When most folks from anywhere else think of Texas, they think about sprawling ranches, rugged cowboys, delicious BBQ and of course, oil. And when they think oil, they generally think “rich” or “roughneck”, envisioning brash, reckless, and driven tycoons focused on nothing more than their own self interests.

But the truth is that since the days of Spindletop, the Texas independent producer has been in the business of building wealth, value, and a quality of life that permeates our entire country and sustains the American economy.

And they do so at great personal risk.

Independent oil and gas producers are stewards of risk and resources, investing their talents, courage, vision, and resources in the pursuit of the greater good.

In a sense, independent operators work with real power and bear responsibility for a welfare far beyond the oil field. In the wrong hands the consequences of their power can be devastating – but when guided by great discipline and high character, the power of oil has helped transform our great state into a global force for good.

Theirs is not cautious work. But neither is it careless. And the best operators in the industry are the ones who operate with a sense of responsibility, consistency, and honor over long periods of time – stewarding the opportunities presented with integrity, while rendering themselves accountable to their partners, invaluable to their communities, and responsible to their environment.

These operators understand one fundamental truth:  what you produce is more than just value – it’s an obligation.

To do things right. To do things well. And, most importantly, to do all that you do with respect for what lies beneath as well as who stands above.