TSO Founder’s Story

OUR UPBRINGING SHAPES US

From Humble Beginnings to Founding Texas State Oil

Before diving into my professional background, I believe it’s essential to share a bit about where I come from. Our values and ambitions are a reflection of those early experiences. I’ve had ambitions as big as the state of Texas for as long as I can remember.

A Texan's Vision

Shaped By Experience

This timeline highlights the milestones of my journey—from a childhood shaped by financial challenges in Fort Worth, Texas, to discovering my entrepreneurial spirit, learning the oil business, and ultimately founding Texas State Oil to leave a lasting legacy.

1979

The Foundation of a Visionary CEO

I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, to two wonderful parents. My father was a locomotive engineer, and my mother was a lunch lady at a local Texas middle school. My father, a gentle giant standing at 6'2" and weighing over 275 pounds in his prime, was a kind-hearted man who would lend a helping hand to anyone in need. However, he suffered from severe PTSD from his time in the Vietnam War. Loud noises and confined spaces were particularly difficult for him, often preventing him from working. As a result, our family faced financial hardships—bill collectors, repo trucks, and periods without electricity or running water.

Despite these struggles, my childhood was filled with love. My parents made sure we never missed a meal, but I learned early on what financial difficulties looked like. By my early teens, I started answering calls from creditors and negotiating payment arrangements for our family. It was here that I got my first taste of business and learned the importance of consistent cash flow.

I often wondered, "If my dad is having a hard time working for the railroad, why doesn’t he start his own business?" This curiosity sparked my interest in entrepreneurship. I didn’t come from a household that promoted higher education—both of my parents had obtained their GEDs, and college was never encouraged. However, I had an intense desire to learn about business and carve my own path.

1998

Larry's Shoes: The Road to a Purposeful Career

After high school, I sought out mentorship. The first person I connected with was Larry Goodwin, the owner of Larry’s Shoes for Men. Larry’s store had a strong reputation since its founding in 1945, and he was an old-school businessman in his 70s when I cold-called his office in 1998. Knowing I was related to my late grandfather, Ted Parrish—who had also been in the shoe business—Larry agreed to meet with me. Larry taught me invaluable lessons about sales, professionalism, and treating employees fairly. Under his guidance, I became the top salesperson at just 19 years old and even traveled to train others.

While I learned a lot from Larry, I wanted more than a career in retail. I ventured into credit card machine sales, took ownership interest in a dog grooming salon, and even tried selling websites. But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon the oil industry that I found my true calling.

2001

Magna Resources: Forging a Path in the Oil Industry

A friend who had been a sales rep with me told me about a job selling oil, and I naively thought he meant quarts of motor oil. He set me up with an interview at Magna Resources, where I met Kip Zimmerman, a seasoned oil and gas operator. Kip had a professional but rough edge, unlike the polished demeanor of Larry, but he was a genuine Texas oilman. Kip took me under his wing, teaching me everything about the oil business—from deal structuring to fundraising.

After four years with Magna Resources, I had become an accomplished fundraiser but decided it was time to strike out on my own. I partnered with various oil operators and learned from both the best and the worst in the industry. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but I gained invaluable experience in oil operations, deal evaluation, and business management.

2011

Yohawk Energy

In 2011, I launched Yohawk Energy, securing solid plays in the North Texas Oil Basin. The company grew successfully, and I eventually sold it to Harris Energy in 2017.

2019

A New Chapter: Entrepreneurial Ventures and Strategic Partnerships

After taking a break from the oil business, I became a serial entrepreneur and founded ALG Holdings in 2019. Named after my three children, ALG Holdings focuses on acquiring legacy brands and hard assets, including real estate properties, Perrottis Pizza, Perk Coffee Shop, and Hyenas Comedy Club.

I also became a consultant and partner at Kroh Exploration, where I helped Brett Kroh build a strong team and refine his business model.

2024

Texas State Oil: A Legacy Built on Experience and Ambition

However, as a proud Texan, I felt it was time to launch my most significant endeavor yet—Texas State Oil. I’ve owned the name and domain for nearly 15 years, waiting for the right time to create an oil company that could grow rapidly and build a true legacy.

At 45 years old, with over 20 years of experience in the oil industry, I am now in my prime business years. My plan for Texas State Oil is ambitious: achieving 1,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) in the first few years, scaling to 5,000 BOPD within five years, and then growing exponentially to 20,000-40,000 BOPD. This growth will position us as one of the top independent operators in the industry.

Through my network, I’ve had the privilege of receiving advice from top oil executives and billionaires. Their consistent message has been clear: success in this business comes down to consistency, risk management, and the ability to find quality deals. I embody these traits, and now is the time to apply everything I’ve learned to build a legacy oil company that far exceeds anything I’ve done before.

Texas State Oil will be a company that not only generates significant oil production but also contributes to reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. I may not have a formal college degree, but I’ve earned my education through years of taking risks, drilling wells, and learning the business from the ground up. I am driven by passion, grit, and a love for the art of business and entrepreneurship.

In the end, Texas State Oil isn’t just about oil and gas—it’s about building a legacy. It’s about giving back to the state I love, providing opportunities for others, and making a lasting impact in the industry. Here’s to building a Texas legacy company, one that stands the test of time: Texas State Oil.

JB Yowell

Founder & CEO

Meet the Team

From Humble Beginnings to Founding Texas State Oil

Shaped By Experience

The Foundation of a Visionary CEO

Larry's Shoes: The Road to a Purposeful Career

Magna Resources: Forging a Path in the Oil Industry

Yohawk Energy

A New Chapter: Entrepreneurial Ventures and Strategic Partnerships

Texas State Oil: A Legacy Built on Experience and Ambition

JB Yowell

105 Nursery Ln #200

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