The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes leaders who have made significant contributions to the development of oil and natural gas in North Dakota. The criterion for the award includes at least 25 years of work in the oil and gas industry with the majority of that time being spent in the Williston Basin. In addition, the recipient must have contributed significantly to the functions and activities representing oil and gas in North Dakota and be committed to the industry and organization’s well-being.

Williston Basin Chapter of the American Petroleum Institute board of Directors and Advisory board are proudly honored to present:

2024 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT RECIPIENTS:

 TIM SCHMIDT 

RON PIESIK

 BOB REYNOLDS

(Pictured left-right) Lynn Helms, Kathy Neset, Tim Schmidt & Monte Besler

Tim Schmidt graduated from North Dakota State University in March 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Shortly after, he began his oilfield career as a field engineer with Gearhart Industries, a wireline company, stationed in Williston, ND. Initially trained as a Cased Hole engineer, Tim expanded his expertise to include Production Logging and Open Hole Logging, becoming a skilled wireline logging engineer.

In 1988, Halliburton Energy Services acquired Gearhart Industries, and Tim's career took him to various locations across the United States, including offshore Ventura and Bakersfield, CA; Wyoming; Utah; Montana; Colorado; New Mexico; Kansas; Texas; Pennsylvania; Michigan; and Oklahoma. He excelled in roles ranging from field engineer to sales, management, and technical advisor.

Tim's expertise also led to assignments in international locations, including Egypt, Angola, and Russia. He worked with the Jet Research Center in Alvarado, TX, as a technical advisor and explosives testing engineer for Halliburton's logging and perforating division.

Despite the many moves his career required, the Williston Basin always called Tim back home. His deep connection to the region and dedication to the oil and gas industry left a lasting mark on the field and the communities he served.

(Pictured left-right) Lynn Helms, Kathy Neset, Ron Piesik & Monte Besler

Ron Piesik was born and raised in Wibaux, MT, where he grew up working on the family farm and contributing to the family’s meat-cutting business. After graduating from Wibaux County High School, Ron pursued a degree in Agricultural Business at Dawson Community College in Glendive, MT. It was during this time that he met his wife, Deanette. Married for over 41 years, Ron and Deanette have three grown daughters and three grandchildren.

Ron’s oilfield career began in 1979 with Signal Oil Field Services, working on the floors and derricks. In 1980, he joined Baker Hughes in Glendive, MT, later transferring to the Dickinson, ND, office. After seven years of running tools, Ron advanced to District Manager. In 1994, his career brought him and his family to Williston, ND, when he was promoted to Area Manager overseeing districts in Glendive and Cutbank, MT, as well as Williston and Dickinson, ND.

During his tenure at Baker Hughes, Ron was selected for a special project to train staff on new software, a role that allowed him to travel extensively across the United States and even spend nine weeks in Scotland. After 31 successful years with Baker Hughes, Ron retired but quickly returned to the industry, joining Whiting Oil and Gas in 2010 as a Production Foreman and later as a Workover Rig Superintendent.

In 2018, Ron transitioned to Bruin E&P Partners LLC, which was later acquired by Enerplus. He then moved on to Grayson Mill Energy and is now serving as a Workover Rig Superintendent with Devon Energy. With decades of experience and a proven track record, Ron’s career exemplifies a deep commitment to the oil and gas industry.

(Pictured left-right) Kathy Neset, Bob Reynolds, Monte Besler & Lynn Helms

Bob Reynolds has been a cornerstone of the oil and gas industry for decades, beginning his career with Halliburton in 1972. After gaining valuable experience in the service sector, including a couple of years at Baker Oil Tools from 1977 to 1979, Bob took a bold step into private business. In 1979, he partnered to establish Basin Tools and Service, which quickly became a dominant force in the Williston Basin market for many years.

In 2006, Bob and his partner sold their highly successful business to Weatherford. Recognizing Bob’s unmatched expertise and strong relationships in the Williston Basin, Weatherford asked him to stay on as a manager to guide their entry into this key region. Bob’s wealth of knowledge and loyal following were instrumental in their success.

In 2015, Bob accepted a retirement package from Weatherford but soon found himself back in the industry. Later that year, KLX approached him with an offer, and Bob contributed to their operations until his official retirement in 2019.

Today, Bob is fully retired, enjoying well-deserved recognition and respect from colleagues and peers who have had the honor of working alongside him. His legacy in the industry is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and impact.

October Monthly Member Networking Social Recap

Greg Salveson: Sharing His Knowledge and Life in the Oil Field

In the world of oil and gas, few people have the experience and local insight like Greg Salveson. A Sidney, MT native, Greg has spent his life in the oil field, witnessing the tremendous growth and evolution of the industry. With decades of hands-on knowledge, Greg’s career reflects not only his deep connection to the area but also his dedication to the community and industry that have shaped his life.

Greg has spent many years working in the patch, working his way up through the ranks, learning the ins and outs of the job, and becoming an expert in his field. Throughout his career, he’s had a front-row seat to the changes in the oil and gas sector, especially in the Bakken region. 

Greg’s journey and insight are particularly valuable to Kraken Resources, a company that has been making waves in the industry. Established by passionate and driven owners, Kraken Resources has rapidly grown over the years. With a clear vision and strong leadership, the company has expanded to employ over 100 people, contributing to the local economy and building strong ties within the community.

Greg’s story is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that have fueled the oil field’s growth and the importance of passing down that knowledge to keep the industry thriving for years to come. Kraken Resources, with its strong team and forward-thinking approach, is set to remain a key player in the oil field, thanks to leaders like Greg and the committed individuals who continue to drive the company forward.