Pictured from left to right: T.J. Woodward S&B district manager, Sergio Dominguez S&B field supervisor, Clayton Carmack S&B owner & general manager and John Lisle S&B owner & project manager. Williston Economic Development photo.
The owners of S&B Drilling recently celebrated the official opening of their new location. The company is located northwest of Williston at 6035 138th Ave NW.
S&B Drilling was started by three experienced drilling rig operators who were laid off due to the slowdown of 2014-15. Initially, Chris Carmack, his son Clayton Carmack and John Lisle were planning to invest in the startup, but after their layoffs they decided to take the opportunity to the next level.
“We decided to take charge and make S&B a success. The three of us took on all of the responsibilities and bought the entire company from our other investors by June 2015. Shortly after, Chris departed for a new career path overseas and wished to be a silent shareholder, allowing Clayton and I to run operations,” explained Lisle.
Once they secured ownership, Lisle and Carmack worked diligently to build their business in the Bakken. Soon after they moved their families from Colorado to Williston and began getting plugged into the community too.
“We (S&B Drilling) joined the Williston Basin API Chapter, the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as many other local committees and organizations,” said Lisle. “Our goal is to give back to the place we call home.”
S&B Drilling is known for its helical pier foundation systems that they install in the oil fields. Lisle said the helical piers are an alternative that counter frost heaves, settlement, expansive/unstable soils, equipment vibration and movement which reduces risk of costly shut downs.
The past year was good to the drilling company as it was able to move to a larger space and add employees.
“We were busier than we anticipated and that allowed us double our staff, replace our entire fleet with new vehicles, upgrade our machinery and improve training for our employees,” said Lisle.
As for 2018, Lisle continues to be optimistic.
“The Bakken is currently producing just as much oil as it was at the height of the boom and we can expect that to grow too, potentially exceeding production during the boom as more wells are brought on line,” said Lisle.
S&B Drilling held its ribbon cutting with the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors on January 16, 2018. The company celebrated its 3rd anniversary in mid-January as well.
To learn more about S&B Drilling attend the 1 Million Cups meeting on Wednesday, March 7 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Teton Lounge on the Williston State College Campus. Also presenting will be Basin Consulting Service. The meetings are free and open to the public.