There’s no such thing as a typical day for Gary Gibbins.
As Field Operations Manager at Black Iron Energy, Gary’s work can take him from retrofit operations in our Calgary fabrication facility to project sites across North America. After decades working across compression packaging, assembly, retrofit, field installation and commissioning, he brings a practical, hands-on perspective to every project, along with the ability to adapt quickly when the plan changes.
We asked Gary to share more about where his career began, what decades in the industry have taught him and what keeps things interesting after six years with Black Iron Energy.
Built From the Shop Floor Up
Gary got his start in the industry as a shop helper with a major compression packager, where an early mentor helped set the bar high.
It was an approach that stuck with Gary and helped shape the work ethic he carried into the many roles that followed.
“The first few years were tough and I mean tough! Not completing even, the smallest task wasn’t acceptable. Calling in sick? No! Taking random unscheduled time off? No! Putting out work that was less than perfect? No! Asking for help or information? Nothing but time, patience, and understanding.”
From those early days in the shop, Gary moved through assembly, retrofit, supervision, field installation and warranty support. He later worked with other major compression packagers in similar roles, gaining a view of the industry from almost every angle.
That breadth of experience still influences how he approaches his work today. Gary has seen enough projects (and enough things go sideways) to know where problems can emerge, and he makes a point of trying to get ahead of them.
Experience that Goes Where the Work Is
Gary joined Black Iron for the opportunity to expand his experience, particularly in asset redeployment and equipment gathering.
Six years later, the variety of the work continues to be a defining part of his role.
Some days are spent supporting retrofit operations in Black Iron’s Calgary fabrication facility. Others may involve assessing a new project in the field, managing work underway or travelling elsewhere in North America to support a customer.
At Black Iron, that kind of flexibility comes with the territory.
“We are a small company, and everyone wears a lot of hats. This means that company and customer needs can change rapidly and you need to be ready for that. Safety in our operations is also a big part of my day-to-day responsibility.”
That flexibility has put Gary’s experience to work across some challenging projects, including:
- A large full-plant decommissioning in northwestern Alberta
- The removal of a turbine compressor building from within another building
- A very difficult installation and commissioning project in Texas
Just to name a few.
The scope may change, but Gary’s approach is consistent: draw from past experience, anticipate potential issues and find practical ways to keep the work moving forward.
“Since my work is so varied, I also have become competent at solving complex issues on the fly.”
Planning for a Better Project
“Keeping deliverables in line with achievable goals always makes a project so much better.”
Always Keeping Things Interesting
Gary doesn’t exactly slow down when the workday ends.
Family is important to him, and he tries to spend as much time with his granddaughter as possible. He also camps, flies R/C aircraft, dabbles in video production and plays video games.
Then there’s fly fishing.
“Fly fishing addiction is something that I struggle with.”
And when we asked what his Black Iron coworkers might say he’s known for?
His answer was equally on brand:
“I shudder to think about this.”
Advice for the Up-and-Comers
“Feast, Famine, Repeat. If this is going to be your career… It can be very rewarding but hang on, it’s going to be a wild ride!”
And he would know.
From starting as a shop helper to managing complex field operations across North America, he has built his career by learning the work firsthand, taking on new challenges and being ready for whatever comes next.