Many small, independent oil companies tend to focus on conservative development drilling and acquisitions. Russell Oil, Inc. has maintained a bias towards more aggressive exploration and development opportunities. A significant number of the wells drilled by the company would be classified as “wildcat” wells. Our philosophy being that wildcat wells will offer the higher potential returns, greater opportunities to find significant new reserves, and greater growth potential in exchange for the willingness to assume greater risk.

Russell Oil, Inc. utilizes a network of longstanding relationships with highly accomplished geological and geophysical professionals, in our exploration efforts. One of the primary tools utilized in our exploration prospect development is 3-D seismic evaluation. Through a combination of 3-D technology, computer and manual geological subsurface mapping, and other techniques we have been able to maintain a high success ratio for exploration prospects.

Russell Oil, Inc. currently operates 74 leases consisting of 139 wells located in 12 counties in central and northwest Kansas.

Ivan LeRoy Holt II - President

LeRoy has been with the company since its inception in January, 1987. He entered the oil patch as a roustabout, starting out in high school working part-time weekends, summers and vacations.

A third generation oil producer, LeRoy graduated from Fort Hays State University with a B.S. degree in political science in 1981. After graduation, he joined his grandfather and father in their well servicing and oil production business, Ivan Holt Well Servicing, Inc. From 1981 through 1986 he worked in various capacities of the family business.

In July 1986, in the midst of the 1985-1986 oil crash, he left his family’s business, and assumed active management of Pioneer Operations Co., Inc. a company which had been struggling under previous ownership. The leases of Pioneer Operations Co., Inc. provided the foundation for the development of Russell Oil, Inc.

In 1987, in partnership with Jill A. Holt and Jane Holland, he started Russell Oil, Inc., which assumed operation of the Pioneer Operations Co., Inc. oil and gas leases. As President, LeRoy is responsible for business development and management. He has successfully directed the acquisition, drilling and exploration activities which have led to the success of the Russell Oil, Inc.

Jill A. Holt – Secretary, Treasurer

Jill has been with the company as secretary-treasurer and co-owner since its inception in January, 1987.  She is the fourth generation of her family to be active in the oil and gas industry.  A 1982 graduate of Kansas State University, with a B.A. degree in history, she received additional honors including being named a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa.

Jill divides her time as Curator of Textiles with the Oklahoma Museum of History, her duties related to Russell Oil, Inc., and the management of her personal petroleum and land holdings.

Her leisure activities include extensive travel, scuba diving, gardening and reading.

Patti joined Russell Oil, Inc in November 2002 upon its relocation to Plainfield, Illinois. Before joining she had worked as Manager of Internal Operations for Advanced Card Technologies and as Regional Business Manager for Sunrise Assisted Living. She has a degree in Business Management from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.

She provides organization and maintenance of production data, as well as regulatory compliance requirements and onsite bookkeeping. She works closely with the CPA firm that handles the company’s financial matters and oversees the contract staff employed by the company.

Patti is happily married and is the proud mother of her son Aaron. She is also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoys camping, reading and loves spending time with her family and friends.

Todd A. Brown - Production Foreman (Kansas Office)
Todd joined Russell Oil in July, 2008. He was born and raised in Russell, KS and graduated from Russell High School in 1987.   His free time during his childhood was spent in the oilfield tagging alongside his father Bill Brown. He spent his high school years working part-time for SOS Jet Well Servicing as a shop hand and roustabout. After high school he continued his roustabout work for Jim Dreiling Lease Service and in 1993 he went into business for himself doing oilfield construction and EPA clean-up. Prior to working for Russell Oil, he also worked as Camp Manager and Director of Acid Services for Allied Cementing.

In his free time he enjoys Nascar races, hunting and fishing.  He resides in Russell with his wife Stephanie and their three children, Alexandra, Hunter and Ashtyn.

Makel Brown - Office Manager
Makel officially joined the Russell Oil team on August 1, 2011 as Office Manager. Prior to joining ROI, she served as Supervisor of the Edmond Document Imaging department at Stillwater National Bank. She graduated from Mustang High school in 2004 and currently resides in Oklahoma City.

Makel's responsibilities include receptionist duties, the daily processing of all incoming and outgoing mail, the posting of all invoices, and providing overall daily support to the senior staff.

Makel enjoys movies, reading, proofreading, doing crossword puzzles (in pen!), and spending time with her sons Ryan and Riley.