Our Services
Upstream Operator Ad Valorem Tax Representation:
Our boutique Ad Valorem services create tangible cost savings.
Minerals Research
Coal, oil, gas, fissionable substances, and subordinations from other estates.
Leases:
Agg, wind, solar, water, air rights, and beyond. Our software starts a lease and builds from there.
Our Team
Founder & Visionary / J.D. Smith
J.D.'s journey in the Oil & Gas industry began in 2000, working in the Gulf of Mexico and internationally on frac completions. His career took a turn in 2008 when he transitioned to the Permian Basin as a landman, a role that would pave the way for significant achievements.
From 2010 to 2013, as the sole land manager for a group of investors, J.D. masterminded the leasing of over 150,000 acres, generating profits exceeding $100 million.
In 2014, J.D.'s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Wolfberry Mfg. in Stanton, TX. This manufacturing start-up revolutionized oil storage tank construction with a welding process six times faster than traditional methods. As the second-largest investor, sponsor, and Managing General Partner, J.D.'s leadership has been instrumental in Wolfberry's success.
That same year, J.D. co-founded PetroLima, LLC, taking on the role of CEO. Under his guidance, the company's land acquisition, legal, and engineering teams flourished. PetroLima secured $200 million in Private Equity capital in January 2017, followed by a $100 million commitment in February 2019, and an anticipated $150 million in 2020. J.D.'s focus on the visionary component of the company has been a driving force behind its growth.
Beyond his business endeavors, J.D. is deeply committed to philanthropy. As the President and Founder of the John 4:14 Foundation since 2010, he has been at the forefront of a clean water initiative in Eastern Uganda. The foundation has completed over 500 clean water projects, transforming lives and communities.
J.D.'s career is a testament to his vision, innovation, and dedication to both industry and humanitarian causes. His leadership continues to shape the future of the Oil & Gas sector and leaves a lasting impact on the world.
Angela Staples
Angela has over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law in 2003. She is admitted to both the Texas and New Mexico bars, and is board certified in Oil, Gas, and Mineral Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is currently Senior Vice-President of Land and General Counsel for Tall City Exploration III LLC. Angela also serves as the General Counsel to the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, which provides legislative and regulatory advice and representation for oil and gas operators in Texas and New Mexico. Angela authors a monthly article for their magazine, PB Oil & Gas, which typically consists of recent case law review and analysis that relates to the oil and gas industry.