Company Profile
Western Land Services, Inc.
Company Overview
Headquartered in Ludington, MI, Western Land Services, Inc. is a full-service consulting firm, offering land, title, right-of-way, GIS, and other specialized services throughout the United States. For over four decades our 500 plus staff members have successfully aided in the development of large acreage positions for our clients in prominent oil and gas development projects.
Company History
Originally known as Western States Oil Company, Inc., Western Land Services, Inc. was formed in 1974 by T.T. Thompson. A graduate of the University of Virginia and Harvard Law School, Mr. Thompson worked as a Division Landman with Shell Oil Company for 19 years
In 1980, John K. Wilson joined the firm as a landman. A graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Business, he became Vice President of Land in 1989, purchased the company in 1992 upon retirement of T.T. Thompson, and changed the name of the company to Western Land Services, Inc.
During the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, Western Land Services, Inc. developed into a major oil and gas brokerage service company providing regulatory and land services to oil and gas companies and utilities. The rapid growth of domestic oil and gas production forced companies to find innovative solutions to bring projects on-line quickly, and to help address land owner concerns caused by extensive surface operations.
Western was at the forefront of industry changes. Mr. Wilson shifted Western Land’s focus from traditional oil and gas leasing services, to a company focused on all aspects of oil and gas resource development. By expanding its service portfolio to include not only traditional leasing and title work, but also project layout and design, wildlife and environmental studies and coordination of field activities, Mr. Wilson found a way to position Western Land wisely in the market and offer solutions to clients facing these industry challenges.
Today, Western Land Services, Inc. is a thriving firm, holding offices in seven states, employing over 500 professionals, engaging in projects in nearly every state of the nation.