Bob Keiller: The Leadership Secrets Behind a Billion-Dollar Sale
In this episode of Taproom Talks, host Kenny Dooley sits down with Bob Keiller, Chair of Our Union Street and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce. Bob shares his incredible journey, from his early career to transitioning into the oil and gas industry, and eventually leading a management buyout of part of Halliburton's business. He recounts the audacious move of approaching Halliburton's CFO to buy the production services division, the challenges of securing funding (including that memorable presentation in London!), and navigating the 2008 financial crisis.Discover how Bob and his team quadrupled the value of PSN in just five years by focusing on culture, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Wood Group. Bob also delves into the complexities of integrating two large organizations, his unique approach to communication (including "your baby is ugly" notes!), and the importance of a well-defined leadership framework. He shares heartwarming stories that exemplify the company's core values, like helping an employee with cancer and supporting the Glencraft workshop for the blind and disabled.Finally, Bob discusses his current passion for helping other entrepreneurs, offering valuable advice on market validation, clear communication, and the critical role of cash flow for early-stage businesses. He also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and giving back to the community.Don't miss this insightful conversation on leadership, entrepreneurship, and making a real difference!
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The Motive Behind Success: James Gregg's Offshore Energy Expansion
In this episode of Taproom Talks, host Kenny Dooley sits down with James Gregg, a co-founder and European Regional Director of Motive Offshore Group. James shares the incredible story of Motive, from its humble beginnings in a car garage to becoming a global leader in offshore equipment, now employing 380 people.James takes listeners back to his roots in rural Cornhill, growing up around his dad's car garage, which unknowingly laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial spirit. He recounts his 15-year career at a hydraulic company, starting as a trainee and working his way up to general manager, transitioning the business from a fishing industry focus to oil and gas.Discover the "hardest thing" James ever did: leaving his secure role at 30 to start Motive. He reveals how a small shed at his dad's garage became the birthplace of their first manufactured HPU, and how building strong client relationships and achieving ISO 9001 accreditation were crucial early enablers for growth.The conversation delves into Motive's strategic evolution, from manufacturing and rentals to their CNI (Certification & Inspection) division, and their expansion into renewables. James discusses the pivotal decision to take on private equity funding with EV in 2018 to de-risk and fuel growth, and the subsequent transition to H2 Equity Partners, along with the major acquisition of Aquatic.James offers insights into how Motive maintains its strong "People & Planet" culture across diverse global locations, emphasizing internal promotion and hiring for mindset over just qualifications. He also shares candidly about the intense challenges faced during industry downturns, including re-mortgaging homes and micromanaging every payment to save the business. This episode is a testament to resilience, strategic vision, and the power of people in building a thriving global enterprise.
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Building a PR Powerhouse: Annabel Sall's 21-Year Journey in Energy Marketing.
Welcome to Taproom Talks! In this episode, our host Kenny Dooley sits down with Annabel Sall, the dynamic CEO of Think PR. Get ready to hear Annabel's remarkable story of building a leading energy-focused PR, marketing, and design firm from the ground up over 21 years.Annabel takes us back to the beginning, sharing her vision for Think PR: to champion SMEs in Aberdeen. You'll discover how she networked her way through the local business scene, securing her very first client, a connection she maintains to this day. Learn about Think PR's impressive global expansion, as Annabel forged vital relationships in key energy hubs like Dubai and Houston, all while navigating the unique challenges of running an international business from Aberdeen.But Annabel's impact extends far beyond business growth. She's deeply committed to the community, serving on the board for Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A&ND) and actively contributing to Women in New Energy. Hear about the heartwarming success of their recent fundraising dinner, which raised an incredible £68,000 for A&ND, and why she believes in empowering charities through effective profile raising and public engagement.Annabel also gets candid about the realities of entrepreneurship, from managing financial responsibilities to adapting through oil price crashes, unpredictable energy markets, and global pandemics. This conversation is a powerful testament to resilience, the enduring strength of relationships, and the relentless drive to continuously learn and adapt in a fast-paced industry. You won't want to miss it!
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David Sheret's Offshore Energy Vision: From Football Pitches to North Sea Strategy
Welcome back to Taproom Talks! Today, our host Kenny Dooley sits down with David Sheret, the insightful founder of Sheret Offshore Energy. Join us as David recounts his fascinating career journey, beginning in marketing where he engaged with Aberdeen Football Club, and how that unique background eventually led him to establish his own strategic consulting and pre-screening firm in the dynamic world of offshore energy. David will unveil the distinct advantage of Sheret Offshore Energy. Discover how his firm provides candid, objective advice, meticulously preparing companies for complex transactions or capital raising. He'll share why integrity and deep industry experience are paramount in helping businesses proactively identify challenges and unlock their maximum value, setting his approach apart from conventional investment banking. Our conversation then plunges into David's seamless transition into the oil and gas industry. He'll reveal how his early marketing experiences became a foundation for a successful career in business development and sales. We'll explore his astute observations on the evolving landscape of the North Sea, the critical importance of life extension for subsea infrastructure, and the transformative role of data and technology in optimizing asset performance. Finally, David casts his gaze to the future of the energy sector, emphasizing the vital need for meticulous preparation and strategic engagement. This episode promises a compelling blend of entrepreneurial spirit, hard-won industry wisdom, and a truly forward-thinking perspective on the complex challenges and exciting opportunities shaping the offshore energy market. You won't want to miss it!
Welcome to Taproom Talks, the podcast diving deep into the energy sector's entrepreneurial and leaders minds. Join us for candid conversations with leaders, exploring their journeys, leadership, product creation, investment strategies, and business sales. We uncover their challenges, failures, and triumphs, from career beginnings to private equity insights. Get inspired by the real stories shaping the future of energy. Tune in to uncork powerful narratives!
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