Carlos Evans

After a mere two years from formation and building 500 miles of pipeline and two processing plants, it sold to EnLink Midstream in January 2016 for $1.55 billion, closing during a $32/bbl nadir, which highlighted the quality of the business.

He wants Tall Oak to continue to grow its current assets in central Oklahoma’s Stack play, but says Tall Oak III will likely include an asset acquisition in the Midcontinent. The company is “seeing multiple opportunities to buy assets at a reasonable price and build on them.”

“Our success has been very simple, in that we treat people with respect, listen to their needs and work tirelessly to deliver for them. Our customers have recognized these efforts and I believe that has been a key to our success. … I can’t think of a more dynamic, challenging and rewarding industry than the oil and gas industry.”

Portfolio management: “I started my own lawn business in middle school and had managed to save $5,000 by high school. I had a friend who told me about this new ‘hot stock’ that was skyrocketing and a ‘no-brainer’ investment. So, I emptied my savings and bought AOL at $70 per share. And within six months, it was less than $30. Although I lost half of my savings, this was the best lesson on diversification and risk mitigation. I’m just glad I learned the lesson on $5,000 instead of now!”

Quotable: “One of my early mentor’s favorite lines was, ‘Pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered.’ Silly quote, but it reminds me to be grateful for what we have and never get too greedy.”