Each month, Axis shines a spotlight on an employee who represents our motto of “One Team, One Goal.” This month, we’re highlighting Lee Fowler, BOP Operations Manager who has been with the company since its inception. Starting at Snubco in August 2013, prior to the company forming Momentum Pressure Control and then merging to form Axis in 2018, Lee has grown in his positions over the years. Currently, Lee oversees Axis Pressure Control Rental operations for East and West Texas and works out of the East Texas facility in Longview. Continue reading to learn more about Lee and his career with Axis.

How long have you been with Axis and how has your career progressed?

I’ve been with Axis from the get-go—I went from Snubco, to Momentum, to Axis. I started out on the snubbing side as a snubbing hand, then progressed to snubbing operator and did that for 3-4 years. I then had the opportunity to work for Garry Pruitt in the rental division and started up that division in West Texas. I’ve been doing that for about three years, and now am the operations manager.

As the BOP Operations Manager, what does your job entail?

Overseeing the guys, making sure they’re being safe and building everything as required for each job, making sure we are testing everything correctly for each well, overseeing all of our testing charts and certifications, as well as working as mechanic on equipment.

What do you like most about what you do?

The thing I like most about what I do is working with my hands and teaching the younger guys what has been passed down to me from the older generations.

What did you do before Axis?

That was a long time ago, but I was a ranch hand and also sold cars, which is where I met Jody (Kindred). I bugged him until he got me a job—and here we are 8 years later.

Do you use CORE Technology in your job?

We’re coming up with new ideas every day. We’re all working together to see how CORE can be utilized more into the BOP side, into the rental division—tracking equipment, letting your operators know when things are opened and closed, what pressure the equipment has actually reached. I can also see if the operator put in notes and can troubleshoot any issues that occur.

What are you most proud of in your job?

The main thing I’m proud of is seeing what I’ve built, the relationships I’ve made, and the things I’ve taught these guys to get them to the next level. I also like seeing how far I’ve come to the position I am at now. Going from a hand to an operator and climbing up the ladder to becoming a manager, especially for Jody and Garry—it means a lot.

How does it feel being with Axis since the beginning?

Thankful. Thankful I’ve been here through the ups and downs of this company and that they’ve always kept me working. I’m grateful that I’ve worked for great managers who have provided me with growth opportunities and had faith in me to do this job. It has also been great to see the company grow.

What do you like to do outside of work?

There’s not really too much life outside of work anymore, but the times that I do get off, I like to spend my time fishing, hunting, or spending time with my family.

What can we expect is usually playing in your car on the way to work?

Something loud or some good old country music.

What’s most important to you?

My mom and my dog are the two most important things in my life. My mom’s all I got. She’s been behind me every step of the way, from the missed holidays, or time being on the road.