Much more than one son's homage to his dad, Crude Blessings is a compelling narrative about a family patriarch who embodied the best qualities of the Greatest Generation, which inspired and powered the success of America. Timely because of the increasing polarization in our country, Glenn Patterson's story and values were noted in the Christian ethos of decency, integrity, faith, and trust throughout his life in his business and family. His mantra, "Always do the right thing" turned out to be an enviable formula for success in a highly volatile industry. His son Roe's firsthand account of Glenn's life is a memorable story about surviving adversity through positive, thoughtful leadership and determination. It is a great tutorial for how to achieve the American dream and how to treat others.
T. M. "Roe" Patterson is a 23-year industry veteran in the oil and gas services business. He was promoted to president and chief executive officer of Basic Energy Services (Basic) in September 2013 and was recognized as the Top Public Company CEO by the Fort Worth Business Press for 2014. Prior to his recent appointment, he served as the company’s senior vice president and chief operating officer from 2011 to 2013. Patterson began his tenure at Basic in 2006 and has held multiple positions in executive leadership since joining the company.
Patterson’s roots are grounded in the oil and gas business. He grew up working for his father in the family’s business, Patterson Drilling Company. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University, Patterson joined West Texas Caterpillar for a year before rejoining Patterson Drilling Company as a contract/sales manager for its Permian Basin Division. After four years he left Patterson to form his own manufacturing and oil eld service company, TMP Companies, Inc., until he sold in late 2005 and joined Basic’s management team in early 2006.
Roe and Tonya Patterson have two children and reside in Fort Worth, where they are active in their local community. Roe serves on the Tarrant County American Heart Association Board, and he and Tonya were co-chairs of the AHA Heart Ball in 2016. They were also honorary chairs of the 2017 North Texas Alzheimer’s Association Memory Gala in Fort Worth. In his free time, Roe is a business speaker. His speaking engagements have taken him around the country, speaking on his own personal business experiences and the practical approach to leadership that his father embraced.
This fantastic biography was quite intriguing. From the Foreward to the Epilogue, Patterson pays homage to the legacy of his father. While doing so, he also illustrates what families and caregivers experience when a loved one is battling diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Before the narrative begins, you read a page that says that 25% of the proceeds from his book will be used to provide Alzheimer's care, support, and research. I found this to be genuinely commendable and speaks volumes about his dedication to helping others, whose family members were dealing with Alzheimer. People, who are supporting loved ones with Alzheimer, will find tips on how to help, especially when the family member is experiencing denial, as well as how to start and continue the caregiving process.
Patterson's admiration of his father reminded me of how much I respected and admired my own father. The story of how clean Glenn Patterson liked to keep his truck, even though it worked around dirt and oil fields tickled me. I can only imagine how my "elbow grease went into cleaning that truck after work. The story made me looked at my vehicles differently. It's time for a good vacuuming and cleaning of the exteriors and interiors of my cars.
Right before Chapter 8 begins, Patterson shares intimate photos of his father and his family. I enjoyed looking at the images, which helped me gauge how important family was to Glenn Patterson. I think my favorite photo is of Glenn teaching his son, Robert, how to shave. The image silently shares how vital Glenn took teaching his children every aspect of work and life.
His mantra, "Always do the right thing" turned out to be an enviable formula for success in a highly volatile industry. Many would say, this is likely missing in today’s business environment.
The life of Glenn Patterson is painted vividly by Patterson. Patterson allows the reader to see the family man and businessman sides of his father. Glenn Patterson's work ethic was very impressive. How he saved the company from closing is absolutely fascinating. Glenn Patterson's ability to overcome the oil field crash and to continue despite the Jody Nelson embezzlement scandal makes his biography a must read. Entrepreneurs can bring so many takeaways from this text to help their businesses. One major takeaway is to make sure that your staff treats the equipment of the company with pride and respect. His desire to have clean equipment in an oil business proves this example. Another takeaway from this text is how Glenn Patterson used what can be considered "old-school" business methods to create tremendous success.
Watch on YouTube In the book “>Crude Blessings by T.M. "Roe" Patterson, readers are treated to a fascinating look into the life of two true Texans. We challenge you to read it without shedding a single tear.
This book makes for great entertainment, but it also provides a look at some truly great business minds.
It can be exhilarating to be on the front lines of a startup business. There is a special excitement when failure is not an option. This book puts readers on the front line to see how honesty and integrity can overcome a world of obstacles.
This makes an absolutely wonderful book with tons of life lessons.
The sad part in all of this is that, according to several of the other books we have reviewed recently, such as The Aging Brain and Unsafe at Any Meal , Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, ADD/ADHD and other brain related problems can be avoided. It appears that there is anecdotal evidence to support the notion that high fructose corn syrup and mercury in our diets cause these brain conditions.
We give Crude Blessings all five stars. We simply cannot believe that this is this author’s first book. Very few could write this well and tell a story this fascinating the first time out of the chute.
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Glenn Patterson’s story is one of hard work, success and yes, failure also. He grew up as he said, dirt poor, but rose to be CEO of a multi-billion dollar company, Patterson Drilling. His son, Roe, tells the story from his vantage point working with his father and the others who made Patterson Drilling a success.
There are many wonderful stories in this book. Some of my favorites are: how Glenn and his partner, Cloyce, kept the early company going by buying and refurbishing defunct drilling rigs; a sad story of how the company was ripped off by the CFO who stole millions; and the emotional ending when Glenn and his family face the fact that he has Alzheimer's.
Glenn always acted as a good Christian, but it wasn’t until late in life when he had Alzheimer’s that he accepted that God was with him guiding his path. I found that chapter very moving.
I highly recommend this book. It tells a story about a man who lived his life well, suffered failure and reveled in success. It’s a story that will make you understand the kind of people who make America great.
I received this book from PR by the Book for this review.
Crude Blessings is the story(ies) of a multi-billion dollar drilling company and the people who helped build it. Startling successes, failures, lucky breaks, and astronomic growth are all detailed.
This is a quick read at about 2-3 hours, and it includes many stories. It is a blend of memoir, biography, and business; sometimes all three in one paragraph. Be prepared for the story to jump back and forth in time.
If you've been around the Texas oilfield, especially between 1970 - 2000, then you'll certainly enjoy this book as it will be very relatable to you.
Crude Blessings is an amazing story about an amazing Oil Man. But it is so much more than that. It's a story of life, love, success and failure and a man who would never give up. It is the story of a man that truly inspired those around him. A wonderfully written story by Roe Patterson about his father, Glenn.