I checked into the Bakken Base Camp yesterday. It is like a college dorm for men who work in the oil field for Goliath Industries, LLC. In North Dakota, and other places in the oil industry, it is called a "Man Camp." When I pulled into the parking lot, I saw a guy carrying a guitar get into a vac truck. These are called "Supersuckers." That's a picture of an HDX. This is a very manly invention, to say the least. Moving on.
I was excited to see a guitar! I got to my room and he was in the room next door to me. I asked him about his guitar. "It's an Ibanez." Nice. I strummed a few chords and started my unplanned interview. I love talking to people. Actually. Let me rephrase that. I love listening to people. I know I have said this before but everyone has a story. Everyone wants to tell their story to someone who will listen. I listen. It is something that I learned somewhere. Or maybe it's just in me. Look back at my Facebook updates and you will find one that says something like, "If you want to meet the most interesting person you've ever met, just talk to them." I would now add, "and listen."
While I was waiting for a call from Jon to finalize building plans, Trey and I started talking about North Dakota. I mentioned to him that I was here helping George build some structures to enclose water pump units that are used for fracking. (Click here for Wiki info on hydraulic fracturing.) is s He said "George is my dad. I'm actually George The Third. That's why they call me Trey," he replied in a thick Texan dialect. It was unreal. We laughed.
He told me more about the Supersucker. The machine can be used to excavate land. It can pick up a rock about 8" in diameter. He said that during training, they showed videos of someone who got their arm sucked up the hose. Basically, all the blood in a person's body swells into the arm and then it comes off. I am pretty sure it is a fatal accident. They use it on oil rigs to clean out overflow pits. Trey is 22 years old and started working for Goliath right out of high school. Last year he made $110K. We talked about the business opportunities out here. It almost doesn't matter what you do. The American Dream is here in North Dakota. There are shortages of everything. Want to work at Walmart? No? Starting pay is $19.50 per hour. That's for an overnight stocker. I have met people from all over the world here. Plates from just about every state too. I am sure people fail out here too. It is not for everyone.
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
Until next time.
Ken
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