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WOMEN IN ENERGY: Debbie Alleman

Mar 30, 2020 / Blog

In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, LAGCOE is highlighting women who have been instrumental supporters of our organization.

Meet Debbie Alleman!

How long have you been working for the energy industry?

I started in 1977 with a solids control mud company, SWECO, that was owned by Emerson Electric. In 1985, I became the CEO of our home (a stay at-home mother).Throughout the ups and downs of the oilfield, I worked with my husband, Patrick Alleman, in our family business, Hole Opener Corporation. In 2005 when Patrick passed away, I became the President of HOC.

In what ways has the energy industry had a positive impact on your life and career? Are you happy that you chose this industry?

The positive impact the industry has had on my life is learning from and working with so many great leaders and people that have helped me along the way throughout my entering back into the role as President of HOC.

HOC is a family of many great team members to include my eldest son, Paden, that has worked his way from the bottom up into the role of Vice President of HOC and HOI (Hole Opener Corporation International).We have a great team that is behind us no matter what challenges we have had to solve.

What would you say to young girls today who are considering pursuing a STEM-centric career?

KNOW YOUR BUSINESS! Educate yourself, work in the field, stand your ground, and surround yourself with great people that have the same visions and goals.

Did you ever feel like you were at a disadvantage as a woman in a male-dominated industry? How did you overcome that?

When I first stepped back into HOC in 2005, I’ll never forget the time I made sales calls in Houston with our salesman.I walked into a customer’s office and little did I know I was walking into an issue that we had on a job.At that moment, I felt I was in a man’s world because I was not prepared and could not give him the answers he needed. I did find out what the problem was, took corrective action and never let that happen to me again.And, by the way, he became a great customer!

How are you helping pave the way for other fellow women in the energy industry?

I have always tried to support any woman that is in our industry, or any other. HOC has an open-door policy for any woman in the industry to discuss business. I was willing to shadow a young LAGCOE professional.

We are a member of WBEC South (Women’s Business Enterprise Council).I have met with other great women owned business leaders in our industry to discuss similar problems and solutions in the industry.

We have been a member and a supporter of the Desk & Derrick organization as well as other oilfield organizations.

In early 2019, I did an interview with Tracy Wirtz on “Women Over coming Obstacles”. I wanted to do this interview hoping that it would help other women step out of their comfort zone, become whatever they want, and ensure them that they can get through any obstacles in their lives as well.

#IWD2020