









NOMINATE YOUR CO-WORKERS!
I began my career at Jasper Ventures back in May of 2017 fresh from a 17-year tenure at Dell Computer Corporation. At that time Dell had about 120 million “active service units” or computers they supported still under warranty, and the organization I worked within was responsible for delivering about 5 million labor dispatches a year. Think about that.
Roughly every six seconds a representative from Dell knocked on a consumer’s or business’s door around the world to perform some sort of repair or maintenance on a Dell computer. What does it take to execute and track and measure five million dispatches a year? In one word: scalability. It requires the right mix of people, processes and technology intertwined in such a way that it appears almost seamless from the outside.
When I arrived at JV in 2017, we had just undergone the transition from EPC to Jasper Ventures and its affiliated operating companies. We were still a small company trying to dream big. We had lots of great people, but not always the processes or technology in place that would allow for sustainable hyper growth. However, hyper growth is exactly what we experienced and the trajectory between 2017 and early 2020 was nothing short of remarkable. However, I
off again, we would be able to experience scalable growth. We also identified key positions that we would open and fill when the time was right.
Well the worm started to turn early in 2022 and lo and behold, we had a plan in hand and have been executing it to date. We have signed the two largest EPC contracts in the company’s history and our headcount has grown from about 125 to more than 225 in nine
highly doubt any of us who were here at the time would say that was scalable growth. We made some incremental changes in standardizing processes and implementing technology during that time, but doing so was the equivalent of changing the tires on a race car while still on the track. We answered again and again by throwing more and more people onto those projects. We were able to complete them and meet our customer’s needs, but there was a cost.
No one wants to think about 2020. The executive team was forced to make difficult decisions that impacted many good people’s lives, and those memories remain painful to this day. As an executive team, we committed to using the downturn to get JV ready for the next upward cycle. We documented and implemented repeatable processes and implemented technology like Primavera P6, Sage and others so that when the market took
short months. Our use of P6 has allowed us to build and manage multiple project schedules that allow us to do capacity planning and staff well ahead of the curve. We brought on a Head of Supply Chain, and are well on our way of making the P in EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) as strong as the E and C have always been for JV. We hired a Construction Manager to oversee all our field projects. These are just a handful of examples of the things we’ve done to set us up for future growth.
In summary, we know our project timelines will be tight and there remains a ton of work ahead of us. We feel confident that the investments and plans we made in the twoplus years since the onset of the pandemic will allow us to continue to experience scalable growth that sets us up for success even further into JV’s future.
“It requires the right mix of people, processes and technology intertwined in such a way that it appears almost seamless from the outside.”
If you were to ask JV employees what the best part of working at Jasper is, most would likely say the culture. This is something dear to most at Jasper, and what the leadership strives to retain as we have seen so much change over the past few years. As we grow back, this is even more important than ever. Like most other situations that arise in business, our solution lies in our core values: excellence and stewardship.
As we continue to grow and you see new faces in the workplace, it is a great time to get insight into the process behind hiring. It begins before someone even applies. When a manager wants to open a position, they partner with HR to discuss the need and verify our job description is relevant to the need. We move onto approval through the appropriate leader and begin accepting applications. After the manager identifies desirable candidates, they contact HR to screen and schedule interviews. Depending on the position, some positions might require more steps than others, but along the way, managers are encouraged to use many tools in the box such as networking, referrals, Culture Index and involving peers. Once a candidate has been decided upon by the manager, upper leadership reviews and approves the offer before it is extended.
It doesn’t stop here, as we want to always onboard all employees with excellence and ensure they have a fantastic experience during their first days. From spending time with our owners to discussing our core values in depth, the goal is for every new employee to be equipped to fulfill our company vision: Delivering solutions. Impacting lives.
To some reading this, you might be worried about how this process might sound too time consuming. Will candidates be patient through such a lengthy hiring process? I challenge you not to think about what if we lose someone in this process, but what would happen if we hire the wrong person? The intentionality behind our hiring ensures a strong foundation so that Jasper Ventures continues to thrive.
Our solution lies in our core values: excellence and stewardship.
My name is Kelly Hert and I’m the District Manager for the recently opened Tulsa office. My journey to Jasper Ventures started many months ago with a feeling that I needed to be valued. I was in a working environment that took my gifts for granted and made me feel like I was not good enough. I began a job search and had many opportunities. One of them was to be a process engineer at Jasper, but it was a step back in my career. While I loved everything I saw about the company, I didn’t think that God wanted me to step back. So, I took a different position with a different company.
I was there two months, feeling miserable, and unable to embody my Christian values when Brent Jasper reached out to have a conversation about a Tulsa office. This was it. This is what I had been praying and seeking for as the best way to live my kingdom purpose. I was hesitant at first but after the first conversation and then meeting the leadership in person, I knew that Jasper was where I was meant to be.
I began to see God moving in Tulsa to bring people forward. Friends and colleagues were reaching out to learn more about Jasper Ventures, find out about the new office, and ask, “Where can I apply?” It’s a powerful thing to see God’s hand bringing people together!
I may be the Tulsa District Manager, but this is God’s work in progress. I’m just here to facilitate the tremendously talented people that He is bringing together. Together, we will execute projects with excellence, build relationships, and find innovative ways to serve Tulsa and our customers.
has been working.
God has been working in Tulsa, in East Texas, in Jasper Ventures, in the hearts and minds of people to bring us together.
It’s a powerful thing to see God’s hand bringing people together!
If you have been around Jasper Ventures for long, you know we have a unique and exciting corporate value of generosity. Generosity is not listed as one of our core values but is it interwoven into who we are and how we serve. As a company, we all are part of a significant giving model that begins at the top to create an impactful work environment. In November, the Jasper family was recognized as the 2022 “Outstanding Philanthropist” from the Association of Fundraising Professionals – East Texas Chapter. They have modeled and instilled in their company the value of generosity, not just through monetary gifts, but in the way they serve and encourage others to come along on their own journey of generosity.
One result of their desire to impact employees and communities is the Employee Directed Giving Fund. This fund was created to give the Jasper Ventures employees a voice in how they support our communities through grants and service. The goal is to support causes we as employees are passionate about that align
with the company’s mission and values. The committee reviews requests from local nonprofits once a quarter. They are diligent to vet these organizations, as well as follow up to see the grants in action. This has been an exciting way for employees to learn about the needs in our communities and the organizations that are available to help. While the committee only holds five employees, every Jasper Ventures employee plays a part in supporting the institutions selected for grants. The collective work, as Jasper Ventures, contributes to the funds these non-profits receive.
The Jasper Ventures vision statement is “Delivering solutions. Impacting lives.” Through this fund, we have an opportunity to impact lives through the organizations that are delivering solutions. As of September 2022, the fund has donated more than $13,000 in grants this year alone. The committee has visited three different organizations in person, with more on the schedule. They have learned about Alzheimers, child abuse, horse and pet therapy, sex trafficking and many other things.
Pictured above: A few members of the EDGC including, (L to R) Maura Humphrey, Melissa Winebarger, Robert Miley and Adam Glover.
Robert Miley, new to the committee, enjoyed learning firsthand the impact a summer program has on elementary school students. This organization works to ensure kids are fed physically, spiritually and mentally, so they do not fall behind through the summer months.
The Children’s Advocacy Center is another favorite of the committee. After visiting, Adam Glover commented, “There is something about being in the presence of these institutions and how they accomplish their mission on a day-to-day basis to see how the Lord is working through them to reach people in our communities.”
When asked what they liked about serving on the committee, Maura Humphrey said,
“Getting to share with others in the community about what our company is doing to impact the community. Hopefully, by sharing this with others, it may inspire other businesses to do the same.” Jeremy Lightfoot followed up with, “I like the fact of just trying to give back to people who need help.”
The Bible says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11). Generosity results in thanksgiving to God. It is a powerful tool to break down walls and point people to Jesus. What does generosity look like in your life? How have you received generosity from others?
At Jasper Ventures, we all know that our company values are very important and a model by which we should do our work. Overall, we aim to encompass all
of the values in our work. To encourage other employees to that end, several departments shared how they live out specific values well.
Innovation is a value that describes the paint and blast department well, since we must develop ways of setting up the pipe spools and modules in a way that allows us to perform the work we need to do. We must be inventive at times to be able to do it right and safely. One of our mottos is no job too small and no job too hard. We strive to get things done right and in a timely manner.
I am the proudest of my team for always living out the value of responsiveness . We try to answer every email daily and provide the material necessary to others so they in turn can complete what they need to do. In general around the office, if we see something that needs to be done, my team is quick to jump in and help. Serving meals, cleaning up afterwards – we are there to help!
It is often overlooked and maybe even taken for granted how hard the accounting team works. They put in long hours trying to prioritize invoices that qualify for discounts to save the company money. They do this with no expectation of acknowledgment or reward because they care about the company. This also speaks to stewardship . Everyone on the team goes above and beyond regardless of their workloads to be available for others whenever they are needed. This also speaks to service
Richard Kile Accounting TeamThe People Team lives out the value of service well. Serving new hires with an exceptional onboarding experience, our employees through hospitality, prayer, and personal, professional, and spiritual growth opportunities. They take seriously the work of creating an amazing culture where people feel welcome and can thrive. The People Team is continually looking for ways to serve our employees better so that they are freed up to do the work that God created them to do.
Carrie-Ann Jasper-Yearty People TeamVulcan Field Construction has a group of men and women that are dedicated to their work and families. I follow Psalm 2:3-4 for being a good steward faithfully managing what God has entrusted for me to show joy to those I work with in hopes that they will see and understand the depth of this joy. Jesus is the Author of Joy, and this is my expectation to share with all under my care. On the job site we start the day with a safety meeting. After the safety officers give their talk, I as the site manager speak words of encouragement so that they will do their work with joy.
Maintaining a cemetery is not your typical service project, but that’s exactly what Mike Glover has chosen to do with his service hours for the past few years. Mike is president of the Mt. Zion Cemetery on FM 346, and his wife is the treasurer. They maintain this nonprofit, three-acre cemetery by making sure it is mowed, the trees are maintained and organizing a big cleanup day every spring.
The cemetery operates on donations, largely from the families with plots there. While this might seem like a depressing use of service hours, Mike finds that it provides an opportunity to support grieving families in a practical way.
“It’s very rewarding,” he said. “It’s kind of like watching over family who has passed on.” It’s also offered him time to pull away from busy everyday life and reflect.
For the cleanup day, the cemetery association sends letters to family members all over the United States inviting them to join in. There are families with more than five generations buried in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, so the cleanup day helps assure these historical graves are well maintained.
Jasper Ventures employees can use eight service hours every year to volunteer for a nonprofit. While Jasper Ventures organizes and shares various service opportunities throughout the year, employees can use their eight hours of service time for any nonprofit. Mike was already committed and involved with the Mt. Zion Cemetery, so it made sense to use the service hours in this way. His manager has always supported the use of this benefit, and Mike says entering the request in ADP is easy.
If you have questions about whether an event qualifies for service hours or how to use them, please see HR or the Beyond Business team.
Irememberas a child the Christmas season was my favorite time of the year. I loved the decorations, the lights on roof tops, the yard ornaments, the tree, and the stockings, but mostly the anticipation of what presents I would find under the tree. My favorite toys were those that allowed me to build things. Do you remember Lincoln Logs, Erector sets, or building blocks? It was those toys that created hours of fun and endless possibilities of the things that you could build.
Many years have gone by since those days, but I can still vividly remember the joy that was brought through those gifts. As the Christmas season approaches us this year, the Lord drew my mind to reflect on the thought of “building things.” We all build things every day, whether it be at our place of employment, at our homes, or in our families. We here at Jasper Ventures build things for the oil and gas industry, but it goes so much further than that. We build relationships with our co-workers, we build
trust within our departments, we build unity within our company. What we build matters, both on and off the job, and it plays a major role in our daily lives.
One of the names of God found in the Bible is “Elohim” which means Creator. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:9, “For we are laborers together with God: you are God’s field, you are God’s building.” It is an instinct placed in us by God to be builders, He created or built us to join him in “building things.” As I reflect on some of the stories throughout the Bible, I see God continually building things. He had Noah build an Ark; He through Abraham built a great nation; He had Elijah build an altar; He had Solomon build the Temple, and He had the Apostles start building the Church. Did you know that Jesus was a builder of things? The Bible says he was the son of a carpenter, but He came to build so much more than tables and chairs.
Jesus wants to build spiritual things into your life, things like love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, and faith. He wants to build those things in you so you can be all that He intended you to be, that’s the whole reason for His coming on that special Christmas so many years ago.
If we are honest with ourselves, we all need things built up in our lives today. God desires that we would seek Him out and allow Him to start construction in our life. Just like building things in our industry takes time, our life is no different. God works daily in us to achieve the thing that He wants to build. What areas of your life need a restoration?
The most precious gift that has ever been given is Jesus Christ. God sent Him to rebuild our lives that have been damaged by sin. For me, Christmas is still my favorite time of year because I know out of all the gifts I have ever
received, Jesus is the most important gift of all. And not only does He allow me to “build things,” He is continually building up my life in Him! I hope the same for you this Christmas.
• What area of your life needs a restoration?
• In what ways might God be building up, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness or faith in your life?
• How can you be used by God to build things in other people’s lives?
• How are you allowing God to daily build things in your life?
Building people and products for God’s purpose.
Delivering solutions. Impacting lives.
Behaving honorably, even when no one is watching.
Meeting needs and solving problems in a timely and professional manner.
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SERVICE
Offering the oil and gas industry an unmatched service experience through world-class turnkey solutions.
Considering others’ interests as more important than our own.
Encouraging and applauding the exploration of new ideas and creative solutions.
Doing our best work efficiently and safely and expecting the same from those around us.
Faithfully managing what God has entrusted to us.
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JASPER VENTURES INC. 101 Glenda St., Whitehouse, TX 75791 jasperventuresinc.com · 903-939-1555