In this episode of The Crude Truth, recorded live at NAPE 2026, Rey Trevino sits down with Leigh Haas, founder of Mockingbird Land Services, to discuss entrepreneurship, land rights, energy infrastructure, and the growing demand driven by AI and data centers. Working on - -
Leigh shares how her background in politics, pipeline right-of-way, permitting, and safety training came together to launch her own company and why land services are becoming increasingly important across the Gulf South and beyond.
Connect with Leigh on her LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-haas-5b911473/
1. Oil & Gas Industry Overview
The episode opens with historical context about Texas oil production starting at Spindletop Hill in 1901, establishing that America's dependence on oil remains strong despite alternative energy sources. The conversation emphasizes that crude oil knowledge is essential for U.S. independence.
2. Lee Haas's New Venture: Mockingbird Land Services
Lee Haas, the guest, recently launched his own land company about 8 months ago (3 weeks after NAPE). This is a first-year startup focused on providing comprehensive services in the energy sector.
3. Convergence of Expertise
Lee brings a unique combination of backgrounds:
Politics → Oil & Gas → Energy Infrastructure
Extensive experience with natural gas pipelines, solar, wind, and other energy sources
Expertise in right-of-way acquisitions, lease negotiations, title research, and safety training
4. Mockingbird's Service Offerings
The company operates as a "one-stop shop" providing:
Regulatory review and permitting assistance
Legislative support
Right-of-way acquisition and negotiation
Safety training for pipeline operations
5. Geographic Focus & Expansion
Primary focus: Gulf South region (Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas)
Lee is a seventh-generation Mississippian with historical family ties to the state
Company has worked in 40 states and is willing to expand nationally
6. Key Client Markets
Data Centers (8 being built in Mississippi alone)
Electric utility companies
Transmission line projects
Natural gas pipeline infrastructure
7. Legislative & Regulatory Challenges
A major focus is expedited permitting processes. Despite deregulation efforts, bureaucratic delays persist, particularly in Mississippi where state officials may lack awareness of how the permitting process works.
8. AI & Technology in the Industry
Lee discusses AI's role in the right-of-way industry:
AI won't replace landmen in negotiations
AI can improve title accuracy (which he argues is more critical than engineering mishaps)
Lee humorously notes AI makes him "procrastinate efficiently"
9. Personal Interests: Elvis Presley
A lighter segment where Lee reveals his passion for Elvis Presley, discussing upcoming documentaries and his status as a "seventh-generation Mississippian" and "original Mississippi rule breaker" connection to Elvis's hometown of Tupelo.
10. Business Networking & Growth
The episode emphasizes NAPE as a networking platform and Lee's multi-podcast appearance strategy to build brand awareness for Mockingbird Land Services.
Overall Theme: The episode showcases how specialized expertise in energy infrastructure, combined with regulatory knowledge and land acquisition skills, creates business opportunities in America's ongoing energy development.
Check out LFS Chemistry Sponsor of the Crude Truth here: https://lfschemistry.com/
Follow Rey on his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reytrevinoiii/
Also, Pecos Operating Website: https://pecosoperating.com/
Also, the great Production team at Real News Public Relations
https://www.realnewspr.com/
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