At Fox Oilfield, we believe one of the things that really sets us apart in our industry is our people. We work with some of the best and brightest the industry has to offer. This is why we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce to you some of our employees. We'll be doing this as a monthly instalment that interviews one of our key members, so our audience can get to know the men and women behind Fox Oilfield.
First up, we have Chris Cassin, the President of Fox Oilfield! In 2013, along with Stofer James, Chris founded Fox Oilfield. Previously, Chris held various project management positions in the oil and gas industry before becoming an independent business man in 2011. Chris is originally from Fort McMurray and is a University of Alberta Alumnus who now lives in the greater Edmonton area with his family. So let's get to know him!
What first attracted you to the transportation industry?
A few years ago, I worked for an industrial fabrication company and I had always enjoyed working with the blue collared, hard working people in the industrial sector. For a few years, I stepped away from the industrial sector, but I always felt like I would somehow find my way back. I was originally attracted to the transportation industry because I have always considered myself a bit of a back yard mechanic. I have always liked things that move and I find it fascinating how mechanical parts can perform the same task day in and day out without failing.
Why did you decide to start Fox Oilfield?
For years Stofer and I casually talked about one day starting a transportation company together. I think it was just a matter of us being in the right place at the right time to want to start a company. We both saw a gap in the industry where we could add value. Stofer and I are both customer and employee orientated people. In an industry where it is difficult to stand out against your competitors, treating your customers and your employees well is an extremely important quality.
What do you think it is about Fox Oilfield that has instilled such an impressive safety mentality in everyone who works there?
We have really focussed on making our safety program about the safety of our staff and not a tool for financial cost savings at the end of the year. When you set out to do things with good intentions, I think that people respect you a lot more. With the way we present our safety program, we believe everyone in the company is able to see the value of it in a way that hits home.
What is it about Fox Oilfield that sets it apart from other companies in the industry?
Organizing logistics can be extremely stressful. We take that stress away by maintaining communication, asking the right questions, and addressing issues before they turn into problems.
Share with us your favourite story about Fox Oilfield!
The first year we were in business we operated out of a parking lot truck stop. For the first 6 months we didn’t even have an office. We thought we had struck it big when we moved into a 1980’s atco trailer that didn’t have running water.
What's the most challenging part of your job?
Taking care of the back end responsibilities that I have while maintaing an excellent company-wide safety record so that my employees can get home to their families day in and day out.
What's your favourite part about your job?
Working with my fellow employees in the shop or out in the field. I love the comradery that comes with the job. Simply put, Fox Oilfield works with good people and we hope to continue working with the best our industry has!
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out in the industry, what would it be?
Be humble and take the time to listen to the old boys that have been in the industry forever. They know what they're talking about.
And there you have it! That's Chris Cassin, Fox Oilfield president.
Fox Oilfield is a construction, equipment, and oilfield hauling, trucking, and transportation company servicing a multitude of locations that includes Nisku, Leduc, Beaumont, Dawson Creek, High level, Fox Creek, Drayton Valley, Lloydminster, Fort McMurray, Sundre, Edson, White Court, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Fort Liard, and the general Alberta area.