- Work
- Landman — leases and title
- Time
- More than 35 years
- Ground covered
- Leases and title across 12 states
- Base
- Katy, Texas
Williston, North Dakota·Evanston, Wyoming·Scottsdale, Arizona·The Permian Basin·South and Central Texas
I started Black Gold Data so the owners I've worked beside could explore what their own records might earn, and keep the decision.
I’m a landman in Katy, Texas. For more than 35 years I’ve worked leases and title across 12 states, with the owners who hold the interest and the title-opinion attorneys who examine the chain. That work has taken me to Williston, North Dakota; Evanston, Wyoming; Scottsdale, Arizona; the Permian Basin; and all over South and Central Texas. Title-opinion firms sit beside operators and royalty companies here, because that’s the practice I know. Law firms in other practice areas may qualify too.
I started Black Gold Data so those businesses could benefit as AI looks for real examples of how work gets done. The history is already in their email, land systems, GIS, accounting software, and the other tools they use. My part is to introduce an eligible company to a fit check and leave any offer in writing. I don’t buy the records, I don’t value the company, and I don’t negotiate with a laboratory for you. You and your counsel read the terms before anything moves.
If an agreement pays, the money is the company’s: working capital, equipment and maintenance, safety and training, people and technology, debt, or another use the owner chooses.
Why the firms stay in the foreground
Title opinions are how a chain gets examined before money moves, and I’ve worked that ground for more than 35 years. They’re the oil and gas example, not the only kind of firm that may qualify. Client matters, privilege, and confidentiality stay with the firm until it has a clear right to include them. Smaller specialist firms may warrant individual review. Fit is confirmed by the provider.