Article

Mary Lou Kiphart, Administrative Assistant III (PCT)

Published: 08/28/2026

I was born in Lovington, New Mexico, and have lived in Odessa, Texas ever since—right in the heart of the Permian Basin. My connection to this region runs deep, from my family’s roots in the oilfield industry to the life and career I’ve built here. As I celebrate 45 years with the company, what keeps me going are the people I work with, who feel like family, and the sense of stability and purpose that comes from being part of this community. I take pride in delivering excellent customer service and doing my part to make someone’s day easier or brighter. Through every boom and challenge in the industry, I’m proud to represent our organization and call the Permian Basin home.

 

  • What’s your connection to the Permian Basin, and what does this region mean to you personally? If you were born/ raised here, elaborate on that.
    • I was born in Lovington, New Mexico, in the heart of the Permian Basin. My father worked in the oilfield industry, first in drilling and later in used equipment. When I was two years old, our family moved to Odessa, Texas, where I have lived ever since.
      This region has always been home to me. It’s where I grew up, built my life, and met my husband—who also worked in the oilfield industry. Together, we chose to make this community our home, continuing a connection to the oilfield that has shaped our family for generations.
  • How long have you been with the company, and what has kept you here over the years?
    • As of January 12th of this year, I marked 45 years with the company. That milestone represents more than just time—it reflects the people, the challenges, and the stability that have shaped my entire career.
      The people I’ve worked with over the years have always felt like family. That’s what has made it so meaningful—and also, at some point, what makes it difficult to think about stepping away. The relationships built through shared experiences, hard work, and everyday moments are something I will always value.
      There have certainly been challenges along the way, especially those that come with working with and understanding people. But those challenges also brought growth, learning, and a deeper appreciation for teamwork and perseverance.
      One of the things I’m most proud of is the stability I’ve had, being with the same company for 45 years. In that time, I’ve gone through three ownership transitions. Each one brought its own uncertainties and adjustments, but also opportunities to meet new people and grow in different ways. Through it all, the continued sense of stability and purpose is what kept me here. Looking back, it’s clear that it was never just about the job—it was about the people, the journey, and the strong foundation that made it feel like home.
  • What do you enjoy most about your work and being part of our team?
    • My work over the years has seen a great deal of change. For the most part—though not always—I’ve appreciated that no two days have been exactly the same. The variety has kept things interesting and has pushed me to continue learning and growing.
      I’ve had the opportunity to work in several different departments throughout my career, and each one added something valuable to my experience. However, where I am today has been the most rewarding. It truly feels like the best part of being on the team, and I’m grateful for the path that led me here.
  • What makes you proud to work in the Permian Basin and to represent our organization here?
    • Working in the Permian Basin has always been both exciting and, at times, nail-biting. One moment, the industry is on top of the world, full of opportunity and growth. I often think about the people who move here seeking those opportunities—while I’ve been fortunate to build a life and career here without ever having to leave home.
      There are also the difficult times, when the industry faces downturns and uncertainty. Those moments can be challenging and, at times, unsettling. But even in those periods, there is a sense of resilience. There’s a certain excitement in working through the hardships together, knowing that we will rise again, just as we always have.
  • Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your time working here?
    •  There have been so many memorable moments over the years, most of them centered around the privilege of working with truly great people. Those relationships are what have made the journey so special.
      At the end of the day, I believe my greatest achievement has been providing excellent customer service to our team. I’ve always hoped that each person I’ve worked with has felt valued—that in some way, crossing paths with me made their day a little easier or more positive. That, more than anything, is what I’m most proud of.

 

Mary Kou Kiphart
Mary Lou Kiphart, Administrative Assistant III (PCT)