Blackbrush Oil and Gas
After only seven years in business, Blackbrush Oil and Gas has made its mark on the Texas oil and gas industry by completing a series of strategic acquisitions and purchases to begin an aggressive drilling program. Founded in 2004, Blackbrush was formed when its owners partnered with several local firms to acquire Kerns Oil and Gas’ interest in Catarina Field for $36 million. “The assets acquired from Kerns included more than 250 wells and 30,000 gross acres in Webb and Dimmitt counties, Texas,” the company says. “Blackbrush then developed a drilling program to develop the remaining acreage acquired from Kerns.”
Early in 2005, Blackbrush acquired Triumph Petroleum’s producing properties for $10 million. These properties included more than 30 Austin Chalk wells and 22,000 gross acres. In August, the firm acquired selected producing properties and undeveloped acreage in Karnes County, Texas, for $10 million.
“In December, we closed its largest acquisition to date, by purchasing a processing plant and interconnecting pipelines,” Blackbrush says.
Experienced Leadership
With a senior leadership team boasting more than 20 years of industry experience, it’s no wonder the firm found success.
Co-CEOs Scott Martin and Philip Mezey are veterans of the industry, holding a variety of positions in a number of firms. Martin has served more than two decades in finance and accounting in the oil and gas industry, holding positions as vice president and chief financial officer for several firms. With a bachelor of arts degree in finance from Marietta College in Ohio, Martin maintains a variety of contacts in the energy-lending arena.
Mezey himself has two decades of engineering and technical experience in the oil and gas industry, obtaining a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Syracuse University, as well as an MBA from St. Mary’s University.
Mezey’s previous business experience includes positions as petroleum engineer for Texaco, manager of engineering for Delhi Gas Pipeline Corp. and director of engineering at Lewis Energy Group.
A registered professional engineer in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, Mezey’s areas of expertise include field operations, reservoir engineering, production and economic evaluation, the firm states.
Health and Safety Efforts
Blackbrush protects the health and safety of its employees, as well as the contractors, community members and others who may be impacted by its operations. The company focuses on the health and safety of its employees, while minimizing adverse environmental impacts, as well.
“We also comply with all applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and apply responsible standards where laws or regulations do not exist,” the firm states.
Blackbrush trains managers in all environmental, health and safety requirements, and holds each manager responsible for compliance with these policies. “We also provide employees with adequate training in environmental, health and safety matters and hold employees accountable for compliance with these policies,” the company states.
Executives monitor, evaluate and report on performance in environmental, health and safety issues and provide copies to all Blackbrush contractors.
Community Involvement
Blackbrush is committed to the needs of the communities in which its employees live and work. Last year, the firm supported several local charities and nonprofit organizations with financial donations and support of fundraising efforts.
These charities include:
- San Antonio Kids Exchange
- City of Asherton Volunteer Fire Department
- Boy Scouts of America
- Texas Highway Patrol Museum
- University of Texas – Texas Parent Fund