Well Controlled: Meet the Team - Carlton Burleson, Senior Manager of Global Well Control Operations.
The expertise and strength of our team are key to who we are at Wild Well Control (WWC). We’d like to introduce you to some of our people and share their insights. Next up in our Well Controlled series is Carlton Burleson, Senior Manager of Global Well Control Operations. Keep reading to learn more about his experience, insights on industry trends, and what he loves about working with the team at Wild Well Control.
Name: Carlton Burleson
Role: Senior Manager of Global Well Control Operations
Location: Houston
Q: How long have you been with Wild Well Control?
I have officially been with WWC for 20 years starting back when we were at our offices in Spring, Texas. Though my familiarity with WWC began much earlier when I was around 10 years old. My father, Larry Burleson, started working for WWC back in the late 1970s, so as a kid I used to go to the office with him sometimes and rake leaves in the front yard for Mr. Joe Bowden.
I was initially hired as a well control specialist working in the fabrication shop and was later promoted to a senior well control specialist. Shortly after this, I became the manager and about 5 years ago, I moved into the role I’m currently in as senior manager, global well control operations.
Q: What does a typical day for you look like?
While I still respond to well control emergencies, it’s narrowed down to primarily high profile, sensitive in nature, or international well emergencies. Typically, I remain in the office, and the operations personnel I’m responsible for are the ones that complete the work and respond to the different well control scenarios.
Q: What trends are you seeing in the industry?
Technology has enhanced exponentially and there are higher expectations and standards for all providers throughout the industry. We see new plays, deeper wellbores, longer laterals, etc. Additionally, safety, though always present, has become paramount with the focus being seen around the globe. Subsequently, with all these positive transformations, I think it has given a more reputable view of the oil and gas industry. As the industry continues to change, our equipment footprint will also adapt in development, providing to more regions around the world.
Q: What differentiates Wild Well Control?
The single, most important part of Wild Well Control that I think differentiates us is the people. From field personnel to executive management, and everything in between there is a real sense of family. If you don’t love your role or love the guys next to you, then it’s simply not sustainable long term. It sounds like a cliché, but at the end of the day, we’re each other’s second family.
Q: What excites you about working for Wild Well Control?
I often get asked why we do what we do. I think each person might have a slightly different answer. However, the one common theme I think you would find is that they love what they do. Personally, for me, it’s the sense of accomplishment after each job, not only for the client, WWC, or myself but for all my well control guys