Greg Robbins was working on his master’s in finance at Texas A&M when a class on energy risk management encouraged his interest in the oil and gas industry. Convinced no one was going to give up their SUVs or change their lifestyle regardless of fuel prices, Robbins saw energy as a great career opportunity. Finishing his college experience in five and a half years, including a bachelor’s in finance from Southwest Texas, Robbins was ready to begin his career.

He joined Comerica Bank in the fall of 2002, working as an energy analyst under veteran banker Charles Hall. Hall, whom Robbins says has been a great mentor, helped him gain his first understanding of the industry.

Robbins joined Wells Fargo Energy Capital in early 2004 and met Tim Murray and Daniel Van Loh, with whom he has worked at Guggenheim Partners since 2006, first as an associate and recently as vice president. He is currently working on the private-equity and mezzanine capital firm’s first energy-specific fund, which will raise $500 million.

Robbins shared with Oil and Gas Investor his thoughts on energy finance, getting a foothold in the industry and the Texas Rangers.

Investor What are some of the big deals you’re working on at Guggenheim?

Robbins We are currently raising an energy-specific opportunities fund. Although not our first fund, it will be our first fund that is focused exclusively on energy investments. Our previous funds were diversified over several industries.

The most recent deal I closed was with Midstream Energy Services LLC, an Energy Spectrum-backed company. The capital allowed for the construction of a new processing plant. This was Guggenheim’s third deal with an Energy Spectrum-backed entity, and we hope to see more deals like this in 2008 as private-equity-backed midstream companies pursue more greenfield development projects.

Investor What do you like best about your job?

Robbins The variety of work. On a day-to-day basis, it’s a good balance of analytical work and interaction with clients. I think that’s the real benefit.

Specifically on Guggenheim, I really like this team. We’ve been working together for a while now, here and at Wells Fargo. The small-group dynamics are what make this job great.

I have also been very lucky throughout my brief work experience to be surrounded by great mentors. Their advice and support give me a perspective far greater that I would have found otherwise.

Investor How do you see the energy-banking marketplace in 2008?

Robbins It’s been healthy to date so far for us. We’ve already seen a little less competition from big commercial lenders and other capital sources in the past couple of quarters due to the current market conditions. Credit and liquidity issues in general have chased away a couple of our competitors. For some of the other guys on the fringe, their capital is now a little harder to come by. So they’re less aggressive when they’re chasing deals.

More importantly, it shows our clients who is here to stay. You ride the wave of ups and downs. Guggenheim has a history of being active in minerals and energy industries for 100 years. We want to show people we’re not affected by short-term cycles.

Investor What types of companies do you finance?

Robbins In our new opportunities fund, we’ll target upstream, midstream and service company financings in the $15- to $80-million range. Currently, we’re higher weighted in the upstream space.

We want to work with experienced management teams that like a passive investor. We’re just five guys; we have a lot of clients. We’re not going to be in your hair. We’re going to be there when you need us and we want to stay informed, but we’re leaning on them to make of the operating and financial decisions.

Teams with really technical deals tend to feel comfortable with us. Three of the five professionals in our office have petroleum engineering backgrounds. We’re dealing with people who don’t want to deal strictly with a finance shop.

Investor Where do you see yourself in five years?

Robbins Hopefully, I’ll be working with Guggenheim on our second fund. With the new fund, I will likely take on additional credit and deal-sourcing opportunities as well.

Investor What books have you read recently?

Robbins I recently finished reading “One Ranger,” which is Joaquin Jackson’s story as a Texas Ranger. My father-in-law is very active with the Former Texas Rangers Foundation and I enjoy the interaction and stories from these truly living legends. Chuck Norris has nothing on these guys.

Investor What do you do for fun?

Robbins My wife and I really enjoy West Texas and heading out to Marathon, which is where we were married this past year. We hike, hunt and just relax.

I’m also active with the Special Olympics as a committee member. This year will mark 10 years of involvement with Special Olympics Texas.

Investor Who has had the biggest influence?

Robbins My grandfather has definitely had the biggest influence on me. He was a great man. And, my wife is positioning herself well to influence my day-to-day life.