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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Weston Serrano, owner of Westroc Trucking and Oilfield Service in Vernal, was just 17 years old when he started into the drilling business. Technically he was too young for the job, but he was always big for his age, so the owner thought he was 20. He thrived with the work so much that a few years later Weston bought his own truck, a two-ton Dodge, and started a trucking company. It took him all day to make a delivery, but it was his truck, and he couldn't have been prouder.
Two years later things really started heating up when he bought a brand new Chevy truck. He traveled throughout a four-state radius hauling tools and supporting other energy companies, and Westroc Trucking and Oilfield Service grew. Weston said he never could have made it through those early days without the support of his wife, Patsy. She took care of the office and the kids and remains an important part of the company.
Today, Westroc Trucking and Oilfield Service is a partnership between Weston and his two daughters and sons-in-law. He says they were raised in the business and know it inside and out. This is now an extensive trucking operation with specialized equipment, like tractors and trailers used to move large rigs and drilling equipment. They also prepare locations before and after a rig moves. Westroc's operations also include services like pipeline construction, pit liners and building compressors.
The rapid growth in oil production in the last few years has made the U.S. the world's largest oil producer, largely due to the shale oil boom in North Dakota and Texas. The dramatic increase in drilling activity has boosted U.S. job growth and the overall economy significantly. Here in Utah, the oil and gas industry has been an important economic engine for many years, one reason why Utah provided 2 percent of the total U.S. crude oil reserve.
Part of the success at Westroc Trucking and Oilfield Service is attributed to the 180 employees, many who have been with the company for years.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Westroc 1376 E. 4500 South Vernal, UT 84078 435-789-2225
