C?oming from Denver, Clayton Camozzi had plenty of opportunities to learn about the oil and gas industry. His father was a petroleum engineer who started with a major oil company and then formed his own drilling business, which led to Camozzi working as a roughneck in his early years.


While working on the rigs, his experiences with the wellsite geologist sparked an interest in this science. He attended the University of Kansas for a year before transferring to the smaller Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he found more opportunities to learn from industry professionals. Camozzi says the school had an excellent geology department led by professors with extensive experience in oil and gas exploration.


Upon graduating in 2005, Camozzi worked as an independent wellsite geologist in the Midcontinent, and heard of E&P company Samuel Gary Jr. & Associates Inc., based in Denver. He joined the company as an exploration geologist in 2007.


Camozzi is now helping the company grow its portfolio and expand its interests. Speaking with Oil and Gas Investor, Camozzi shared his thoughts on the company’s plans and what young industry professionals should take to heart.


Investor How does Sam Gary Jr. & Associates stand out from its peers and competitors?
Camozzi We’re constantly looking to use new techniques and new technologies in areas that have accepted the status quo. We like to branch out and take risks, while we do our best to combine both old and new strategies to make sound decisions.
Since we’re a small independent and heavily driven by exploration, we have the ability to react quickly to change in the marketplace. We try not to simply follow suit; we try to capitalize on opportunity.

Investor What are you currently working on?
Camozzi My primary area of interest is the Midcontinent, working Pennsylvanian carbonates. At the same time, I’ve taken a great interest in Alaska. It’s one of the last U.S. oil and gas frontiers. It’s a majestic place and contains fascinating petroleum systems. I’ve also been involved in geothermal and alternative-energy research throughout the U.S.

Investor How have the new commodity prices affected your capex?
Camozzi We’re waiting for the cost of services to come in line with current product prices. Even though talk of doom and gloom is out there, I think this is the time to take hold of opportunity, especially on the science side. Times like these allow you to fine-tune your project. When you’re drilling a large quantity of wells per year, you don’t have a lot of time to analyze the small details that are overlooked in busier times.
Now that drilling has slowed down, it gives geologists and geophysicists time to thoroughly review their data, which leads to new ideas and, hopefully, new reserves.

Investor Is Samuel Gary planning to expand beyond its current operational areas?
Camozzi Yes, we are transitioning from an oil and gas company into a diversified energy company. With the changing world, Samuel Gary Jr. & Associates wants to be on the forefront of the next energy wave. We are developing numerous alternative-energy projects in Colorado and seven other nearby states. We have established a new company, Gary Energetics LLC, which is run by a team of young professionals devoted exclusively to these projects.

Investor What do you like most about your job?
Camozzi I love what I do. I never thought I would end up being a geologist. As the years went on, I found I couldn’t escape it. It was what I was born to do.
On the exploration side, I enjoy maxing out creativity. I have a boss that encourages this and allows us the freedom to think outside the box.
Also, as one of the younger geologists in the office, I am motivated to learn from those who do have years of experience and success as geoscientists.

Investor Who has been a professional mentor?
Camozzi Dr. Gerry Van Kooten, one of my professors. He worked for Arco before teaching, and his primary area of exploration was the North Slope. Jerry is an incredible geologist, and teacher. He sought to understand you and he encouraged you to realize that each individual has the potential to be successful. His teaching and mentorship shaped the way I approach exploration.

Investor Where do you see yourself in five years?
Camozzi I see myself continuing to drill wells for Sam Gary, and branching out for the company, whether that be exploring Alaska and the Midcontinent, or taking advantage of alternative-energy opportunities.

Investor Any advice to people looking to enter the industry?
Camozzi Be passionate about what you do; learn as much as you can. Also, in the next 20 to 30 years, we will see significant energy diversification in this country. No matter what your role may be in energy, try not to be caught up in the microcosm of your own part. Realize you are a part of a greater whole and you can be an effective member of an evolving industry.