Eric Hansen, Sales Director, Wellmatics, is a graduate of the Energy Workforce Executive Leadership Program. He recently shared his insights on the energy services and technology sector.
Energy Workforce: What is your role with the company? What are your core responsibilities? What does a typical day look like?
EH: Currently I am the Sales Director of Wellmatics based in Houston, Texas. This role entails a variety of responsibilities, from interacting with clients, working with the current sales team, technical presentations, product development, technical support, driving growth internationally, and ensuring we are putting the best products out in the industry. There is not a “typical” day for me, but most days have the core components of client facing, team interaction, engineering development, and ensuring that all of this is communicated up the ladder to help make the best decisions to drive the company.
EW: Why did you join the energy industry? Was there an individual who influenced your decision? Was there an event or piece of technology that got you excited?
EH: One of my great friends was working on a frac crew out of Bryan, Texas. He would tell me about his days, which consisted of being outside, troubleshooting, and working with like-minded individuals trying to solve problems. He told me, back in the vertical days, that there was never the same day twice. I was sold, applied to the oilfield and have been doing it ever since.
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?
EH: I met Ed Keppler as a young district manager when he was our Vice President & General Manager. The time he took to talk to me about aspects of the business from technical aspects, equipment, crew management, and everything in between has stuck with me to this day. Since moving to Houston a couple of years ago, I have been able to meet with Ed monthly to continue these discussions to improve myself through his experiences.
EW: What was your impression of the industry beforehand and how has it evolved?
EH: I never gave much thought to the oil industry prior to getting into it. I heard it was hard work, long hours, and very heavy tools. I was right about all of that, but I had no idea the technology that came along with the tools, processes, and discoveries I would see throughout my career. Now, I realize we are constantly pushing the envelope of technology while trying to do the job deeper, more efficiently, and all the while keeping people safer than they have been in the past.
EW: What has surprised you most about the industry?
EH: The people. One of the ill-conceived perceptions of the oil industry is that everyone is a gruff roughneck. I had no idea the friendships I would make with the people I have worked with all over the world. The people is what make this industry so amazing. We are a family on location while being away from our “real” families and that makes a strong bond for a great friendship; no matter if it’s a co-worker, company man, other service member, etc.
EW: Where do you hope to see the industry develop over the next five years?
EH: The past 10 years we have become numb to the constant cycles and even cycles within quarters. It is my hope that we see some glimpse of a steady commodity price to allow the service companies to plan and re-invest in the businesses, people, and technology. The possibility of LNG and oil exports could help drive this as revenue streams all the operators have not had in the past. My hope for the next 5 years is stability.
EW: What role do you believe you will play in the industry’s future?
EH: Through our automation technology we believe we will continue to lower the headcount on location, improve service quality efficiencies, and reduce HSE exposure. Currently, we have robots that are assembling perforating guns on location and are striving toward reducing wireline completion crews to the smallest size seen and eliminating HSE exposures.
EW: How has your involvement in Energy Workforce supported your career goals?
EH: I had the opportunity to participate in one of the Executive Leadership Programs offered by Energy Workforce. The caliber of people coming together to discuss current topics, industry needs, etc. has been an amazing opportunity for me to learn and network within the industry while gathering knowledge I would never have otherwise. Every person brings a different set of eyes and a different angle to view topics, issues, and opportunities.
EW: Who are one or two individuals you’ve met while working in the industry who have impacted your thinking?
EH: I was fortunate to meet Kay Capps well before I got into the oil industry. I had no idea the impact his way of thinking and communication would affect my later years in management and problem solving. Kay is the co-founder of Capsher Technology, a software company. When I was getting into the industry I picked his brain about the segment I was joining, general advice, etc. But it was not until 2 years ago that I started to understand what his leadership style and message meant. He always told me his team was “oily” and told me to be “closer to the wellhead” to really figure out what is going on and truly be an effective leader. That has resonated with me for the last couple of year and has changed my mindset to make better decisions. Afterall, we all need to think and be closer to the wellhead, that is where the actual work is being done.
EW: What’s a technology or innovation you’ve seen in the sector that impressed you?
EH: Automation continues to amaze me. From the drilling side to completions, it is amazing to see what is being done to remove people from the wellsite and continue to be efficient. Another technology that is intriguing is remote monitoring. Technology to witness operations while being across the country is a testament to the creativity and technology within our industry.
EW: What advice would you give someone just getting started in the energy industry?
EH: Do not say “No” to an opportunity. Throughout my career I have been tasked with different assignments that took me to places I never dreamed of working, let alone living in. But it was the best thing for my career and has allowed my wife and I to experience the world in a manner we never thought possible. There will be a time an opportunity comes about, that you do not think you can do/are qualified for…take it and figure it out!
EW: What do you wish other people knew about oil and gas?
EH: The “outside world” cannot understand the camaraderie within the industry. No matter if you are working offshore in Asia, The Permian Basin, North Sea, etc., you will work with a team of like-minded individuals that are set to accomplish a mission together. It is amazing to meet people from different segments and the stories we share all share the common bond of a camaraderie that runs within the industry.
EW: What do you do for fun or what’s your idea of a perfect vacation?
EH: My perfect vacation is sitting on a beach, relaxing, eating excellent food, and enjoying no schedule with family and friends; maybe we catch a fishing trip or spear fishing excursion as well.
EW: What’s a fun fact people would never guess about you?
EH: For some reason, unbeknownst to me, I am really good at Connect Four.
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