Tony is Expand Energy’s longest tenured employee, recently celebrating 45 years with the company and its legacy organizations. He attributes his success to a simple philosophy — always ask questions and never stop learning. He and his wife have two sons including one (TJ Blizzard) who works with him at Expand Energy.
How do you describe your role to people outside of the industry?
As a maintenance foreman it’s my responsibility to help ensure that the equipment and facilities where we’ve got people at work are operating correctly, efficiently and safely. My job requires me to be a jack of all trades — I get the right people in the right places to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.
You got started in the oil and gas industry in 1980. How have you seen it change since that time?
I still remember my first time going out in the oilfield, I felt so out of place when I got my start. That was a long time ago, now it feels like second nature.
It’s unbelievable how much progress has been made in the industry. It’s really different than when I started working on conventional wells; unconventional drilling is on a whole other level. I’d compare the evolution in the industry to shifting from building a single-family home to now designing office complexes.
I’ve learned more than I ever thought I could, and that’s really what’s kept me excited about the job. I get to work with smart people, and I know I can always ask questions to understand the job better.
What’s your advice to someone just getting started in the industry?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions — no matter how simple they might seem. If you’re unsure about something, go to the people who have been there and done it before. Most folks in this industry are happy to share what they know, because they’ve learned from others themselves.
The job will always be changing constantly, so the learning never really stops. If you approach every day with curiosity, listen to the experts around you and take the time to understand why things are done a certain way, you’ll grow your skills and confidence a lot faster.
You’ve been with the company for over 45 years. What aspects of the company or your role have inspired your long-standing career?
It’s been a great place to work from the start — good management, strong teamwork and a culture that values and prioritizes safety and getting the job done well and right. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of the work. Even after four decades, there’s still something new to figure out almost every day and that keeps me engaged.
I also take a lot of pride in the people I work with — we work as a team and we look out for each other every day on the job. The variety keeps the job interesting and working with people you trust and respect makes you want to keep showing up.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my family and my grandkids. On the weekends I enjoy watching them play sports, and they play everything!
