LORI BLONG - CO-FOUNDER OF OCTANE ENERGY & MIDLAND MAYOR

Born and raised in Midland, TX, Lori Blong spent her early career as a high school teacher in El Paso, TX.

Transitioning from that and moving back to her hometown, Lori co-founded an oilfield service company, Octane Energy, with her husband, Jared Blong, in 2013. Together they steadily built Octane over the years through the ups and downs of commodity and activity cycles, gleaning knowledge and experience in operations and development from all around the Permian Basin.  In fact, in 2017 and 2018, Octane was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 5 Fastest Growing private energy companies in Texas.

For a little over 7 years, Octane provided project management and operational oversight for more than 600 wells a year, for more than 30 distinct operators across the Permian Basin and Oklahoma. Lori’s leadership and disciplined fiscal strategy have been critical to Octane’s continued sustainability in this volatile market. She thrives in problem solving and in identifying the best personnel in drilling, completions and production operations to create solutions and efficiencies.

In June of 2020, Octane Energy successfully sold a portion of their book of business and Lori stepped into the leadership role of Octane Energy, pivoting strongly into the E&P space to purchase a producing asset in Ector County. Now, the Octane Team is beginning horizontal development of the asset, while participating as investors and technical expertise for various other projects in the Permian. She also serves on the board of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, the board of Habitat for Humanity, as well as on Congressman Pfluger’s Energy Task Force.

Native Midlander, Lori wanted to serve the community that means so much to her and served as a city councilmember, leading Midland through the challenges of COVID. Ultimately this led her to run and win the Mayor’s Seat for her hometown. 

Lori Blong’s story is amazing and she is absolutely STREET SMART.