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| photography by Doug Davis |
Dallas-based Crosstex Energy Cos. is a midstream natural gas enterprise with 12 processing plants and more than 5,000 miles of pipeline in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi. It was formed in December 1996 following a buyout of Comstock Natural Gas. Barry Davis, then president and COO of Comstock, was a perfect fit for the Crosstex CEO seat. Under Davis’ guidance, the company has grown to employ more than 550 people and manage more than 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, about seven percent of all marketed U.S. daily production. Locally, Crosstex has a major stake in the Barnett Shale play, thanks in part to its acquisition last year of Chief Holdings’ pipeline systems and related facilities and a 29-mile natural gas pipeline planned for north Johnson County.
Age: 46
Title/Company:
President & CEO/Crosstex Energy Cos.
Tenure:
15 years, including predecessor companies
What was your first job?
The first job I ever had was when I was 5 or 6 years old. I would go to work with my dad on Saturdays and sweep the floor of his agricultural equipment repair shop. It would provide all the spending money I needed for the following week.
Growing up in a small town, there were two “real” jobs that were interesting to me. I gave up on being a veterinarian after working for one; it wasn’t as glamorous as I thought getting up in the middle of the night to treat sick animals. So I became a banker.
What was your worst job?
I seemed to do every “hard” job available while growing up—hauling hay, roofing houses, and being a bricklayer’s helper, to name a few. It’d be hard to say which one was the worst.
On weekends, where can people find you?
At a soccer game or gym meet and then off to the lake for a day with family and friends!
What book is currently on your nightstand?
I have a bad habit of starting [a book] and then becoming interested in another before I finish, so there’s a stack. But, the one I’m reading this week is Twelve Ordinary Men, an incredible story of Jesus’ disciples and the power of clear vision and passion to transform average people into extraordinary leaders.
What’s your favorite TV show?
Anything sports related. More golf than anything else.
What’s your most recent major purchase?
With my siblings, we purchased a new car for our parents as a retirement gift. The joy it brought to them was worth the price of 10 cars!
What’s your biggest regret?
That I haven’t led well in all seasons of my life, especially in college. Wish I could do that over.
What do you consider to be your biggest weakness?
I have so many, but I’m working on them! If I can only say one, I guess I’d say impatience.
What’s the best advice anyone ever told you?
Do the right thing and you’ll always be able to go back to where you’ve been.
