Petrolog Inc

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1961 - 1972 PETROLOG Incorporated was founded in 1961 by Tom and Evelyn Williams. They initially built one logging laboratory and equipped it with Johnson-Williams gas instruments and hotwire detectors, and the best logging tools available during the early 1960's. Their focus was on the California oil and gas basins with some activity in the other western states. There were many mud logging companies operating in California and the competition was difficult. In 1968 they added a second laboratory. At that time most logging geologists worked on a contract basis and not as regular employees. Petrolog survived the drilling lows of 1971 and then they began to see change.1973 - 1990 In 1973 things began to significantly change. Petrolog added a third laboratory and began hiring young logging geologists, trained by experienced logging veterans. This was the beginning 0f the greatest activity buildup in the history of the California oil industry. Petrolog was incorporated in 1982 with 100,000 shares of company stock. Many significant equipment and logging laboratory purchases were completed during the late 1970's - mid 1980's. Petrolog utilized analytical logging units, equipped with Varian 1400 gas chromatographs with FID gas detectors. By 1985, petrolog had as many as 30 logging geologists and 12 logging laboratories, 11 onshore units and one offshore unit. This was a once in a lifetime experience for a small family business. Our focus was on the California oil basins with some activity in the western states. The major slow down (crash) of 1986 significantly hit Petrolog in mid 1987. Most of our logging geologists had to find work in geotechnical, environmental and hydrogeology. Tom scaled the company back and adjusted to the new reality of the industry. Many California logging companies closed or disappeared. Tom passed away in 1990, but his company lived on. His mark is on a great oil era.1991 - 2004 John Williams, agonized about the company's future, in 1991 he assumed full time management of Petrolog. John had 12 years of major and independent oil industry experience as an exploration geologist, his company experience was both onshore and offshore, along with significant well logging experience. This combination of background gave him a unique prospective and vision. He was ready to manage Petrolog. John earned a B.S. degree from California Lutheran University and an M.S. degree from San Diego State University in geology.

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