Book Review: Crude Blessings by T. M. "Roe" Patterson

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Book Title: Crude Blessings: The Amazing Life Story of Glenn Patterson American Oilman

Author: T. M. "Roe" Patterson

Format: Hardback

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

“My dad taught me that honesty and integrity are everything in business and in life. He always said the decisions you make are only as good as they are for everyone you work with. There is always plenty of room for decency and trust.” - T.M. “Roe” Patterson

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.

About the Book

Crude Blessings: The Amazing Life Story of Glenn Patterson American Oilman is the rags-to-riches story of Glenn Patterson’s road to survival and success in the volatile and unpredictable “modern age of petroleum.” Born on the family ranch in Blackwell, Texas, Glenn became one of America’s energy industry pioneers. His core values, work ethic and dedication to his family and employees are a valuable example for the American spirit of perseverance, hard work, and fair play.

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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 examples of the Christian ethos of decency, integrity, faith, and trust throughout his life in his business and family. 

Building his business on a foundation of “always doing the right thing,” Glenn was revered by colleagues, customers and competitors alike. During the most disruptive period any industry had ever faced, his company, Patterson Drilling became one of the largest oil and gas-drilling companies in the country. The legacy of embedding strong family values in a small business is described in this new book through a first–hand account of the sector’s fierce challenges during the last two decades of the 20th century. Glenn’s journey became spiritual as well, when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at too early an age, which led to struggles with his own mortality and his relationship with God.

About the Author 

T.M. “Roe” Patterson is a 23-year industry veteran in the oil and gas services business. Moving to his dad’s family business Basic Energy in 2006, he was named Top Public Company CEO by the Fort Worth Business Press in 2014. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University, he and his wife Tonya have two children and live in Fort Worth. He is active supporter of The American Heart Association, North Texas Alzheimer’s Association and speaks frequently across the country on the practical approach to leadership that his father embraced. Crude Blessings is his first book.