Mike Slaughter
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The city of Artesia is nestled in the heart of eastern New Mexico’s oil and gas fields. Founded on hard work and its abundant natural resources, the town revolves around the oil and gas industry. Our local Gravity office is there to ensure this town is not only prosperous, but is a home to the hardworking men and women who live there. According to branch manager Michael Steed, the most distinguished honor the Artesia branch holds is its community involvement. Several times a year, the branch goes above and beyond, providing equipment, manpower, and a helping hand to their neighbors.
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Cole M. Lewis
Regional Sales Rep
North Region
Jonathan T. Burris
Mechanic - NG Generator
Charlotte
4 4
Pedro G. Reyes
Mechanic - Equipment
Pecos
Zeb L. Alexander
Senior VP Administration
Lubbock Business Office
Lilly Ortiz IT Associate
Odessa Business Office
Cordell Kolar
Field Technician w/CDL
Dickinson
Gorgonio Rios Frayre, Sr.
Field Technician w/CDL
Odessa
John H. Nichols
HR Field Manager
Lubbock Business Office
Steven T. Wiseman
Director of Procurement
Snyder Business Office
Alfonso Pena, Jr.
Natural Gas Field Tech
Charlotte
Leon Rodriguez
Mechanic - Equipment
Oklahoma City
Kara N. Rowan
Corporate Revenue Manager
Odessa Business Office
Dylan M. Diamond
Mechanic
Cleburne- CRF
Sherri L. Reagan
Fluid Technician
Permian Region PD
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Richard Wolf
Mechanic - Equipment
Dickinson
Jose D. Olague Esparza
Roustabout
Big Spring Water Sourcing
Ronald L. Baker, Jr.
Natural Gas Field Tech
Oakdale
Terry J. Schreder
SWD Operator
Watford City
Ricardo Molina
Field Technician w/CDL
Charlotte
Aurelio Lopez III
Regional Sales Rep
Odessa
Jerry M. Lozoya
Field Technician I
Artesia
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John Luna Coordinator
Artesia
Israel S. Baca
Shop Hand
Charlotte
Cruz Hernandez III
Natural Gas Field Tech
Charlotte
Romeo F. Orosco
Shop Hand
Pecos
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Dustin L. Niemietz
Branch Manager
Bossier City
Richard C. Spahr, Jr. Coordinator
Oakdale
Apolonio Ramirez
Lead Field Technician
Pecos
Rhonda Jones
Field Technician I
Pecos
Last month, we featured the Gravity Water Division - Big Spring, and we thought it
Tommy Perez- Foreman
Sherry Ottinger- Foreman
Andrew Magers- Foreman
Rusty Reagan- Foreman
Brett Hancock- Fluid Tech
Jorje Beltran- Fluid Tech
Sherri Reagan- Fluid Tech
Angel Gutierrez- Fluid Tech
Ed Albarez- Fluid Tech
Gary Perez- Fluid Tech
Donnie Ensor- Fluid Tech
Kievan Young- Fluid Tech
Benjamin Webb- Fluid Tech
Daniel Rodriguez- Fluid Tech
John Acosta- Fluid Tech
Ray McDonald- Fluid Tech
HSE Operational Support Manager, Rick Rodriquez.
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, this team juggles a variety of tasks, 24/7/365, that keep our customers coming back.
We would also like to acknowledge the hard work that J&J Roustabout does for Gravity. They are a vital part of our daily operations in the Big Spring area.
Thank you to this team for being amazing at what you do and for selecting our Featured Place to Eat this month!
Every year on September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed with the aim of raising awareness and promoting action to prevent suicide. This day provides an opportunity to engage with communities and individuals around the world to discuss, reflect upon, and address the critical issue of suicide, which claims the lives of over 800,000 people annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day centers around the concept of “Creating Hope Through Connection”. In a world that often feels isolating and overwhelming, the power of human connection and support cannot be underestimated. Many individuals who struggle with suicidal thoughts often feel trapped in their own minds, and a simple act of reaching out and showing empathy can make a profound difference. Here are some key points to consider on this important day:
In conclusion, World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a reminder that each one of us can make a difference in someone’s life.
By fostering a culture of open communication, empathy, and understanding, we can contribute to creating a world where individuals feel supported and valued, reducing the risk of suicide. Whether through a simple act of kindness or advocating for mental health resources, every action counts in the journey towards preventing suicide and promoting well-being.
In the heart of West Texas, where oil rigs tower against the horizon and the scent of crude oil hangs in the air, lives a man whose life story is intertwined with the essence of the oil industry. Mike Slaughter, often referred to as “Sergeant Slaughter”, embodies the grit, determination, and unique camaraderie that define this storied profession. Now, the term
“Sergeant Slaughter” might give you a visual of something quite opposite to what Mike is truly all about if you know him. Mike is a kind soul. He is the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back, and everyone knows it. Mike was born in Levelland, Texas, before moving to Wellman, Texas, where he was raised on the family farm.
I spent all my schooling years in Wellman, Texas. I was very active in sports, with the FFA, judging contests, etc. I met the love of my life in the 8th grade when she moved into my school district. Man, that was a good year! Pam and I were married after high school and had three wonderful children: two daughters and a son. Pam and I were both brought up in the church and raised our kids the best we knew how to. Being raised on a farm, I was used to working whatever hours per day it took to accomplish what needed to be done. When I got out of high school, I left the farm and went into construction. Cement work, Electrical, and Framing were my first jobs outside of farm life. I can’t really say that I loved one industry over the next; I just enjoyed hard work, and I was raised to take pride in what I did. In 1983, I found an oilfield job in Welch, TX. Like I said, being a farm boy, I was used to operating equipment, so I learned to run UA tanks, HOG tanks, kill tanks, and work on pumps at saltwater disposals (SWDs). We built and ran a mud plant, with me as the operator. After two years, I was made supervisor, and a year later, I was given the manager spot. Five or so years went by, and I was promoted to area manager over several Texas and New Mexico tank yards. The company I worked for at the time had 54 SWD sites. I had SWDs in South Texas, West TX, New Mexico, North Dakota, Montana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. After enough travel to make a troubadour think twice, I applied for a job that would allow me more time with my family, my church, and friends. That’s when I went to work for Globe Energy Services in my hometown of Levelland, TX in 2014. I worked in Globe’s trucking division. Talk about an answer to prayer. Now, don’t get me wrong, I was still busy. Globe was busy, but I was able to spend more time with my family; that’s why we work, right? I met some of the best people I know today when God opened that opportunity for me and my family at Globe. After several years on the trucking side of things for Globe (now Gravity), I was back on the SWD side of things, but this time my primary focus was on regulatory services and field regulations.
Gravity has some incredibly hard-working people here that make coming to work that much better. Folks like Byron Haily, Casey Willis, and his crew in the Big Spring area. Heck, everyone in the Water Division, for that matter. They truly keep things rolling, and at times, I can’t even wrap my brain around how they get it all done! I try not to be partial, but it’s hard not to favor the guys and gals in the Water Group who have the same work ethic I was raised with. I will say this, Gravity has allowed me to do my work, take care of my family, and be successful. To say that I am grateful to be a part of the Gravity family would be an understatement. As of today, Pam and I have nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way. And boy, I can’t even start to explain how fast time flies! Everyone has regrets in life, but slowing down and making time for what is most important will not be one of mine. My journey in the oilfield started 40 years ago, this November. With the ups and downs that the oilfield life brings, my family has always been there for me. So, I guess it’s safe to say at my age that it’s not your profession that makes you successful, it’s those whom you surround yourself with and are lucky enough to have in your life. For me, it’s my 8th grade crush who somehow has put up with me all these years. And, of course, the good Lord. Lastly, it’s not all the jobs or projects that I got right in my career that make me most proud, not even the promotions and title changes. It’s the fact that Pam and I get to see our kids, grown now, raising our grandkids in church, leading their own families and their own congregations. To say we are proud of them, now that would be a great understatement.
Mike’s journey in the oilfield was not without its challenges. Fluctuating oil prices and the ever-present risk of accidents or layoffs were just a few of the obstacles that oilfield families navigate. Yet, for Mike, these challenges were opportunities to prove his determination and demonstrate the unwavering commitment that defines just all that one can accomplish with the right people by your side. Mike’s decades of oilfield knowledge and experience are clearly a win for Gravity; however, we can all learn a thing or two about remembering why we do this job. Family. Though much has changed over the 40 years Mike has witnessed in this industry, from advanced technology to safety measures, Mike reminds us all that the core essence of hard work and determination are unchanged. A good reminder that the industry is built on the shoulders of individuals who put their heart and soul into what they do, on the job and at home.
yeArS
Chad Engle
Regional Sales Manager
Permian Region
Lisa M. Perez
Personnel Manager
Snyder Business Office
Erin P. White Heckman
Operations Analyst
Watford City
Juan Prieto
Lead Field Technician
Pecos
Stephen L. McNeil
Treasury Manager
Adam J. Garcia
Director of Operations
Mid - Con Region
Daryl E. Cogley
Branch Manager
Oakdale
Todd R. Ashbacher
Mechanic - NG Generator
Odessa
Odessa Business Office
Kyle J. Gilbert
Natural Gas Field Tech
Jorge L. Mendez
Winch Truck Operator
Odessa
Jorge A. Munoz
Lead Field Technician
Pecos
Erica L. Ofield
Credit Manager
Odessa Business Office
Lauren Fasnacht
Regional Ops Systems Mgr
Mid - Con Region
Rob Rice
CEO
Houston Corporate Office
Patty Johnson
Field Technician II
Dickinson
Dickinson
Rhonda Jones Field Technician I
Pecos
Tommy J. Perez
SWD Foreman
Permian Disposal
Larry D. Robinett
Mechanic - NG Generator
Charlotte
Daniel Gutierrez, Jr.
Natural Gas Field Tech
Charlotte
Patty Avila-Eady
Corporate Controller
Houston Corporate Office
Keith Kauss
Mechanic - Equipment
Dickinson
Edward Albarez
Fluid Technician
Permian Disposal
Carlos Gonzalez, Jr.
Mechanic - Diesel
Charlotte
Colby McLain Coordinator
Bossier City
Richard Browning
Lead Natural Gas Tech
Dickinson
Michael Gutierrez, Jr. Field Technician I
Odessa
Jared A. Lara
HSE Ops Support Manager North Region
Rafael Valverde
Winch Truck Operator
Artesia
A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.
- Colin Powell
Dickinson Power Generation – Dickinson, ND
Pecos Power Generation & Containment Solutions – Pecos, TX
Oklahoma Power Generation & Containment Solutions –Oklahoma City, OK
Central Repair Facility – Cleburne, TX
McKenzie Energy Partners – Watford City, ND
Gravity Water Midstream – Big Spring, TX
Remote Workforce Meeting – Teams
Charlotte Power Generation and Containment Solutions - Charlotte, TX
Artesia Power Generation & Containment Solutions – Artesia, NM
Bossier City Power Generation & Containment Solutions –Bossier City, LA
Odessa Power Generation & Containment Solutions – Odessa, TX
Snyder Business Office – Snyder, TX
Greeley Power Generation – Greeley, CO
Lubbock Business Office – Lubbock, TX
Douglas Power Generation – Douglas, WY
Oakdale Power Generation – Oakdale, PA
Williston Power Generation – Williston, ND
Odessa Business Office - Odessa, TX
What do we call the transition from summer into fall, which takes place each year around September 22nd or 23rd?
A. The Harvest Moon
B. The Autumn Equinox
C. Harvest Festival
Which important document of the United States of America was adopted on September 17th?
A. The US Constitution
B. Declaration of Independence
C. Louisiana Purchase Treaty
