Glen is Locus Bio-Energy’s driver/operator based at our facility in Midland, Texas.
Introducing THIS IS LOCUS, a new blog series featuring the “us” in Locus
From initial laboratory testing to final field delivery, meet the people whose expertise and dedication drive everything we do at Locus Bio-Energy. Our success is rooted in the unique talents of each team member, and we can’t wait to share their stories. Get ready to discover their personal journeys, their passion for oilfield technology and the collaborative spirit that fuels our success.
Our series kicks off with Glen Llanez
Glen is Locus Bio-Energy’s driver/operator in Midland, Texas. He has been with Locus for almost four years, though his experience in oilfield chemical handling spans nearly two decades.
Continue reading to find out how this former college baseball star landed on the oil and gas path after graduating with his MEd in counseling.
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Can you walk us through a typical day in your current role as driver/operator at Locus Bio-Energy?
GL: Absolutely, happy to give you an inside look! My day kicks off in the yard, where I start by diving into the paperwork to make sure it’s in order, such as reviewing sales orders and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Over in production, Javier handled the preparation and blending of our product, and David (QC) ensures everything meets the right specs. Once that’s done, I typically pump our specialty chemicals into the truck and totes, depending on our customer’s requirements. Then, it’s time for the all-important pre-trip inspection before heading off to the customer site.
You have an interesting background – baseball, criminal justice, counseling and now oilfield technology! Walk us through the journey.
GL: [Laughs] You could say my path took a few unexpected turns! I started out with dreams of playing pro baseball, but then changed course after an injury. I then switched lanes to pursue a B.S. in Criminal Justice, and then a Master’s in Counseling. After that, I worked as a parole officer for several years.
But guess what? Life threw another curveball – met my wife on a fishing trip during spring break, and within a month, we were engaged. Around that time, we decided to switch gears and move to Midland, Texas. As you know, oil & gas rules the region. That’s when I decided to switch gears and explore opportunities in the oil and gas industry.
That’s quite the change. What brought you into the oil & gas world after working as a parole officer?
GL: Honestly, it was a combination of opportunity and wanting something new. I landed a job as a service tech at a chemical company, and that opened up the whole world of oilfield services for me. From there, I’ve driven treater trucks, worked with customers, learned the industry inside and out, and now – 24 years later – here I am at Locus.
After being in the oil & gas industry for over two decades, how have you seen it evolve in terms of logistics and oilfield technology?
GL: The changes in logistics have been massive! Back when I started, it was mostly pen and paper, manual processes – you name it. Now, we have digital systems for tracking most things, which is definitely a good change. Accuracy has improved, things are less prone to human error, and it generally makes the whole operation smoother, not to mention safer.
It’s like moving from a typewriter to a supercomputer – technology has completely revamped the game, including how operators recover oil. Living here in Midland, I’ve had a front-row seat to the Permian boom.
Please share some examples of how oilfield technology is different today.
GL: Technologies in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have been the biggest gamechangers for oil extraction in our region. The whole industry is focused on getting the most out of every well, and that’s where companies like Locus come in.
We’re truly a tech leader in this space.
Our specialty oilfield chemicals have helped countless operators improve efficiency in their operations, from frac jobs to tank cleaning. I’ve witnessed the impact firsthand when delivering these solutions get to the customers. It’s impressive what a difference a few changes in chemicals can make. Customers are impressed by the increased effectiveness, especially since it requires no change in how our specialty chemicals are transported or handled vs. what they were using before.
Are there any special steps needed when transporting oilfield chemicals?
GL: Our industry can be tricky when it comes to logistics, especially when you factor in remote oilfield sites and safe handling of chemicals. Getting the right product to the right place, on time and safely, requires a strategic approach. Clear, consistent communication with customers is absolutely crucial – and hey, being bilingual has come in handy on more than one occasion! But the real secret to successful logistics is flexibility. You need to be ready to adapt, troubleshoot on the fly, and do whatever it takes to ensure seamless deliveries.
Customer contact seems important to you. Tell us more about that.
GL: It really is! Being on the road and physically delivering chemicals to their jobsites means I get to know our customers on a deeper level. Building connections, using first names – it’s like my counseling background comes to life, genuinely caring and making a positive impact. I learn a lot about their lives – and their jobsite needs – just by engaging in conversation. And, you know, customer feedback is the secret sauce that takes our offerings to the next level.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
GL: Without a doubt, the most rewarding part is executing seamless product deliveries. I’m not just talking about ensuring a smooth journey from A to B, but also engaging in meaningful conversations with customers, understanding their needs and providing them with solutions that align with their expectations.
I love building those relationships, and the satisfaction of knowing our technology is making a real difference in their operations. It feels good to know I’m contributing to their success.
Want to see results on how biosurfactants are impacting the Permian & beyond?
Contact us for case studies demonstrating how operators improved production and operational efficacy using their current assets – with little to no change in existing chemical.
