Navigating the Power of Personal Branding and Resilience in the Oil & Gas Industry

In the latest podcast episode of Power of the Permian , host Breezey Clark sits down with Stephen Wilson , owner of Jack of Oil Trades , to discuss personal branding, the value of storytelling, and the resilience needed to thrive in the oil and gas industry. Stephen's journey from humble beginnings to successful business ownership is a testament to the power of persistence and authenticity.

The Importance of Personal Branding

Stephen Wilson emphasizes the significance of personal branding in setting oneself apart in the competitive landscape of the oil and gas industry.

Having a small business and trying to grow it yourself means you have to take matters into your own hands a lot and self-promote.

LinkedIn has been a pivotal platform for Stephen, helping him connect with potential customers and industry peers. Breezey Clark, shares a similar sentiment, recalling how she discovered the efficiency of LinkedIn in building personal relationships within the industry. "When you find those like-minded individuals, they're already wanting to work with you because they're seeing your story," she notes.

The Value of Storytelling

Authenticity and transparency are at the core of Stephen's approach to business. He believes that sharing personal stories helps forge deeper connections with customers and peers. "Telling your own story was so huge for me. Whenever we see companies just post generic 'buy from me' messages, it doesn't really hit. But when you get to tell your own story, that thing resonates with people," Stephen explains.

This approach has not only helped Stephen gain customers but also build friendships. "I've made tons of friends because they would reach out for something I said, and we'd meet for breakfast and build a friendship. We already shared a common interest because of that initial connection," he adds.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

Stephen's journey hasn't been without challenges. From dealing with non-paying clients to equipment theft, he has faced numerous obstacles. However, these experiences have only strengthened his resolve. "The longer you hang in there and the longer you do it, you start to learn. You go to your mentors, learn what stage you're in, and how to navigate through it," Stephen says.

One particularly challenging aspect has been dealing with theft. "In six years, I've had five pieces of equipment stolen. The first one, I knew my customer stole it. I confronted him, and while I couldn't prove it at the time, we eventually found the equipment in his yard months later," he recounts. Despite these setbacks, Stephen remains committed to his business and continues to grow.

The Role of Mentors and Continuous Learning

Mentorship has played a crucial role in Stephen's success. He credits his growth to the guidance of experienced business owners who have helped him navigate the complexities of running a business. "Talking to other business owners helps you identify problems and find solutions. It's about listening and learning from their experiences," Stephen explains.

In addition to mentorship, Stephen has embraced continuous learning. He is currently dedicated to learning Spanish to better communicate with his employees, many of whom are native Spanish speakers. "By the end of the year, I hope to be fluent enough to communicate effectively. It's a win-win situation where both sides are learning and growing together," he shares.

Embracing the Future with Optimism

Despite the challenges, Stephen's outlook remains optimistic. He is passionate about his work and finds joy in building a positive company culture. "I'm living my dream. I wake up every day with a family and a career I love. The negative parts are just part of the journey, but 95% of my day-to-day is positive and fulfilling," he says.

Stephen's dedication to his business, his employees, and his continuous self-improvement serve as an inspiration to many. His story is a powerful reminder that with persistence, authenticity, and a willingness to learn, one can overcome any challenge and achieve success.

For more insights and stories from industry leaders, follow "Power of the Permian" on YouTube and stay tuned for the latest episodes featuring inspiring conversations with professionals making a difference in the oil and gas sector.

Power of the Permian is produced by Forty Wolves in Downtown Midland Texas.