JOT Rentals Podcast

JOT Rentals

Welcome to the JOT Rentals Podcast, where we dive deep into the heart of the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin. Hosted by Stephen Wilson, owner of JOT Rentals, this show brings unfiltered conversations with industry insiders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Each episode uncovers personal stories, industry insights, and the unique experiences of those who shape the energy landscape in West Texas. From navigating professional challenges to discussing the impact of global politics on local operations, the JOT Rentals Podcast offers a real look at the people powering West Texas.

  1. 4d ago

    From Laid Off With Maxed Out Cards to Millions in Sales

    In this episode of the JOT Rentals podcast, Stephen Wilson sits down with Matthew Lovas, founder of Lovas Energy Services, a combustion company handling heaters, flares and combustors across West Texas, South Texas and Southeast New Mexico.Matthew walks through the whole ride: leaving Lovington, NM for a $12-an-hour job in Houston, stacking money on flowback, building Profire Energy's southern branch, getting burned on a kickback demand, and getting laid off in March 2020 with two babies at home and maxed-out credit cards. Then the turn: a $6K loan, five used line heaters flipped into $150K, founding Lovas Energy Services in 2022, the golf tournament tent that landed 1,800 heaters and flares, running 500 of them out of his grandpa's $100 truck, crossing a million dollars in year one, and the six companies he runs today. Plus marriage, kids, painted toenails, and why hard work makes for an easy life.Guest: Matthew Lovas, Lovas Energy Services - https://lovasenergy.comChapters0:00 On this episode0:44 Meet Matthew Lovas, Lovas Energy Services3:00 Lovington, NM to Houston at 24 for $12 an hour8:24 Flowback: 90 days on location, paid 24 hours a day10:25 Building Profire Energy's southern branch13:00 "Always vet people": the $175K kickback demand17:31 Laid off in March 2020 with two kids and no money20:06 Marriage, kids, and getting humbled25:37 The Credit Karma loan and the $6K line heaters that became $150K28:55 Starting Lovas Energy Services32:46 Going all in: "I'm gonna pony up"34:26 The first MSAs38:17 Four guys on the wrong golf course40:31 1,800 heaters and grandpa's $100 truck42:30 Over a million dollars in year one44:18 Six companies: water treatment, chemicals, real estate48:21 Create value. Hard work makes for an easy life.51:49 You can only read so many books before you take action53:06 Wrap-upJOT Rentals - Equipment Rentals, Odessa, TX15690 W 42nd St, Odessa, TX 79764(432) 741-9539https://jotrentals.com#PermianBasin #Oilfield #Entrepreneur #WestTexas #Podcast

  2. 10/02/2025

    Amanda Wilson on Books, Business & Community in West Texas

    In this episode of the Jack of Oil Trades Podcast, host Stephen Wilson sits down with a very special guest—his wife, Amanda Wilson, co-owner of Paper & Vine in Midland, Texas.Amanda shares the journey of opening a bookstore and bar with her mom and sister, from an idea sparked on TikTok to a reality in just 45 days. She opens up about the challenges of choosing the right books for her shelves, managing a team, and balancing life as a nurse practitioner, mom of four, and business owner.She also talks about why building community matters so much to her, the joy of hosting events like fantasy nights and trivia, and how Paper & Vine is more than a bookstore—it’s a space for connection, creativity, and belonging.Chapters00:00 – Meet Amanda Wilson, Co-Owner of Paper & Vine02:00 – From Meet Cute to Paper & Vine: The Naming Journey04:30 – Inspiration Behind Starting a Bookstore07:45 – Launching a Business in 45 Days10:15 – Learning the Publishing & Ordering Process12:20 – Family Roles in Running the Store15:20 – Building Community Through Books & Events18:00 – The Challenges of Bookstore Ownership21:30 – Leadership & Management Styles23:45 – Creating a Happy Space for Women in Midland26:00 – Amanda’s Favorite Genres (Thrillers & Dark Romance!)29:00 – Balancing Motherhood, Work & Passion32:00 – Looking Ahead: Events, Community & Expansion34:30 – Closing Thoughts with Amanda & Stephen

  3. 06/05/2025

    Work Ethic, Setbacks & Grit with Curtis Raymond

    n this episode of Jack of Oil Trades, host Stephan Wilson sits down with Curtis Raymond — a former Ivy League and TCU football player turned heavy machinery sales rep. Curtis shares the raw, unfiltered story of how childhood lessons, athletic setbacks, and personal grit shaped the way he approaches business and life today.From tearing his labrum in high school, to flipping a beach cart in college, to eventually earning a spot at TCU and competing in the National Championship — Curtis talks about how doing one more has always been his secret weapon.Now in the oilfield equipment world, Curtis brings that same energy to service, partnerships, and pushing through adversity. Whether you’re in sales, sports, or just trying to grow as a man — this conversation delivers real insights, tough lessons, and practical takeaways.Filmed at Forty Wolves Podcast Studio in Midland, Texas.Chapters:00:00 – Intro & Curtis Raymond’s Background02:00 – Connecting Through Equipment Rentals05:15 – Childhood, Family Values, and Upbringing10:50 – Baseball Dreams vs Football Reality16:10 – Breaking Through in High School Football21:20 – The Injury That Changed Everything26:15 – Ivy League Life & Culture Shock at Cornell31:30 – Setbacks, Mental Growth & Mentorship37:50 – TCU Football, Transfer Portal & National Championship45:30 – What Makes a Great Team: The Max Duggan Effect50:45 – Lessons from Kaz Casati on Mental Toughness55:10 – Business Parallels: Grit, Teamwork & Focus1:00:00 – Jiu-Jitsu, Calm Under Pressure & Life Lessons1:05:00 – Final Thoughts: Competing with Integrity1:07:15 – Outro & Plans for Round Two

  4. 03/18/2025

    How Bitcoin Mining is Transforming Natural Gas Use in West Texas

    Bitcoin mining is changing the game in the Permian Basin, offering a groundbreaking way to utilize natural gas that would otherwise be wasted. In this episode of Jack of Oil Trades, host Stephen Wilson sits down with Paul Cockerham of Verde Mining to discuss how Bitcoin mining is driving innovation in the energy sector.From reducing gas flaring to integrating renewable sources like wind and solar, Bitcoin mining is emerging as a key player in West Texas' energy future. Learn how industry leaders are leveraging this technology to create a more sustainable and profitable approach to energy production.Whether you're in oil and gas, tech, or crypto, this conversation dives deep into the intersection of energy and blockchain technology. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the future of energy in Midland and beyond!Subscribe for more discussions on energy, technology, and cryptocurrency! Like and share to spread the conversation.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction: Bitcoin & Energy in West Texas01:10 - Stephen Wilson & Paul Cockerham Connect on LinkedIn02:05 - Paul's Background: From Gaming to Petroleum Engineering05:00 - Discovering Bitcoin & Entering the Mining Industry06:45 - The Role of Bitcoin in Natural Gas Utilization08:30 - Bitcoin Mining in the Permian: Current Landscape10:15 - Understanding On-Grid vs. Off-Grid Bitcoin Mining12:50 - Why Midland's Climate is Ideal for Mining Operations15:00 - Verde Mining's Mission & Bitcoin’s Role in Reducing Flaring17:45 - Proof of Concept: Turning Flared Gas into Revenue20:30 - Navigating Regulations & Securing Flare Permits23:10 - Overcoming Industry Skepticism & Bitcoin Adoption26:00 - The Growing Energy-Bitcoin Intersection in Texas28:15 - Challenges to Adoption: Contracts & Regulatory Hurdles30:40 - The Economic Case for Mining: Why It’s Profitable33:00 - The Future: Bitcoin & Oil Companies Working Together35:20 - Exploring Mobile Bitcoin Mining for Short-Term Contracts38:00 - The Potential for Bitcoin in Large-Scale Energy Investments40:45 - Verde Mining’s Focus on Education & Industry Training43:30 - Teaching Operators How to Mine Bitcoin with Natural Gas46:15 - Why CEOs Need to Understand Bitcoin’s Value49:00 - How Bitcoin Could Transform the Future of Energy Contracts52:00 - Final Thoughts & The Future of Bitcoin in Oil & Gas

About

Welcome to the JOT Rentals Podcast, where we dive deep into the heart of the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin. Hosted by Stephen Wilson, owner of JOT Rentals, this show brings unfiltered conversations with industry insiders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Each episode uncovers personal stories, industry insights, and the unique experiences of those who shape the energy landscape in West Texas. From navigating professional challenges to discussing the impact of global politics on local operations, the JOT Rentals Podcast offers a real look at the people powering West Texas.