the industry was booming again and believed the oil and gas industry would never be in a downturn. I was young and naïve coming into the industry and found out quickly that isn’t the case.

EW: What has surprised you most about the industry?

JW: I’ve always heard growing up how small our industry is but never believed it. The industry is large but as I’ve grown older and met more people it truly is a small circle. I felt like an outsider in the beginning, but it has become a very small and close family that I truly appreciate.

EW: Where do you hope to see the industry develop over the next five years?

JW: In the last five years, I have seen the industry change with ESG initiatives, and I see it continuing down this path. I look forward to being part of those conversations.

EW: What role do you believe you will play in the industry’s future? 

JW: I will be an advocate for equipment that helps our customers meet their goals and initiatives. At the end of the day, we serve our customers. If they succeed, we succeed.

EW: How has your involvement in Energy Workforce supported your career goals? 

JW: I’m currently part of the Emerging Executive Committee. The members involved are from various segments of the industry with different roles. I’ve learned leadership skills from others on this committee and it has helped me become more well-rounded in my current role. I look forward to continuing to serve on this and other committees.

EW: Who are one or two individuals you’ve met while working in the industry who have impacted your thinking?

JW: Gay Wathen, former President of AESC, had the biggest impact on me being a part of this organization. I volunteered to be the Secretary of the Gulf Coast Chapter in 2013. I quickly learned who she was, and she took me under her wing. She inspired me to stay involved in the organization and become a leader. Congratulations on your retirement, Gay!

Christopher Berrie, CAT Oil & Gas, is a great leader and has made a big impact on me. He is the chair for my current committee, Emerging Executives. The passion and work ethic he brings to every meeting has impacted how I go about my day. He is a true leader, and it’s great be around people like Chris. I know I can always call on him for advice and for tips on career development.

EW: What’s a technology or innovation you’ve seen in the sector that impressed you?

JW: I started in this industry selling diesel engines. Over the last few years, we’ve seen the transition from diesel to dual fuel engines and now we’re seeing the transition from dual fuel to e-frac. The technology from traditional diesel fracturing to electric fracturing has been truly impressive.

EW: What advice would you give someone just getting started in the oil and gas industry?

JW: I started in the industry coming out of a “bust” and was one of the younger people in the room. The best advice that I can give is learn as much as you can and stay humble. There is so much to learn in this industry but there are so many people willing to help. The most important thing is to ask questions, listen, be willing to learn.

EW: What do you wish other people knew about oil and gas?

JW: Tough question. I wish that people understand how critical our industry is to the world that we live in today. Just like every oil and gas professional, I will continue to advocate for oil and gas. Leslie Beyer has been the biggest advocate for our organization, and it makes me proud to be part of Energy Workforce & Technology Council. The best part of being part of EWTC is seeing Leslie on FOX News advocating for our industry. It makes us PROUD.

EW: What do you do for fun?

JW: I have a very large family, so I just enjoy being around people. I specifically love cooking crawfish, blue-crabs, fajitas and having family and friends over to enjoy it.

EW: What’s your idea of a perfect vacation?

JW: Cabo-San Lucas with my wife. We love going to “The Office” for lunch.


Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.


Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

ENERGY NEWS

Stay Connected

Sign up for the Energy Workforce newsletter to stay on top of the latest energy news and events.