4 minute read

ABOUT THE OWNERS

They both are well known for their success in business as well as their generous hearts Recently receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the couple received rightful acknowledgment for their philanthropy and success.

The Harber Family Charitable Foundation has donated to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, and the couple plans to donate 95% of their assets to the hospital after their passing

Lacy’s family struggled with finances during his childhood, and his severe scoliosis threatened his ability to walk.

The Texas hospital offered a trial treatment to young Lacy, paying for his transportation during the healing process. Being able to join the track team in high school, Lacy has cherished what kind hearts can do Now 87-years-old, Lacy seems to have never forgotten the life changing care he received at the hospital. Even at his age, Lacy enjoys visiting the field, showing his hard-working, involved leadership.

Yellowjacket Oilfield Services broughtits technology andstateof theart equipmentto animpressive officeand building space,right herein Broussard,La.

Yellowjacket services the oil industry with well-trained, ready-to-work employees.

The opportunity to sit down with Titans in their industry and discover how much heart is found in this business, was truly a beautiful insite to gain. David Gautreau, the RSO - Land and Offshore Geo Market Manager, David Pitre -Special Ops Manager, Heath Perez- Operations Manager and a special cameo from John Gubb, my dad, a skilled legend in the field of Electrical Wireline services. What gives Yellowjacket Oilfield Services such an honorable reputation are the employees, carefully picked. With so much passion for the oil field, Geautrau, Pitre, Heath, and Grubb each believe every problem has a solution. These very special men working with the company have opened the doors behind the industry Combined they have been able to set a specific standard in a work field that won't settle for anything less than perfection. The constant thread that connects the success of the company here is reiterated over and over- the personnel This is so important because it is their people, the behind the curtain wizards who make the business successful. Their drive and will to succeed can not be taught, it is earned and welcomed here at Yellowjacket.

This is what makes Yellowjacket a truly unique oil services company; the many hard-working and passionate employees. “I don't think there's another team that could come in and do the same thing,” - David Pitre Knowing that a team is only as capable as the weakest link, Yellowjacket ensures everyone maintains a similar skill level David Gautreau emphasized, “What we have done is very impressive.” The company is surely doing something right, having so many amazing people on the team.

Yellowjacket Oilfield Services created a mission statement to provide valuable expertise and an incomparable quality of service through consistent improvement. Yellowjacket requires their personnel to exceed the expectations of customers by bringing a positive attitude to any issue that may arise as well as by prioritizing both communicating efficiently and safety for employees and the environment.

Yellowjacket provides many services including pump services, wireless pipe recovery, rentals and wireline services It was interesting to learn that their expansion here and to the Gulf of Mexico was where Yellowjacket welcomed their first wireline offshore project In fact in speaking with John Grubb, there were quite a bit of “firsts” with the new venture. There was extensive work off the coast of California where the offshore work was operational through Yellowjacket.

It is so impressive to see the underbelly of how they work together on communication. How they bounce off each other so well shows their time together and work experience is being used for good. “To be a fly on the wall over the years would be the golden ticket for anyone stepping into their field.”

Based on their success, Yellowjacket plans to remain consistent in their services as they expand. When discussing their crew, David Gautreau says,

Education and safety are perhaps the most valuable qualities in the industry. Safety in the oil field has drastically changed since its first boom and all three men agreed

“Everything written in the safety manual is written in blood,” David Gautreau. Yellowjacket’s Health, Safety and Environmental Program creates proactive leaders in safety. The program is updated often, keeping up with industry standards

In regards to the environment, they explain “The number one goal is not to repeat history,” especially considering the ever changing safety protocols and new technologies and advancements. Discussing the importance of preserving the world, regulations consistently stay up-to-date with environmental concerns

The industry historically relied on tradesmen, but is pushing towards college-educated workers. David Pitre explained that with the increase in technology use, many companies seek employees with higher-levels of education to better understand the workings of new machinery.

One of the things that separates Yellowjacket from the rest is their willingness to hire and teach inexperienced men and women. “We give them the tools and the knowledge,” Pitre says. David Gautreau explained “we’ve done it in the past and they have become some of the best operators.” Although some move on to other companies, he doesn’t mind. He finds excitement in simply teaching people and watching them succeed for themselves.

In searching for employees, the main criteria is finding someone with true dedication Pitre believes he knows people’s true hearts after the second-round of interviewing, believing it is when he sees their “real face.” The three men believe it is critical to hire the right person, even if they lack experience Often they find someone who lacks experience is the best choice, as they can mold the worker to the expectations and standards of Yellowjacket.

I found this so interesting in such a complex field, that their beliefs in people to the core, with the right ability and skill set, can be trained and molded to fit the job at hand. To me this is a true sign of Innovation in being open to create the perfect fit for the job. It isn’t always about what is on the resume, rather do you have it– or not These wise men know what they see, and the team they have clearly represents that.

The oil industry is truly a field made for the people, by the people.

In any industry, service should be a top priority “The name is all you have,” David Gautreau said. Heath Perez chimes in and explains there will always be ups and downs in this industry. “No matter what companies do, oil and gas will be here,” State legislation is what matters most and a majority of the country’s oil and gas is supplied from Texas and Louisiana.

With oil and gas being the “backbone of our whole nation,” according to Pitre, Yellowjacket doesn’t plan to go anytime soon Windmills and solar power are on the rise, yet with the amount of single-use plastics being used, even just in the medical industry, oil and gas will always be necessary in providing many products for the country.