Jared Clarke is a Texas-based entrepreneur and the driving force behind Forza Resources, a company specializing in land management, GIS mapping, and database management within the oil and gas industry. With a footprint spanning multiple states, Jared’s data management and asset evaluation expertise has positioned him as a pivotal figure in the industry. His journey from a young professional to a seasoned leader in energy services is a story of success and a testament to his resilience, foresight, and unwavering commitment to innovation.
Interview with Jared Clarke
How do you define success, and how long did it take you to find it?
Success isn’t just about making your business successful; it’s about positively impacting your industry and finding a good balance between work and personal life. When I started Forza Resources, I was focused entirely on growing the company, often neglecting other important parts of my life. My main goal was to make the business thrive and contribute to the oil and gas industry.
As the company grew, I realized that true success isn’t just about professional achievements; it’s also about enjoying your personal life. Over time, I found a better balance, allowing me to spend more quality time with my family and friends. Family is the most important thing to me, and I value the moments I can share with them.
I think many entrepreneurs struggle with finding this balance, and without it, they might never feel fully successful. You can build a great company, but if you don’t take care of your personal relationships and well-being, you might feel like something is missing. For me, success is about balancing your career accomplishments with personal happiness. It’s about creating something meaningful at work while also having the time and energy to enjoy the people and moments that matter most in your life.
What are the qualities of a good entrepreneur?
A good entrepreneur isn’t just someone with a great idea or the motivation to start a business; they are, above all, a leader. Leadership is often overlooked in entrepreneurship, but it’s what truly sets successful businesses apart. Starting a company is one thing, but growing it, guiding it through challenges, and inspiring others to help it succeed requires strong leadership.
One aspect of leadership is building a team that shares your passion. It’s not just about hiring people with the right skills; it’s about finding those who are just as excited about the company’s vision as you are. When you have a team that’s equally committed, they’re not just employees—they’re partners in your journey, helping to drive the company forward.
As a leader, your job is to help your team improve. This means recognizing their strengths, encouraging their growth, and holding them accountable when needed. Accountability keeps standards high and promotes continuous improvement. Creating a culture where everyone strives to do their best and values constructive feedback is crucial.
When I first started, I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of listening to others, especially those with more experience. I was focused on my own vision, which sometimes caused me to miss valuable insights. Over time, I learned that being a good leader means being a good listener. Listening to different perspectives helps you make better decisions and avoid mistakes.
What challenges did you have to overcome at the beginning of your journey?
Starting in the oil and gas industry wasn’t easy, especially when it came to earning clients’ trust. In this field, reputation is everything, and clients want to work with someone they can rely on. As a newcomer, I had to prove that my company could deliver reliable services constantly. It wasn’t just about having the right skills; it was about building relationships and a reputation for quality work. Competing against long-established firms made this even harder.
Money was another challenge. We needed funds to invest in the technology and tools required to meet client expectations. These tools, like advanced mapping and data management software, are expensive but essential. Finding the money to make these investments was a constant struggle in the beginning. We had to plan carefully, seek out investors who believed in us, and make tough choices about where to spend our limited resources.
These difficulties motivated me to help start Young Professionals in Energy (YPE) chapters in Fort Worth and College Station. I knew that having access to networking and mentorship opportunities early on would have made my journey easier. YPE offers young professionals the chance to build the connections and trust they need to succeed, without facing the same challenges I did.
What’s one industry trend that excites you?
Technology is making land management and mapping much easier and more efficient. We can make better decisions and manage resources more accurately with tools like data analytics and real-time mapping. This is a growing area with a lot of potential for new ideas and improvements.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to fail because that’s how you learn. It’s easy to feel down when things don’t work out, but every mistake is a chance to get better. I’d also stress the importance of making connections and building relationships early. Be around people who inspire, challenge, and support you.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that really helps me is balancing work and personal life. I make sure to spend quality time with family and friends, which gives me the energy and clear mind I need for work. Whether it’s a motorcycle ride around Fort Worth or a quiet evening at home, these activities help me unwind and return to work more focused and productive. I also keep up with industry trends to stay ahead. By balancing my personal time with learning, I bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to my work.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Staying active is one of the best ways I manage stress. Whether it’s going for a run, hiking, or doing a quick workout, physical activity helps me clear my mind and feel better. It lifts my mood and gives me a mental break, allowing me to return to work with a fresh perspective. Staying active is key to keeping both my mind and body healthy, especially in a tough industry like ours.
I also rely on my co-founder for support. We’ve built a strong partnership based on trust, so I can delegate tasks when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Knowing I have someone to count on gives me peace of mind and keeps the business running smoothly, even when things get tough. This teamwork is crucial for managing stress and maintaining balance in my work and personal life.
Takeaway
Before starting Forza Resources, Jared gained valuable experience in various oil and gas roles, focusing on land management and planning. His education at Texas A&M University and Sam Houston State University in human resources, criminology, and history adds depth to his professional skills.
Jared is also committed to giving back and shaping the energy industry’s future. He helped start Young Professionals in Energy chapters in Tyler and College Station, offering networking and growth opportunities for future industry work on the Fort Worth ADAM group board until 2023, which highlights his dedication to the industry’s progress and sustainability.