Marshall Hunt
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Marshall Hunt represents the fourth generation of one of the most storied names in the oil and gas business, but he was still expected to work his way up in his family’s company. “I started working for Petro-Hunt right after college graduation,” he says. “I was sent to North Dakota to begin working in the Land Department. I spent three years living and working in the Williston Basin, traveling around to different towns and counties doing title and leasing efforts. I gained a lot of experience quickly, and had many memorable experiences negotiating leases with the farmers and other land owners in the area. I also was able to learn more on the operations side as the Bakken play was emerging during the end of my tenure in North Dakota.”
Which of your professional achievements are you most proud?
Starting and growing a couple of different businesses that my brothers, cousins and I founded. Seeing that we were able to take these startups and grow them in to substantial businesses with real holdings was fun and exciting. In addition, the work achievements at Petro-Hunt, which has included growing our asset base and production in a substantial manner over the last 15 years, along with divestures and acquisitions to better position the company.
How have you exercised leadership to help shape your company?
In this industry, you have several different departments that all have to row in the same direction. Being able to break down silos within an organization is important, and ensuring all the different departments in the organization are collaborating is very important. If you allow for a “silo” mentality you will lose efficiency and that will lead to lesser results and higher costs.
What keeps you motivated and passionate about working in the oil and gas industry?
Working for a family business and waking up every day striving to continue to build on the current family legacy and building for the future generations that hopefully enter the business. Also, knowing all the good that our industry provides for people domestically and globally. Knowing that the product we produce allows us in the developed world to enjoy all the privileges we have today such as cooling and heating our homes, propelling autos and planes, and much more that we take for granted in our daily lives. Also, that one day those in the developing world may have access to the same luxury.
What qualities do you think are necessary to be a good leader in the oil and gas industry?
I believe that you have to be hungry and have a strong work ethic. You also need to be willing to empower your team and colleagues to make decisions and advance the goals the company has outlined. You also need to be authentic and have integrity in this industry.
Which transformations do you think the industry must undertake for it to thrive in the future?
Continue to develop technology and invest and innovate. In many cases we are only getting a small portion of the hydrocarbons out of the ground (4%-8%) compared to what is in place. How can we continue to enhance recovery? Continuing to invest in technology and innovation will help recover more reserves economically.
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