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We dig into what authentic collaboration looks like between operators and service companies when “lowest cost” is no longer the winning strategy. A real case shows how early alignment, shared incentives, and trust cut rework and speed execution.

• defining authentic collaboration beyond buzzwords
• why low-cost choices backfire and how to avoid rework
• Gavin’s bundling case and vendor-led coordination
• operators sharing the why and inviting partners early
• service companies asking better questions, not pitching
• building trust through consistency and access
• aligning incentives to outcomes and repeatability
• shifting to long-term assets and shared wins

If you’re an operator, ask yourself: are you setting the stage for collaboration or just saying you want it? Start your collaboration conversations early. Vendors, don’t just be there to sell, be there to understand, learn, and contribute.

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JP Warren discusses the key takeaways from the August 2025 Crue Club Operator Roundtable led by Dan Ramito of Pickering Energy Partners, focusing on the changing energy, power, and water paradigm for Texas and beyond.

• Data centers require massive resources with Texas power needs projected to nearly double from 85 to 150 gigawatts by 2030
• A single hyperscale data center uses 164 million gallons of water yearly, with total water needs equivalent to 400,000 Olympic pools by 2030
• Current emissions reporting relies on factor-based estimations (spreadsheet formulas) rather than actual measurements
• Investors and insurers increasingly demand reconciled measurements combining both on-site sensors and aerial monitoring
• China controls 80% of renewable supply chains while still building coal and nuclear plants
• Tech companies exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to avoid grid constraints for data centers
• The industry must shift from engineering-focused messaging to stories about cash growth and margins
• US has reduced emissions intensity by 40% since 1975 while GDP per capita grew by 40%

Check out Dan Ramito on LinkedIn for more insights about energy realities and the challenges we face as a nation.

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JP Warren and Jim Holmes explore how effective communication and value creation determine career success in the energy industry, from navigating job interviews to surviving industry uncertainty.

• Breaking the engineering stereotype by being outgoing and engaging rather than introverted
• Differentiating yourself through genuine enthusiasm and clear communication of your value proposition
• The "Gen Z stare" phenomenon and how poor body language hinders effective communication
• Why interpersonal skills create opportunities in an increasingly digital workplace
• Strategies for students at career fairs: take notes, ask questions, and follow up effectively
• How creating and demonstrating value provides job security during industry uncertainty
• The importance of building relationships before crises occur rather than reaching out only when problems arise
• Service companies as early indicators of industry changes and the value of their expertise
• Treating internships as extended job interviews and making memorable impressions

We're recording this podcast from Colorado School of Mines where we've been working with petroleum engineering students on career development. Remember that this industry is a long-play business - build relationships consistently rather than only reaching out when you need something.

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Trey Lawson shares the story behind Mesa Solutions' heritage connection to T. Boone Pickens' Mesa Petroleum and explains how the company is transforming power generation in the oil and gas industry through relationship-based innovation.

• Third-generation oil and gas professional raised in Midland during its transition from a small-town feel to today's boom environment
• Navy veteran who joined after 9/11, serving as an intelligence specialist before entering the oil and gas industry
• Transitioned from operations to sales despite initial reluctance, discovering the value of servant leadership in customer relationships
• Views true sales success as becoming an asset to customers rather than just selling products
• Believes the industry has become increasingly siloed between operators and service companies, limiting innovation
• Emphasizes that Mesa has evolved from selling generators to providing comprehensive power solutions
• Explains how their natural gas microgrids can match or beat utility pricing while offering scalability
• Advocates for decentralized leadership that empowers team members to make decisions aligned with strategic vision
• Hires for character traits (hungry, humble, smart) rather than experience
• Identifies the "we've always done it this way" mindset as a major industry bottleneck

If you're interested in learning more about power solutions or connecting with Trey, reach out through LinkedIn.

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The production world presents unique challenges with six-month delayed feedback loops between decisions and results, requiring careful metric tracking and strong communication between office, field operations, and service providers.

• Weekly alignment and communication is critical between office, field, and service people
• Vendor relationships require understanding both wellhead operations and business context
• Leadership makes the difference in production performance through clear communication
• Talent pipeline faces challenges with mentorship gaps becoming increasingly problematic
• Operator-vendor relationships are evolving from low-cost bids toward trust and collaboration
• Communication remains the through-line connecting successful operations across all basins

Join us at connectioncrew.com to participate in our upcoming Crew Club events, with new sessions starting August 21st in Midland.

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Mike Umbro, founder of Californians for Energy and Science, reveals how California's energy policies are creating economic hardship while potentially increasing global emissions through energy imports. We discuss the urgent crisis facing the state as refinery closures threaten to push gas prices toward $8.50 per gallon.

• California currently imports 75% of its oil from foreign sources compared to just 5% historically
• Two refineries closing in the next year will remove 19% of California's remaining refining capacity
• California's gas prices are the highest in the continental US and electricity rates are triple those in Texas
• Emissions from imports and shipping aren't counted in state carbon calculations, creating false impressions of progress
• 20% of California ratepayers are currently behind on their utility bills due to high energy costs
• California's energy policies affect neighboring states like Arizona and Nevada that depend on its refineries
• The industry has largely stopped applying for new drilling permits due to regulatory blockades
• Environmental policies should focus on "reduce, reuse, recycle" rather than eliminating local production
• Recent committee hearings suggest Sacramento officials are beginning to question current approaches

Check out Californians for Energy and Science at energyandscience.com to learn more about these issues and join our movement for sensible energy policy.

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Jeff Krimmel, founder of Krimmel Strategy Group (KSG), shares insights on making better strategic decisions in energy and building a business around data-driven strategy in uncertain times.

• Building external networks is crucial for career development, even when internal relationships seem sufficient
• Naming your business after yourself makes it easier for professional connections to find your company
• Strategic decisions in energy require balancing cost management with long-term asset value maximization
• Two company paths during downturns: battening down hatches versus strategic partnership formation
• Energy consolidation is pushing companies toward professionalizing operations rather than rapid expansion
• Creativity doesn't require revolutionary ideas – asking thoughtful questions others haven't considered creates value
• Introducing appropriate rigor to decision-making processes helps companies deploy capital more effectively
• Companies should be leaning into ambiguity and uncertainty to find opportunities
• Living in the oil field builds resilience that doesn't exist in many other industries

Have a good attitude. Listen, it sucks out there, it's a dumpster fire. You hear the worst news everywhere. Have a good attitude, that'll set you apart.

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Ryan Walker from Shumaker Advisors joins us to discuss how energy companies can navigate Washington politics and policy changes that directly impact their business operations and profitability.

• Pro-energy administration doesn't automatically mean better business conditions for all energy companies
• Budget reconciliation process currently threatens tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act
• Tariffs are being used as negotiating tools that affect energy supply chains and costs
• Companies should engage proactively with policy rather than reacting to crises
• Bipartisan engagement is essential—energy policy affects and concerns both political parties
• Government affairs support can function as a "fractional" team for companies without in-house expertise
• Energy policy has become increasingly politicized, creating volatility for long-term business planning
• Policy makers often "don't know what they don't know" about energy industry realities

If you're interested in learning more about navigating energy policy, connect with Ryan Walker on LinkedIn or visit Shoemaker Advisors to understand how federal decisions impact your business.