July 2024 - Taylor Boyle and Jason Laborde
A bit about Taylor Boyle
Taylor Boyle
Materials / EHS Coordinator
Seals Eastern, Inc.
What do you find most fascinating/ challenging about the O&G industry?
There are no one-size fits all solutions in the oil and gas industry. This is especially true with sealing technologies. Finding solutions for different sealing challenges is extremely engaging and fascinating.
What is your hobby and why?
During the winter months I enjoy snowboarding with my family. There’s something about being on top of a mountain that provides clarity and perspective.
Have you had a mentor in the industry and what valuable lesson / catch phrase has that person passed to you.
My grandfather, Daniel L. Hertz Jr. Most of his catch phrases would not be appropriate for publication, but his curiosity was contagious. Often, I would approach him with a question he already knew the answer to, but instead of giving me the answer he’d say, “try it.” He was a huge proponent of hands-on learning and engaging one’s curiosities.
What do you enjoy most about your job and what advice to you have for others?
I enjoy connecting with our suppliers and customers and working together to produce creative sealing solutions. I would advise others to keep an open mindset. At Seals Eastern we have value statements, and one of my favorites is “Continuous Improvement.” It states, “We pursue continuous improvement, accept positive change, and guard against the status quo when it creates an obstacle to improvement. We will not diminish our past, nor will we use it to define our future.” I believe finding the balance between respecting your past, and not letting it define your future is extremely important.
How long have you been with EPG and what brings you back year after year?
I have been an active member of the EPG for over 10 years and at this point the group feels like extended family. Being from New Jersey, the EPG has allowed me to connect and grow with a community of peers in the energy industry, which would have otherwise been geographically challenging.
A bit about Jason LaBorde
Jason LaBorde
Sr. Sales Manager
AGC Chemicals America
What do you find most fascinating/ challenging about the O&G industry?
The O&G industry has some of the most challenging requirements for non-metallic materials. This forces us to constantly innovate and develop new solutions not only for extreme application environments, but also to align with the challenging and ever-changing regulatory environment.
What is your hobby and why?
Many know, and others may not, but I am an NCAA Football Official on Saturdays in the fall. I love the adrenaline I get being on that field with 18-23 year old athletes in their prime, and the expectation to get every call correct at full speed. I am up for the challenge and the pressure that it brings and understand that 50% of the fans watching the game think I am always wrong!
Have you had a mentor in the industry and what valuable lesson / catch phrase has that person passed to you.
I did not have one mentor in the industry, but I have had many influential people in my career guide me to learn what success looks like. I have always been taught that honesty will always benefit you in the long term. This is something I expect from others and try to live by with my customers, even when it is not the news we want to deliver.
What do you enjoy most about your job and what advice to you have for others?
I like being exposed to the many different industries Fluoropolymers are used and being able to consult with customers to come up with solutions to challenges presented to us. Solving problems is fun!
How long have you been with EPG and what brings you back year after year?
I went to my first EPG meeting in 2009 when I started my career in the sealing industry, and I have been active in the group ever since. The connections made with people all over the US and World are priceless. This is a great group of people to learn from as we have a lot of experience available for consultation.
