At Tulsa Heaters Midstream, we believe that mentorship is more than just a professional courtesy—it's a cornerstone of growth, innovation, and success. In our latest YouTube video, we dive into a heartfelt story that underscores the transformative power of mentorship and the lasting impact it can have on both individuals and organizations.
The story begins with a young engineer, just 23 years old, navigating the complexities of his first major project. Tasked with designing and estimating a flare system, he found himself overwhelmed by unfamiliar terms like "pilot gas," "ignition gas," and "pilot air." Despite his best efforts to seek guidance, help was hard to come by—until he met Dr. Kim Rayburn.
Dr. Rayburn, a brilliant MIT graduate, took the time to patiently answer every question, no matter how basic. That 30-45 minute conversation left a profound impression on the young engineer, not just because of the technical knowledge shared, but because of the kindness and willingness to invest in someone else's growth.
This experience became a defining moment in the young engineer's career. Inspired by Dr. Rayburn’s example, he made it his mission to pay it forward, becoming a mentor to others and fostering a culture of learning and support. As he moved into management, he sought out employees who embodied this same spirit—those who were approachable, willing to share their knowledge, and committed to helping others succeed.
Why? Because mentorship isn’t just about answering questions; it’s about building a stronger, more collaborative team. Employees who mentor others naturally develop leadership skills, earn trust, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. These are the individuals who rise to the top, not just because of their technical expertise, but because of their ability to elevate those around them.
At Tulsa Heaters Midstream, we recognize the value of mentorship in shaping the future of our industry. Whether it’s guiding a young engineer through their first project or fostering innovation through collaboration, mentorship is at the heart of what we do. It’s how we ensure that knowledge is passed down, challenges are overcome, and our team continues to thrive.
We encourage everyone—whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional—to embrace the role of mentor or mentee. You never know how a simple conversation, like the one between a young engineer and Dr. Rayburn, can change the trajectory of someone’s career.
To hear this inspiring story in full, check out our latest YouTube video. It’s a reminder of the incredible impact mentorship can have and a call to action for all of us to invest in the growth of those around us.
At Tulsa Heaters Midstream, we’re not just building solutions—we’re building people. And that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.