November Luncheon: John Stephens - A Discussion on What it Takes to Create and Operate an Independent Oil & Gas Company

John Stephens Bio:

John has over 35 years experience in the oil and gas industry. After 10 years with a small company, he struck out on his own and has been an "Independent" for the past 25+ years during which time he has drilled internally generated and externally sourced prospects, participated in outside deals operated by others, and been involved in numerous acquisitions of producing properties. He has a BS in Geology from Texas Tech and an MLS of Oil & Gas Law from OU School of Law. John is a member of AAPG, Dallas Geological Society (past President), Oklahoma City Geological Society, SIPES (current National & Dallas Chapter Board).

Abstract:

And now for something completely different: for this month’s talk, I’ll be interviewing John Stephens, owner, founder, geologist, engineer, landman, HR director, and coffee maker of Stephen’s Exploration, LLC., a small independent located here in Dallas and operating in Oklahoma. I’ll ask John about when he decided to start his own company and how he went about it. We’ll discuss the geology and operations, his successes and tough lessons. John will discuss how a small independent like himself may have advantages (and disadvantages) to how a large company operates, or how benefits/compensation may differ for a one man shop vs a geologist working for a company. Lastly we’ll explore if John’s path is one that others could still follow today.