Day in the Life – Steven Youssef

As a sergeant in the Marine Corps, Steven Youssef learned the true value of a strong work ethic. Now a Senior Corporate Account Manager with Caterpillar Oil & Gas, Steven brings servant leadership and his military-honed work ethic to the front line to support North American drilling operators to help reshape operations for greater efficiency.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

For six years, I served in the Marine Corps as part of Marine Aviation Squadron HMM-263, where I reached the rank of Sergeant. Following my military career, I transitioned into the oil and gas industry where I’ve spent the last 19 years gaining experience in well services operations and, most recently, drilling operations. 

Q: HOW DID YOU START YOUR CAREER AT CATERPILLAR?

I began as a field mechanic in Rock Springs, Wyoming at a major oilfield services company where I learned multiple aspects of the high-pressure pumping business. I moved into a supervisory role as a North America maintenance manager in Houston, which broadened my operational and leadership skills. After nearly a decade in services, I joined the supplier side as a corporate account manager with SPM Oil & Gas to support major well services accounts. I then moved into the drilling side of Caterpillar Oil & Gas.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE — AND WHAT DOES YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LOOK LIKE? ?

As the Senior Corporate Account Manager overseeing Caterpillar’s key drilling accounts, I serve as the primary point of contact for drilling companies.

In this role, I focus on strengthening drilling collaborations and helping pioneer innovations like the Cat® Dynamic Gas Blending™ Gen 2 upgrade kit. Each day, I collaborate on projects and ensure that operators’ needs are consistently met by helping them find effective and economical solutions to today’s drilling challenges. That requires traveling throughout North America to provide on-site support at multiple drilling sites.

Q: HOW DOES YOUR ROLE SUPPORT CATERPILLAR OIL & GAS?

I focus on being a bridge between key drilling customers and the Caterpillar Oil & Gas team. This means staying closely connected, building strong relationships and gathering valuable insights to keep us ahead of industry changes so we can offer solutions that truly fit any drilling company’s needs.

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Q: WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE OILFIELD CURRENTLY THAT EXCITES YOU — ESPECIALLY AS IT RELATES TO DRILLING APPLICATIONS?

Drilling is in a pivotal moment of change. For a long time, the industry has operated in a consistent way, but now there's a real drive to rethink and retool operations to be more efficient and meet changing standards. Companies are open to exploring hybrid solutions and innovating in new ways to upgrade existing equipment. It's not just about adapting but also reshaping what drilling will look like over the next decade.

Q: WHICH PROJECT OR INITIATIVE HAVE YOU FOUND ESPECIALLY FULFILLING TO DATE IN YOUR CAREER?

Without a doubt, it's been the Cat DGB Gen 2 kit for drilling applications and collaborating with an exceptional drilling contractor, H&P. I’ve been involved from the first field-follow trials, working alongside our engineering, operations, marketing and product support teams. Projects like this reinforce how impactful collaboration can be for innovation. 

Q: HOW DO YOU HELP DRILLING COMPANIES SUPPORT THE WORLD’S ENERGY NEEDS WHILE KEEPING PACE WITH INDUSTRY CHANGES?

With the drilling industry looking toward the future, it's all about helping drillers find the customized solutions they need to continue to operate and drill the next well. Tailoring different types of technologies to meet companies’ specific goals empowers them to produce more energy resources in an evolving operating landscape.

Q: WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING FOR CATERPILLAR?

What stands out for me is the company's commitment to solving real-world challenges. The push to continuously improve is at our core. We're always looking to develop new technologies and enhance existing ones. Originally coming from the customer perspective, I appreciate this dedication to service.

Q: HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I most enjoy time with my family. My youngest daughter is finishing her last year of high school and I’ve been helping her figure out what comes next, which has been very exciting. I also recently became a grandfather. It’s pretty special to watch my daughter become a mom and learn the ropes of grandparent life. With my daughters grown, my wife and I love to travel whenever we can.

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