Mark Reed, General Sales Manager, Exploration, Mustang Cat
What influenced your decision to enter the oil and gas industry?
I served in the U.S. Navy from 1984-90 in the nuclear power field operating the power plant on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. This experience influenced my decision to join the industry and provided my background. I was fortunate enough to join the Electric Power Generation division of Mustang Cat, Caterpillar’s Southeast Texas dealer, in 1990 which handled offshore production platforms for the oil and gas industry. In 2005, I moved to the Petroleum Division, which focuses on power systems for drilling, fracking and marine applications.
What was your impression of the industry beforehand and how has it evolved?
Living in Houston all my life, many members of my family and friends have worked in the industry. They provided my impression with the struggles they experienced in the downturn of the 1980s, including layoffs and company closures. Since then, the oil and gas industry has transformed into leading the country in recovery, expansion, technological innovation and energy independence for the United States.
What have you found to be the most surprising about the industry?
The most surprising thing is the true, long-term friendships I have developed. The industry is enormous, yet small in regards to the people you meet and relationships you develop. We all work through the struggles, ups and downs, making it from one year to the next. Trusting relationships are developed by helping each other with deadlines, budgets and operational issues.
What do you find most challenging and rewarding about the industry or your work?
The most challenging issue we deal with is managing the business cycles from one year to the next. Over the past decade, the swings have been dramatic and created issues that are tough to handle. An example is the 2017-18 upturn in fracking manufacturers struggling to re-establish supply chains that had been slashed from the downturn of 2015-16. This created deliverability issues for equipment to meet the needs of the market. What I find most rewarding is helping customers with solutions to their needs and projects, which ends up building trust and relationships.
Where do you hope to see the industry develop over the next five years?
The industry continues to develop new technology and processes that reduce emissions, improves efficiency and brings new products to the world. Most people do not understand how their lives are impacted by the products produced by the oil and gas industry. Increasing awareness and improved perception of the industry of the great impacts we have on the world is what I hope to see develop over the next five years.
What role do you believe you will play in the industry’s future?
I believe I will be playing multiple roles in the industry’s future. One is training, preparing and developing the next generation of employees with the attributes and skills they need to be great for the customer and marketplace.
I will also continue to educate the industry on new technology in the marketplace and develop customers relationships for our mutually beneficial livelihood. I look forward to the future and participating in the development of the industry.
How has your involvement in PESA supported your career goals?
Involvement with PESA has provided me with access to a macro view of the oil and gas industry I was seeking. Earlier this year, I had a great experience at the Washington, DC Fly-In. PESA members met with Members of Congress to discuss topics we can have an influence on and how we can make difference for the oil and gas industry. It was an eye-opening experience.
I serve on the PESA Supply Chain Committee and participated in this year’s Executive Leadership Program, Executive Presence. There are so many opportunities to learn, develop, build your network and your knowledge of the industry with PESA. It is a great to be a part of such an organization.
What are you most excited about for your career, your company and your industry?
I am excited about the future for my career, company and industry. There are many advances being made in technology. It’s amazing to look back 10 years and see where we were compared to where we are now. The advances in walking drilling rigs, horizontal fracking, pad drilling, zipper fracs and processes are some examples of the beginning of the technology and efficiencies that are being made to make our industry viable in the future. The people who drive these changes and advancements are making the industry a national treasure for this country.
What would you tell someone who is thinking of about entering the oil and gas industry?
I would tell someone to be open minded, watch, listen and learn from those who have industry tenure. This industry is about people helping people from beginning to end. Apply yourself and make a difference; training is continuous due to changing technology and processes for the better. It’s a tough and rewarding industry. Learn to manage and prepare for business cycles, save money. You can find the opportunity to fit you as an individual; it is a broad marketplace. Join PESA, it is a great organization where you can learn, grow, network and develop into the industry professional you strive to be.
What do you wish other people knew about oil and gas?
I wish people knew about all of the products they enjoy in their everyday life that are supported and created by the oil and gas industry. Also, understanding comforts they enjoy every day such as electricity, air conditioning, transportation, communications — the list goes on and on — and how these are made available because of the oil and gas industry. I also wish they knew of research and development that is working to improve their lives for the future.
