Still Coming Out On Top

Changes in corporate ownership can also change the job security status of workers. The new owners may have something else in mind and a corporate guy which looked to have a bright future with a company may be sent packing since someone else (perhaps coming from the group of the new owners) will be handling the job. There may also be some corporate restructuring taking place.

For William R. Klesse changes in ownership did not stop his rise in the companies he had worked for.  He graduated for the University of Dayton with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering degree. Klesse also obtained a Master’s degree in Finance from West Texas A&M University.

He began his career as an engineer trainee at Diamond Shamrock. He rose through the ranks eventually reaching the position of Executive Vice President in 1987. Then in 1996 Ultramar Corp. and Diamond Shamrock merged forming Ultramar Diamond Shamrock (UDS). Klesse wound up being the Executive Vice President of UDS’s refining operations.

In 2001, USD was acquired by Valero. This did not negatively impact Klesse’s career as he then served as Executive Vice President of Refining and Commercial Operations. In fact his star shone brighter. In 2003, Klesse became the Executive Vice President and COO.  He then was named CEO in 2006 and Chairman of the Board in 2007. He couldn’t be considered an insider of Valero having come from the acquired firm but his talent and skills helped him to get the top post at the largest independent oil refining company in the world.

Success in Amarillo

Oil and gas and ranching share two aspects in common: the state of Texas and entrepreneur and business leader Joe Batson. A lifelong resident of Amarillo, Mr. Batson kept his hand in the family businesses, including an oil and gas concern and Coldwater Cattle Company, while pursuing other interests. Active in politics as a youth, he worked on the Lyndon B. Johnson re-election campaign for President and represented his district at the Democratic National Convention. He also pursued endeavors in the banking and communications sectors.

A successful business leader, Joe Batson performs every task he undertakes to the best of his ability, whether it be rubbing down a horse or leading a corporation. The approach has brought him returns in a number of areas. He became the youngest pilot to fly solo in a helicopter and has won national awards as the founder and executive officer of the advertising firm Berneta Communications, Inc., named after his grandmother, who also earned a license to fly helicopters. In addition, the businessman earned Honorary Texas Ranger status, bestowed by the Governor, and the Golden Nail Award for his contributions to and support of the performing arts.

Today, Joe Batson leads the Coldwater Cattle Company as President and still participates in the oil and gas business. Berneta Communications continues to flourish, and he assists several organizations. Joe Batson sits on the Board of Directors of the Potter County Industrial Development Center and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin. A lifetime member of the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation, he also serves on the Research Council of The Scripps Research Institute. He continues to flourish in his diverse roles as a cowboy, businessman, community leader, and philanthropist.