The Crude Truth Ep. 108 Randy Nicodemus, Solids Control Expert

Video Transcription edited for grammar. We disavow any errors unless they make us look better or smarter.

Rey Treviño [00:00:00] How one man’s ingenuity around the oil field has changed the game. We talked to him on this episode of The Crude Truth.

Narrator [00:00:08] In 1901 at Spindle Top Hill near Beaumont. The future of Texas changed dramatically as like a fountain of fortune. Thousands of barrels of oil burst from the earth towards the sky. Soon Detroit would be cranking out Model TS by the millions, and America was on the move thanks to the black gold being produced in Texas. Now, more than a century later, the vehicles are different, but nothing else has truly changed. Sure, there may be many other alternative energy sources like wind and solar and electric, but let’s be honest, America depends on oil and entrepreneurs. And if the USA is truly going to be independent, it has to know The Crude Truth.

Narrator [00:00:51] This episode is brought to you by LFS Chemistry. We are committed to being good stewards of the environment. We are providing the tools so you can be too. Nape Expo where deals happen. Air compressor solutions. When everything is on the line, Air Compressor Solutions is the dependable choice to keep commercial business powered up. Sandstone Group. Exec Crue. Elevate your network. Elevate your Knowledge. Texas Star Alliance. Pecos Country Operating Fueling Our Future.

Rey Treviño [00:01:25] Well, hello again. And as always to everyone out there, thank you for tuning in to another episode of The Crude Truth. For all our viewers and listeners out there were recorded here today from our South League studio here, North Texas. So shout out is always to our sponsor real news communications for as always, giving us these amazing studios to use in such a professional setting. The day that we’re recording this episode, it is a Friday, and for all our listeners out there, I am wearing just a good old fashioned polo and ball cap today, something that’s completely different than the norm. And that has a lot to do with our guest today because as I had in our teaser, this gentleman has brought a whole new positive energy to the oil and gas oil fields. And it just spreads like positive wildfire whenever you get this guy around. My guest today is the co-founder because he does have somebody else that helps them find it. We’ll talk about her in a few.

Randy Nicodemus [00:02:25] That’s Right.

Rey Treviño [00:02:26] Co-Founder and vice president, I think of Complete Solids Control. Randy Nicodemus. Randy, how are you?

Randy Nicodemus [00:02:33] Good. I’m doing good. I finally made it, man.

Rey Treviño [00:02:36] It has been a two years in the making.

Randy Nicodemus [00:02:38] I feel like I’ve made.

Rey Treviño [00:02:39] It all feel good, you know? I know.

Randy Nicodemus [00:02:43] Chris, dude. I feel like. I mean, we’re here.

Rey Treviño [00:02:46] I probably finally made it on the show.

Randy Nicodemus [00:02:48] That too. But I.

Rey Treviño [00:02:49] Enjoyed this. Yeah, this.

Randy Nicodemus [00:02:50] This is the pinnacle, man. Yes. Is it? This is. Wow.

Rey Treviño [00:02:53] I promise it. God willing, with the way you’re going, this is going to be the bottom of that man.

Randy Nicodemus [00:02:58] I don’t know. This is this. Is this a whole new era here? I’m digging it. Doing good, man. Thanks for having me, Rey.

Rey Treviño [00:03:06] Well, thank you. And now, as you take your drink, did I say your last name right?

Randy Nicodemus [00:03:10] Nicodemus. Yes. Yes, sir. Complete solids control. Yes, sir.

Rey Treviño [00:03:15] And your last name, too, right?

Randy Nicodemus [00:03:16] Nicodemus?

Rey Treviño [00:03:17] Yes. Yeah. And so that’s what I want to make sure because it’s one of those. Yeah, it’s out there.

Randy Nicodemus [00:03:22] You hit it, man.

Rey Treviño [00:03:22] But once people know who you are, they know who. Ready?

Randy Nicodemus [00:03:25] That’s right.

Rey Treviño [00:03:26] Because you people know you out. The only. Yes. Feel like they know that you are the co founder and I give your time and we’ll talk about your lovely wife and how she their partner and every sure yeah but you know you’re out there and it’s like and the owners of the companies are not out there on a daily basis the way that you get out there and you knock on door and you say, Hey, how’s everything going out here? And, you know, that’s just one of the many things I want to talk about today. But for everybody out there that has watched you on several other well qualified shows, shout out to our good friend J.P. Warren out there and Connection Crue at the club.

Randy Nicodemus [00:04:00] So our JP.

Rey Treviño [00:04:03] My God, who is Randy? Let’s talk about you.

Randy Nicodemus [00:04:06] Who’s Randy’s? Well, like I. Say all the time. Father of six, married to my lovely wife ratio for six years now. And we’re a lot of hats. So obviously, you know, founder of Complete Solids Control Integrity Center for You Services, a father to six of my son’s football coach, their flight football coach. So that’s that’s a whole nother world right there. You know, I’m a judge at home. I’m a pastor, businessman. I’m an entrepreneur. I’m a you know, we’re all the things. Yeah. So we’re just a hard working first generation of your family, you know, and one who was introduced to it going on year 19 now. Wow. Yeah. So 19 years ago. Fell in love with it. Knew right then and there this was what I was going to do. This this solace control thing. A new rising in there. Yeah. You know, so yeah, that’s. That’s who we.

Rey Treviño [00:05:07] Are. Well, you know, let’s let’s talk about complete silence control because for those that are in the industry that hear solids control, you know not whom will they also be hearing about Complete silence control. Sure. Which is an amazing company that, you know thank you. Completes all this control for those you I haven’t heard of yet. You can check them out. There’s my shameless plug for me. But what is it? What do y’all do? Because it’s a niche and niche, but it’s part of every single well that is drilled here in America. So let’s talk.

Randy Nicodemus [00:05:35] About. Yes. So it’s it’s pretty common, especially out in the New Mexico area. It’s almost environmentally.

Rey Treviño [00:05:42] You know.

Randy Nicodemus [00:05:43] Like it’s almost a law. You know, you have to have a closed loop system when you’re drilling. So we focus on helping operators drive down cost when they drill a well. And we do that through mechanical separation with secondary drying shakers with decanter centrifuges, that that’s how we that’s how we help them drive down their costs. And with that comes reducing days on, well, reducing dilution ratios, maintaining motor weights, keeping a clear clean fluid that you can return back to them in real time as they’re drilling. Right. And there’s a bunch of other. Positive impacts we have. Yeah, but that’s what we do and that’s what we specialize.

Rey Treviño [00:06:29] What is it like? Because when you say the closing for for those out there, they’re like, what do you mean by closed loop and returning a product that they can use immediately? What exactly is it that you guys are doing out there?

Randy Nicodemus [00:06:39] Yeah. So closed loop meaning like, you know, you’ll see wells that are drilled with earth pits. Okay.

Rey Treviño [00:06:44] Right. Got holes in the ground.

Randy Nicodemus [00:06:46] That’s right. Lined out with line you know with liners and yeah that’s what we did a lot in the Barnett Shale and it still happens right on the Texas side. But in New Mexico, it’s like I said, from what we’ve seen. And no, it’s you got to be closed loop. So what we do is we they do away with the reserve pit and it’s a pad and stored instead of the cuttings and mud going into a reserve pit, they’re now being captured in containers. Yeah. So opens up containers, right. Forefoot bins that you get all your drill cuttings and your drill fluid. Right. And we recycle that and we just imagine filtration units when it comes to, like I said, the centrifuges and and reclaiming that fluid for them in real time. So cleaning it up, sending it right back to them, right through their pumps and back up to.

Rey Treviño [00:07:29] Back up into the water to the well. Yes. Okay. By cleaning it up, you’re cleaning up the water because, you know, these are.

Randy Nicodemus [00:07:35] Yeah. So we’re taking the drill. The drill fluid. Right. And we’re taking that and we’re separating the solids from the mud. Right. And basically sending them back to cleaner material.

Rey Treviño [00:07:44] And then they just use it right again, because I think a lot of people don’t know that we it takes a lot of water to drill that well. Yeah, that’s getting high pressure down in there, just like everything else. And it has to come back out.

Randy Nicodemus [00:07:55] Correct. And they don’t want you know drill solids are an operators worst enemy. Yeah so that’s our job is to monitor that and and clean that fluid over right the drill solid.

Rey Treviño [00:08:07] And you’re doing something again you mentioned New Mexico a lot of my listeners that that watch the show and listen they know the regulations are having are. Yeah and even though we all consider east New Mexico definitely West Texas these days for.

Randy Nicodemus [00:08:22] Sure.

Rey Treviño [00:08:22] But the laws are different things are a little bit more central out there. And that’s why you use these closed loop systems and provide great companies like Complete Solid Control. They’re out there keeping the environment even that much more safe.

Randy Nicodemus [00:08:35] Correct? Yeah, yeah. It’s a definitely a different world out there. But, you know, we’ve been out there going on. So I was out there before we. Before complete was born. So I’d say two years before our birth. So eight and a half years now we’ve been out in that New Mexico area.

Rey Treviño [00:08:52] Well, man, let’s let’s go back here when like, you know, let’s go back also 20 years and you’re like, this is it. You know, what was it? Yeah, it was like, okay, this, this, this is what do it.

Randy Nicodemus [00:09:02] Man. I was travel back for a minute. So it’s funny, too, because like, I had a guy reach out to me on LinkedIn. We’ve been connected on LinkedIn for a while, but he’s a real estate agent now, so I didn’t know who it was. Right. Real estate agent. And he was like, Hey, Randy’s like, Man, congratulations on on, you know, CSC is like, I remember back in 2005, you know, when you work the rig with me and you told me you were like, Man, I’m going to start my own service company one day and we’re going to do this thing much differently. And it was so cool. And. Man. It just put me back in a really cool place. Whoa. Yeah, and I. I could share that message with you. I mean, it’s awesome. And I was like, man. So I had to travel back in time. Yeah, right. And I put myself in that place, and I remembered that. And why? Well, coming from where we come from, you know, the rougher part of Dallas. Like, there was no oilfield family before us. You know, my grandpa was a hard worker, but he focused on the roofing industry. And, you know, none of us, you know, followed him for for for many reasons. We were just we were just different, you know? Right. But. When I was introduced to the industry, it was like literally a whole new world. It was almost like an escape. Well, you know what I mean.

Rey Treviño [00:10:20] I could see that.

Randy Nicodemus [00:10:21] Yeah. When I was able to go out to the rig and work nights, I was with my best friend, Terri. You know, growing up in the oilfield. And he stuck me on nights, and he’s like, I’m taking the nights off every night. So you’re working nights, buddy, you know? So I’m like, I’m stuck working nights. But it was cool, man, because it was just an escape, you know? It was me, my coffee, my music, the work and the stars at night. And I fell in love with it. I just fell in love with I didn’t know exactly. Obviously, coming in the group we were with it. I didn’t get the proper training, so I didn’t really understand everything that I was that we were doing out there. So I had to kind of learn that myself. Why are we here? Yeah, what am I doing for this operator? For this rig? What’s the purpose of these machines? Why are we processing mud? Right. Where is it going when I jump in? The excavator. And why is it going there?

Rey Treviño [00:11:08] You know, I’m saying like, Yeah.

Randy Nicodemus [00:11:10] So it was just the whole process, man. And I was making lots of money.

Rey Treviño [00:11:13] Gosh.

Randy Nicodemus [00:11:14] Tons of money. I used to use to. I thought, I make more. Want to start the company.

Rey Treviño [00:11:20] I know that is not the case. That’s the case. Yeah.

Randy Nicodemus [00:11:24] And those are the good old days.

Rey Treviño [00:11:25] But we didn’t have to worry about the bills at the back. No, man. Dude, I love how you talk about the word. And I. It’s like, you know, when I got when I broke out, I started off by working on drilling rigs.

Randy Nicodemus [00:11:36] What year was this hole?

Rey Treviño [00:11:37] God, this was 2000 of it. Well, right before we hit the break, when we’re about ready to hit that that, you know, we peaked in oil in 15. Right. Right. And same thing. You know a buddy of mine, well, we had just started Pacos and dad goes, all right, get out to the oil field because I had an undergraduate degree in organizational behavior.

Randy Nicodemus [00:11:55] So that again.

Rey Treviño [00:11:55] Yeah, exactly. It’s a get out of college to you. That’s why we go back, right? You actually focus. But you know, I get out of it jumping for joy like, heck yeah. Come on out late. Come on. You know? Well, he was just happy because he found some idiot that could work the night shift. Yeah, on a drilling rig to Joe. Yeah, that was me. Yeah. Yeah. He’s like, well, I’m not. I’m working today to be. Why I’m so. Yeah, I did so. So for the next year and a half, man, you know, I don’t know what day looks like so we’re can chain and and but I like how you talked about what you’re doing because after that I got into the flowback side of things. Okay. And same thing. I started off there working. I mean, and yet. But you’re there now, working. It’s beautiful.

Randy Nicodemus [00:12:40] Yeah.

Rey Treviño [00:12:40] And you know, you’re doing things. You change and chokes while you’re monitoring the sand. You’re monitoring these wells to see what the flow is when they come online. And you just you’re out there doing your thing by yourself.

Randy Nicodemus [00:12:51] By yourself, by yourself.

Rey Treviño [00:12:53] Are you tired? I don’t know what I would get out of the truck. Do 23. You go there.

Randy Nicodemus [00:12:57] Yes. Yes. That’s funny, man. That is the truth, too. Like we know. So Terry was a big guy. He was my best friend. He was my, my, my best man. And my wedding. He passed away a couple of years ago. His wife introduced me to the oilfield. We had a wait wait room back there, like we had rig mats and me and him just put together a gym. Yeah. So, like, we had. It was our own world, right? You’re in the backyard of a drilling rig. You’re doing your thing, man. Is, you know, 3:00 in the morning comes around. You already know it is time to start dozing off. And I would take pre-workout. I would just take a shot of pre-workout, you know what I mean? And next thing you know, I’m like, pressure washing the Derrick. Hit it.

Rey Treviño [00:13:40] Yeah.

Randy Nicodemus [00:13:42] You know what I mean?

Rey Treviño [00:13:42] Like, yeah, no.

Randy Nicodemus [00:13:43] It was, it was cool like that. But that’s yeah, that was the only challenge. Obviously when you get into those early morning hours and you have been monitoring things and even even an easy night is still. It’s high level. Yeah, because, I mean, you’re on a rig. Yeah.

Rey Treviño [00:14:00] It’s crazy.

Randy Nicodemus [00:14:00] But yeah. Working out. Dude, push those dumbbells. Run around the rig. You’re steel toed boots on, ladies. Yeah, it was. It was a little.

Rey Treviño [00:14:09] Fall asleep, though.

Randy Nicodemus [00:14:10] No, sir. No, sir.

Rey Treviño [00:14:11] Asleep?

Randy Nicodemus [00:14:12] No, sir. I learned the hard way. Before I took pre-workout, you know, there was. There was some. There was some moments. And yeah, I did. Didn’t do that again.

Rey Treviño [00:14:22] Well, tell me, when was this moment? Let’s go back to that with this. This gentleman, you know, hit you back up on What was that one? Well, let’s talk about that. Like, what was that moment you’re talking about?

Randy Nicodemus [00:14:31] Like when he brought that up to me?

Rey Treviño [00:14:33] Yeah, well, not not when he brought it up. Just about the moment. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Randy Nicodemus [00:14:37] So it was just. So like, I’ve always had this entrepreneurial spirit. And if you were to ask where that come from, I would just credit that to my grandfather because he was a boss. Like he moved how he wanted to when he wanted to, you know, Mexican cat couldn’t read or write. Well, he could get anywhere in the world off of maps. Go. Remember the maps goes the book.

Rey Treviño [00:14:58] The book? Yeah. Yeah. Where The size of that screen, right? Yeah.

Randy Nicodemus [00:15:04] Yeah. So that Grandpa, he. He made things happen. Yeah. You know, and he supported. Generation after generation up until he passed a few years ago. And so, like, I just watched the way he moved. Yeah. And I love the way he was able to take care of us because there wasn’t outside of my grandparents. There was no security in my life. Yeah. You know what I mean? And as a kid, that’s scary. Right? Like. No dad around. I know there’s there’s no security. So you’re always like an especially in the rough parts of where I’m just. You know what I mean? It’s a different life, man. So like, I just admire my grandfather. Like, I looked up to him and I was like, Man, I just want to be like him. Yeah. Now. Did he know anything about oil and gas? No, he didn’t have a hand in it, But his influence in my life was. Guess that’s where it would come from. But being in that moment, I felt like I had just found. What that was to. Yeah. Put me in a situation and be able to provide like he did for all the crews he had, you know, I mean, like, it is just a ripple effect.

Rey Treviño [00:16:10] Yeah.

Randy Nicodemus [00:16:10] So I was like, Man, I’m going to do this. I don’t know what it’s going to be. It went from selling magazines door to door to, you know, cars from the Nissan dealership to, you know. All kinds of things right through my life. Yeah. And then when it was all filled and like I said, that was the that was that’s what.

Rey Treviño [00:16:31] It changes.

Randy Nicodemus [00:16:32] You know? It changed me, man. Yeah. Yeah, It was rough at first, you know? I mean, I you go through some things, but, you know, praise God, it worked out. Yeah.

Rey Treviño [00:16:42] You’re right. I mean, it’s not for the weak. And I don’t mean that physical. I mean that mentally. Yeah, it is a mental grind. I mean.

Randy Nicodemus [00:16:48] Yes, sir.

Rey Treviño [00:16:49] When I got into it in 2011, I was a 26 year old, I think 27, working with the 18 and 18 year old Sanjay. Okay. I mean, so I went from, you know, we got to, got to get this degree did all that, all that. I’m down there with me, all my buddies are you know all excited but you know what you know he’s like, yeah, you’ll be easy and all this and me, You saying you used to say it to me, you know, making sure that they. Yeah I and it was on but. Got through it again and again. And you know, it’s funny. We’re talking about all this stuff. I had a gentleman come out to one of our leases yesterday, and I think it took us ten minutes to get to the back. And, you know, by the way. Thank you. Thank you. I’m going.

Randy Nicodemus [00:17:31] To talk about that.

Rey Treviño [00:17:32] As well. You. But, you know, he goes then, you know, you don’t see too far back here going on. I would love you know you know from the from the paved road to the best of the bad. Yeah. I go yeah, that’s a no God no. I see. Because there’s you know, sometimes you get to the paved road and where that cattle guard starts in two hours later.

Randy Nicodemus [00:17:49] Yes, sir. Two. Yes, sir.

Rey Treviño [00:17:51] Outside out there was, you know, sir. So that’s before the two hours back to Midland. Yeah. And also see with.

Randy Nicodemus [00:17:57] Longer in Pennsylvania holds in worse and colder. man. those are some crazy nights. Those were not cool nights. Well, they were cool, but that those are probably some of the most depressing.

Rey Treviño [00:18:08] Did you ever to go to really.

Randy Nicodemus [00:18:11] In the crash. I think it was 2008. Okay Amber you know right So the next thing you know, we wake up and it’s just it’s a different world now you’re back and you’re back at home overnight.

Rey Treviño [00:18:21] Overnight.

Randy Nicodemus [00:18:21] Yeah. And so, yeah. To travel back in time to really think how I found that that lead but you know you’re in the you’re in the industry so there’s folks looking out for you and you know and I got the call I’m going to Pennsylvania. That’s right. So I jumped right on it. And you know me, I was like, I want to be on nights. Like, that’s just, you know what I mean? And but yeah, so I didn’t know that. Yeah. I spent two years up there in the Marcellus Shale.

Rey Treviño [00:18:51] Do this. Okay. Yeah.

Randy Nicodemus [00:18:52] So I was pretty. It was cool. And then there was some. Well, we talked about the mental thing. I don’t want to get to your time. That meant I wanted to touch on that was like. So there were times where, like, you’re out there, man, and, and I say this like. If you haven’t ever shed a tear. While you’re doing what you’re doing. You went through it? Yeah. And I don’t mean like being in a corner crying. Yeah. Sucking on your thumb. I’m talking about, like. You know what I mean? The mental, you know? Yeah. Taxing that it has on your life and your families and things like that. Like if I just, you know, I was there, man. I was there. I was there. And and for I was like, no, not never again. So.

Rey Treviño [00:19:34] And that’s.

Randy Nicodemus [00:19:35] That. And that started a new chapter. But as for like.

Rey Treviño [00:19:37] Well, you know that, you know, we can we can we are all fast forwarded cause sure in the beginning when I when I was introducing you, you have a great partner. 16 years. Six kids. Yes. Ladies and gentlemen. Yes, sir. Six. Know the Astros who are the.

Randy Nicodemus [00:19:53] Singular.

Rey Treviño [00:19:53] CFF you know let’s about her in the Gulf region get up at 5 a.m. and go run together, for goodness sakes.

Randy Nicodemus [00:20:01] Yeah. Yeah. I mean, she was she got me into it. I didn’t get her in to see. Look. No. Yeah, she’s. She’s a. Yeah. She’s all the motivation. And she. She runs the business as well. With everything that you don’t see in the field. She’s taking care of, you know her and her name, Miss Sandy. They do an awesome job keeping us boys in line and making sure we are financially okay and not spending outside of our budgets, you know? Yeah. 16 years. Been together? 17. Six children. Yes, we’re we’re done. We’re we’re enjoying, you know, being able to be down in to everything they’re doing that. You know, it’s tough when she’s, you know, having another baby and locked down for a year or two, raising that one when the other ones are. You know what I mean?

Rey Treviño [00:20:54] Yeah. Yeah.

Randy Nicodemus [00:20:55] So anyway, she’s back. She’s back on her health tip and she’s got me doing three miles a day now. So we’re up at 5 a.m. We’re out the door, we’re getting it and it’s off to school with the kids. Breakfast is made off of school. The kids come back. We’re. Were walking at that point. And, you know, we’re we’re we’re we’re a man and we’re we’re on a. A recreation of ourselves to be in the best shape. Spiritually, physically, mentally. My elite, we want to be in the most elite place.

Rey Treviño [00:21:29] In high velocity.

Randy Nicodemus [00:21:30] All the time. Wow. Yeah, all the time. Yes, sir.

Rey Treviño [00:21:37] Okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. That is it. Yeah. What was it about? Like, okay, I’m about to, like, you know, go to all your topics either because, I mean, it’s like, what is? I mean, look what you are doing. And for those out there that do follow your you and CC, you know, complete sort of control, they probably see the things they need as your friend, you know, see, which is you are just elevating everything. That’s all I do right now. You are picking up more rigs. Yeah. You’re getting more savvy on on decision making, And I would have to say, just from the outside looking in, that’s come in literally from the inside out on your side, would you say that?

Randy Nicodemus [00:22:18] Absolutely. Hundred percent. Wow. Yeah, it’s pretty wild.

Rey Treviño [00:22:23] Where did this come from? Like, let me ask. Like.

Randy Nicodemus [00:22:26] A man has a dog. What? No. Yeah, yeah. No. Yeah. It’s just, you know, so, like, we just. We. We’ve had a lot of friends past. We’ve had. We’ve seen. I mean, we’ve all seen, you know, if you live long enough, you’re going to see a lot of people go.

Rey Treviño [00:22:40] Or to.

Randy Nicodemus [00:22:41] You know, yeah, you’re going to experience some heartache. And we just always like since we first got together, you know, I was I was working out. She was working out. So we’ve always been one foot in the gym, one foot out. But, you know, I feel like she’s she’s I feel like, you know, the laws put put it on her heart to to help people heal and really anointed her in that area of her life. And she has naturally. So she’s a real natural approach to everything in your life. And I’ve seen it. I’ve seen miracles happen based off, you know, the things that God has given us as our as our resources here to help heal. Yeah. Right. And so that’s been the thing is, number one, just healing, whether it’s from trauma, right in life to getting your mental state right first so everything else can get right to healing the liver. It’s the heart, right? You know, I mean, to your family, to your kids. And so that was the that was the push. And though we’re we’re obviously not where we want to be physically. Mentally. Yeah. Like she’s there. She’s in a better place than I’ve ever seen her in her life. Yeah, right. Yeah. Just just cleaning that that up. Nutrition and working out exercise. Detoxing like she’s a new person, man. And I’m like, I’m run with you, you know? I mean, so now I get for you. I just turned 42 last month and I kid you not, man. I really do feel better, you know, than I ever have, like even in my 20s when you’re out there bawling and, you know, like.

Rey Treviño [00:24:17] You know. Well, yeah. Sports. Yeah. Yeah. I think I thought the other day, you know we. Yeah we thought leader ball. Yeah. We thought about the quotation ball and you know. Yeah.

Randy Nicodemus [00:24:31] Get that right. That too.

Rey Treviño [00:24:35] I can’t believe that we got all this, you know, with my Marco’s and that’s normally all here would be a Chris, you know grab some things that she talks about all the time is just getting that mental right and then that that way that you know it’s almost like you know you got to get all these sayings right and it’s just a natural approach you and it’s been a blessing on my end to kind of learn some of these things here. But to hear from a good friend of mine that it’s like, Hey, man, here’s what we’re doing as a couple, though. It’s different, right? But sure, but I think that’s awesome because again, we talked about it in a preproduction meeting. It’s like you have been on this kid, you know, and it’s been going on for probably at least the last year and a half.

Randy Nicodemus [00:25:21] And know what I’m thinking?

Rey Treviño [00:25:22] Well, no, come back because I know that we you know, you and I would go grab lunch. We do this and then, okay, I’m just going to start this. I’m going to start this. Then it was a about a year of a just kind of like you, you’re, you’re doing it right. And it was like, hey, are you like, Hey, what are you up to? I’m busy. Right End up. And now you come back in a way and you go, You have enough.

Randy Nicodemus [00:25:45] Sure. I follow you.

Rey Treviño [00:25:46] And you were just wow. I mean, your social media is the you’re you get more involved. The social media I think last I remember again we were joking. Yeah. I’ve been trying to get you on this for years.

Randy Nicodemus [00:25:58] Yes, you have.

Rey Treviño [00:25:59] And you know, you couldn’t even get on. What? But not by physical or anything. But like you’ve been a part of the connection crew, which I think has probably been a good thing. You a vocal? Yeah. But you’ve been on JP’s. You were on that great ladies there in Midland. Krista. Krista Yes. And I remember I was like, Was this guy to you on the show as he keeps telling me, No, no, I can’t do a show I can do. Yeah, yeah. Well, and you are now doing your own. And the reason I say those things because you got to do in your own little post, in real talking about real subjects and real things. Right? Yeah. What was, what was the whole idea of doing that?

Randy Nicodemus [00:26:34] You know, we always talk about startups. Yeah. Like. That that’s that’s the thing is, after Covid, it was already difficult to get into the offices in the industry. Right. And to the operators. And so I’m like, okay, well. I do. I can’t afford a sales force.

Rey Treviño [00:26:54] You know what I mean? I mean.

Randy Nicodemus [00:26:56] I really cannot afford that. Yeah. Shout out to the great ones out there. You know, maybe one day.

Rey Treviño [00:27:02] But I’m looking for a sponsor. Yeah. Please. Hey.

Randy Nicodemus [00:27:05] I know a guy. So it was like we talked about earlier, you know, like, just like a grandpa ran his own thing. He. I’m running, you know, I go out there and I do the business development side of it because there were times where I had some folks approach and it just the drive and the heart wasn’t there. You know, was paychecks and paychecks for everybody. And, you know, my grandpa always told me, well, I say always I say as we got older and we could have those talks, he would say, you know, there’s nobody going to sell it like you. Yeah. Yeah. Because it’s not theirs and they’re not you. Yeah. So the heart can’t be in the same place. Yours is right. It can be on the right track and it can be hard to support what you’re doing and to be a part of that. But it’s not. It’s not you. Yeah. You know what I mean? So you got to go out there and you got to make it happen every day. Wow. And so. Mike. Okay. In order to get is into as many officers as I can. Yeah. Without physically being there, we’re going to start putting out content so these folks can see. Right. There were, you know, we’re not only experts in our field, but you can also get to know us before, you know, we seem like every other business development cat out there. Beaten on doors. Here’s the thing. Red is, like I said this the other day, too. I was like, I don’t want. Friends to give me business. I want to make friends through business. Can I see it? I mean, yeah. And so, like, I feel like if I can. But content out. Showcase who we are, why folks should be dealing with us. Then by the time I do get an opportunity to be with an operator, they know who I am. Yeah. Right. They’ve done their homework. I don’t even have to sell anything because I hate sales. I don’t want to sell. Yeah. I want to motivate you.

Rey Treviño [00:29:10] I want to get. Really?

Randy Nicodemus [00:29:11] I mean, yes. I want to.

Rey Treviño [00:29:13] Motivate.

Randy Nicodemus [00:29:13] I want to inspire, man. I want to. I’m motivated by motivators. Yeah. Right. Shadow JP. You know, like.

Rey Treviño [00:29:18] Okay.

Randy Nicodemus [00:29:19] Big influence on what I where I’m at right now, right? You know? Yeah. Like, it’s just, it’s one of the things I’d rather spend my time in the business motivating my team. Yeah. Inspiring them, lifting them up, helping them on their different projects, not just driving sales. So that’s another reason for my push for the, the reels and the videos is like. So that way by the time you reach out and talk to us, you already know what it is. I don’t have to sell it. You know what I mean? And there doesn’t have to be that that. Yeah. Same relationship between sales and operations, you know? Does that make sense?

Rey Treviño [00:29:54] It completely makes sense.

Randy Nicodemus [00:29:55] So that’s that’s why we’re.

Rey Treviño [00:29:56] It’s a relationship, right? It’s not overnight. And but the true relationships that you build and not a quickie I can get you done today. They’re the ones that are going to be there. The thick and thin. That one. A project may or may not go, right? That’ll be like, Hey, we got you. Like, don’t worry. It’s okay. Let’s. Let’s do it again. Right. And you can sit there and you can talk to these people and you build that and then continue that. You know, it’s and.

Randy Nicodemus [00:30:23] You can you can build that before it even gets there. I’m saying, yes, like most most people that are in, you know, into the podcast world and listening to the, you know, oil and gas news and staying up on things that are happening. They’re watching you. They’re listening to the crude truth or tuned in. And then when you see them, yeah, you know, you don’t you don’t you have to pitch anything. It’s like, hey, man, what time do I see you all? You’re like, That’s my oil guy.

Rey Treviño [00:30:49] Remember? Yeah. So that’s.

Randy Nicodemus [00:30:50] That’s what I want. I want genuine relationships. I don’t want to be looked at as comes a sells guy. Yeah.

Rey Treviño [00:30:57] Well, you’re. I mean, you know, like. Like the other thing I said when we were doing this, ships. I mean, your energy, your vibe, you know. I mean, really Well, thinking about it, every time we get together at a dinner, we’re sitting next to each other, and. And we’re cutting up. I think the whole time your wife was there, I think she said in your. Yeah, I need to chill out. Yeah, sure. And it’s like, you know, But you have great ideas except the future. Being out there in West Texas with you in that truck is like Ruby’s kind of the old time. Yeah. Having a good time. And then, boom, you turn on like this. But it’s not even that you change. That’s the thing, though. Like when you get to work, you’re at work. And I can tell the something because I’m your friend. Sure. But I think your vibe does not change when you are. I mean, I remember when I said, Hey, I want you to get on here and you’re not wearing you. I always should wear you by the shirt because you guys shirts. Yeah. And, you know, it’s like and that’s why I said, hey, I’m going to wear a ball. Capitol Polo. Yeah, absolutely.

Randy Nicodemus [00:31:54] I just I wanted to match the casual user and.

Rey Treviño [00:31:58] I wanted to match you today. I was like one of the entity to match, and that is what you bring anywhere you go with this energy. And I believe in 100% that people’s energy spreads. Sure. And you get people on the phone like, Hey, what’s going on and.

Randy Nicodemus [00:32:13] How are you? Yeah.

Rey Treviño [00:32:14] It’s like, yeah, it does everything in my power not to go, I’m doing okay. It’s like, Hey, how are you doing? Good. Like I got I got to bring it. But you naturally just bring this energy everywhere you go. Me, either Christy or Joe be jumping up and down in their magic before. Yeah, Yeah. You know, Chris is my producer here. We had.

Randy Nicodemus [00:32:33] Our Chris.

Rey Treviño [00:32:34] Thank you, Chris. Chris one but I love that. And I think that’s something that all your customers truly enjoy about what you do. It’s, you know, you can tell that you love what you do. You’re the man out there. And yet your crews, I think it also feeds into your crews, your whole persona. Yeah, like you got some great crews out.

Randy Nicodemus [00:32:56] There, man. Yeah, they. It’s the best it’s been since we’ve been in business. You know, and you think about growing, which we have been doing. You get, like, mad. Is it safe to grow at this speed? Because of the crew we have right now? Can you replicate that? Yeah. You know. And we’ve been able to do that. Yeah, we’ve been able to do it. And so shout out to the team because we all we all play. I believe everybody. Yeah. From the guys in the field, you know, on the boots on the ground level to. Up here with us. You know, we all have this the same impact on the company. Yes. And I tell them that all the time. I don’t get these titles in these roles. Twisted Man. You know what I mean? I’m I’m a hand lift, you know, Y’all are all. In sales. We’re all in sales, you know. And like you said, the energy, you have to keep that energy high. Yeah. You know, and have one of my videos was just kind of touching on that about how that’s infectious, right? Yeah. And I was telling my children that the other day because, you know, if we knew this stuff when we were 15 years old.

Rey Treviño [00:34:16] Do I feel like.

Randy Nicodemus [00:34:20] My life would have been like. Just it had been it had been much different. Yeah. So I’m like, guys, just. You got to be that energy in that in that atmosphere. Because if it’s not there and you and you fall into that, then. Who are you? Yeah. You’re not changing anybody’s life. You’re not changing anybody’s energy. You know what I mean? Let’s change your soul. Yeah. I loved every day, man. So that’s why, you know, it’s always a blast hanging with you, Ray. Especially at our dinners, man. We don’t get much done, But last.

Rey Treviño [00:34:57] Year was great. So that’s always been a joke. Yeah, I know. You’re just getting back for real.

Randy Nicodemus [00:35:04] And like, you know, most people, I probably feel bad because I’m, like, getting in their space when they’re trying to have dialog with you. I’m like. You were like brothers, man. Like, Nah, man, I’m better. Yeah, we’re. We’re cutting up right now. Hey, listen. No, not happening. They can wait till later.

Rey Treviño [00:35:21] But Michael tends to go by. Answer this question. You know what I mean? But listen, let me say something quick. I thought you said. Well, you know, that’s a good point over there. But I think Michael Tanner here can also bike. Right. What do you say this deep before me? Just go back to cutting up. That’s hilarious. What’s next for you guys? What? I’ll continue to grow, right? Hell, yeah. Who do you are going to do? What’s the plan?

Randy Nicodemus [00:35:57] Man. The plan is to this is to keep growing. You know, I want to. I really am. Wanting to. What’s the word I’m looking for? Add new product lines till they are to the wheelhouse. Yeah, you know what I mean? New things. Well, not like I wouldn’t say anything proprietary right now, but, you know.

Rey Treviño [00:36:22] We are launching a branded line of Air Force Ones.

Randy Nicodemus [00:36:25] Yeah. And you will be able to glide.

Rey Treviño [00:36:30] You will Jone and dunk from the free throw.

Randy Nicodemus [00:36:33] Yeah. No, absolutely. No, just. Just. Just keep your eye on the product line. You know, offer. Offer some. Some extra services to what we’re already doing and take this thing to, to, to a new high. You know, I don’t I don’t know what that bar is. I just know that, like, what we’ve done, I’m cool with. Yeah, I’m excited. I’m pumped up. I’m on fire. Yeah, but it’s not good enough, right? So enough. Not enough. Not enough. It is good enough is not enough. But, you know. Yeah. Yeah.

Rey Treviño [00:37:05] It’s you’re. I’m not going to use the word addicted, but you love the hustle. It’s like.

Randy Nicodemus [00:37:10] Here.

Rey Treviño [00:37:10] I go, I go look at. I go look at the take.

Randy Nicodemus [00:37:13] You not. Yeah, I know. Yeah. Not enough. Yeah.

Rey Treviño [00:37:18] Let me ask you this. Okay. We are down about 100 rigs and we were in this time last year.

Randy Nicodemus [00:37:23] When rigs crossed.

Rey Treviño [00:37:25] You know, where do you see the service side of the industry going here? Especially finishing up the year, voted 2025.

Randy Nicodemus [00:37:35] Competitive, obviously. You know, like I said, I see where we’re going to have to start getting. We’re going to have to start implementing some serious technology to what we’re doing into our space. Because then it’s like, you know, okay, we all got similar operations and equipment. What was what’s left? Right. When equipment meets equipment, what do you got? Yeah. Hey.

Rey Treviño [00:38:02] Nothing’s going out here.

Randy Nicodemus [00:38:04] You got service? Yeah. Okay. Well, when service meet. Service? Yeah. What do you got? Well, I love Ray. I do business well over 82 out of a well. You know this technology, which is for a later date.

Rey Treviño [00:38:18] Hit. Or, as they say, message you messages.

Randy Nicodemus [00:38:20] Yep. So we’re working on some things. Okay. Yeah. Yeah, It’s going to be exciting.

Rey Treviño [00:38:25] Well, let me ask you this. You ask me, or you can put me on the spot. Yes, I am. All right. Okay. So I’ve been trying to do this, and I’m not good at it. I don’t ask everybody.

Randy Nicodemus [00:38:35] I’m not either. I do. I’m not either.

Rey Treviño [00:38:37] I’ve been asked you five burning questions that everybody wants to know what you’re doing. Right? These are the five questions. I took a poll. Everybody wants to know these five things. Bahram Nikolaevich. I can shoot off control. Sure. First of all, what is the show that you’re binge watching right now on, you know, streaming on? What do you stream?

Randy Nicodemus [00:38:55] Man. Honestly, this is. Yeah. So I told you I’m coach of my son’s flag football, right? Yes. Okay. So I’m following. Great coaching. I’m trying to see, that’s. That’s the thing, right? Which we can go back into. Why am I driving the cells I don’t have? Because I’m obsessed with. Wanting to be great and everything. So like, I’m not in on this coaching thing. How do these coaches get these teams of young boys and men, you know, to to, to follow, right? Yeah. To be disciplined by what what were the great coaches doing? You know what I mean? Yeah. And how can I be a great coach? Well, right. So that’s what I’m. That’s what I’m on right now.

Rey Treviño [00:39:37] Okay. Are you reading your books right now?

Randy Nicodemus [00:39:41] I am sort of bouncing around, several different books. I think I’m in the first chapter of three different books right now. Okay. And I just keep toggling. It’s all audio. Okay. But. And, of course, I’m in my Bible. Yeah. So that’s the book.

Rey Treviño [00:39:57] All right, So being a North Texas guy now, what’s what are your favorite restaurants here in town?

Randy Nicodemus [00:40:06] In Fort Worth or Dallas is DFW. Man I like oceans, Bryan.

Rey Treviño [00:40:12] No. Dude. Open. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But. Yeah.

Randy Nicodemus [00:40:17] Right there. Yeah.

Rey Treviño [00:40:19] Right across from the crescent.

Randy Nicodemus [00:40:20] Okay. Yeah. Okay. Is that where it’s at? Yeah. Okay. We’ve been there twice, and I’m horrible. Would cheat with, like, if that’s the one.

Rey Treviño [00:40:28] Yeah, well, the little circle drunk.

Randy Nicodemus [00:40:29] Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Yeah. My first time there was with the crew.

Rey Treviño [00:40:33] Really? Yeah.

Randy Nicodemus [00:40:34] Yeah. JP had it there, and I want to say that was my first crew club event. Wow. And. Hey, I hope you are too. Dude, I was in a choir.

Rey Treviño [00:40:43] In Houston for the first couple of weeks.

Randy Nicodemus [00:40:45] Went to a haywire. Yeah. What did you think?

Rey Treviño [00:40:49] The drinks.

Randy Nicodemus [00:40:49] Were excellent. Okay.

Rey Treviño [00:40:54] There are. So. I’ll go. They’re so good. I’ve been on a 30 day sabbatical.

Randy Nicodemus [00:40:59] There you go.

Rey Treviño [00:41:00] So, yes, it was one over there. We were there. What were we there for? There was a crew club event.

Randy Nicodemus [00:41:06] Okay. Then Is that. Where was that?

Rey Treviño [00:41:09] No, it was. No. That leaves.

Randy Nicodemus [00:41:11] Okay. And Eddie Visas.

Rey Treviño [00:41:13] Yeah. And then a house was out there. I did several events we tied in order to one of the last favorite for sports team. That’s the other question, everybody.

Randy Nicodemus [00:41:22] Favorite sports team, NFL sports team. Tell us Cowboys. I mean, come on. I mean, I’m from Dallas, but I got me a little bit. Yeah. And no matter what the schedule looks like or the record, we’re there.

Rey Treviño [00:41:34] Somebody asked me the other day, they’re like, What do you think about this or that? I said, I’m not Jerry. Yeah. He had three hours for me. Yeah, for the next 72 hours. Well, that’s funny. I know that’s hard to worry about, but this dad contract is.

Randy Nicodemus [00:41:46] I was going to say, I got paid.

Rey Treviño [00:41:48] He got paid. And then somebody showed me his stats versus Mahomes stats. Yeah. And they’re very similar. That’s the best, I’ll say. Regular season. Regular season. Very similar. I it. But, you know. I’m sorry. You know? Yeah. You know, I grew up when. When you got paid to win. Yeah. You. You got paid when you won?

Randy Nicodemus [00:42:10] Yeah. Yeah. You earned earned your manager pay, right?

Rey Treviño [00:42:12] Earned. You paid. You know, Flacco, I think, was the last one where he he did that whole year when you when.

Randy Nicodemus [00:42:18] He went to the.

Rey Treviño [00:42:19] Super Bowl. Yeah. And you went to school there and he got paid after. I get it. Sure. Troy Aikman and Smith. Michael Irvin, right? Yeah. Michael Jordan. Okay. That you didn’t get paid until the job?

Randy Nicodemus [00:42:29] No. The greatest of all, Swirsky Compared to what Kasper used to do.

Rey Treviño [00:42:33] I know.

Randy Nicodemus [00:42:34] And now he’s paid now.

Rey Treviño [00:42:36] Yeah, he is. Way paid. Yeah, happily paid.

Randy Nicodemus [00:42:39] Well, still the greatest, in my opinion, when it comes to basketball. MJ.

Rey Treviño [00:42:42] Tell me. Yeah, you can.

Randy Nicodemus [00:42:44] MJ Your coach. Well, I mean, I know, I know accolades and things like that, but, like, personal. I got to go, man. I love Kobe just as much. Yeah. To see Kobe play, but go on. MJ on that.

Rey Treviño [00:42:56] Yeah. I’ll cu people get a whole to complete size control to get the word done out there.

Randy Nicodemus [00:43:00] In West Texas. That’s a good question. Yeah, you can call Rey Treviño at four three, you know, so you can find us on social media. Complete Solids Control on LinkedIn, Randy Nicodemus on LinkedIn, a website complete solids control.com. Instagram is going everything’s all right. It’s really pleasing. Yeah. Complete solid. I just started Tiktok too

Rey Treviño [00:43:26] Did you?

Randy Nicodemus [00:43:28] Yeah. I’m. I feel really. Ancient on that because I have that, you know what I mean? I’m like, What? I’m learning. Okay. Yeah.

Rey Treviño [00:43:38] Well, man, I cannot think you being.

Randy Nicodemus [00:43:41] Male.

Rey Treviño [00:43:42] At all. I’ve been there. Look, we got. We got to stand here. They really do today.

Randy Nicodemus [00:43:46] Ogi have finally made it, man. I feel like I.

Rey Treviño [00:43:50] Finally, you know, I’m, like, over here, slumped in a wheelchair. I rejoined myself.

Randy Nicodemus [00:43:53] Yeah, I’m having a bad blast. Right. Thank you, man. Seriously, this is been great. Thank you.

Rey Treviño [00:43:59] For everybody out there that hasn’t connected with Randy. Please, please connect with him. He’s. He’s one of the greats out there in West Texas and all over America who we could add for all our listeners out there and viewers thank you as always and we’ll see you again on another episode of The Crude Truth.

Narrator [00:44:16] Again, the crew truth would like to think today’s sponsors LFS Chemistry, Nape Expo, Air Compressor Solutions, Sandstone Group, Exec Crue, Texas Star Alliance, Pecos Country Operating and Real News Communication Network.

Narrator [00:44:36] The easiest way to start your own podcast and TV show, Real News Communications Network. Stand out from your competition. Produce streams of high quality social media content. Become a thought leader in your industry with RNCN and you get to be the host. We handle everything else. Tour one of our three locations in Dallas, Fort Worth and the Colony. Call (972) 402-6333 or visit Launch a show dot com to find out more.