Headquarters:
215 - 9th Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Year founded:
2003
Number of employees:
595
Phone:
403 984 5916
Email:
info@wesc.ca
Website:
wesc.ca
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/western-energy-services-corp-
“[The 5-Star award is] an acknowledgment of
the hard work of the company. It’s nice to be recognized for progressive leadership that is making a difference in the present and shaping the future.”
Dan Lundstrom, Western Energy Services
Read on
Award Winner
Western Energy Services
Jeffrey K Bowers, CPA, CA
Senior Vice President, Finance
Chief Financial Officer
Peter J Balkwill, CPA, CA
Vice President, Finance
Dan Lundstrom, CRSP, CSP
Vice President
Health, Safety and Environment
Leadership
Alex R N MacAusland, a founder of Western, has over 27 years of management and operational experience in the oilfield services industry in western Canada and the United States. Prior to being appointed president and chief executive officer of Western, he was president and chief operating officer of Western from December 8, 2009 to December 1, 2013. Mr MacAusland was also president and CEO of Horizon Drilling, a western Canadian-based drilling and service provider, since February 2008. Previously, he was senior vice president of IROC Energy Services, overseeing Eagle Well Servicing, Mission Drilling and Aero Rentals. Prior to that, he was at Precision Drilling for 15 years in various capacities, including rig manager and contract sales, followed by general manager and then vice president for operations responsible for Precision’s well servicing rig fleet, snubbing, camp and catering divisions.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Alex R N MacAusland
Jeffrey K Bowers, a founder of Western, is a chartered accountant with over 27 years of financial experience in the oilfield services industry both domestically and internationally. Prior to being appointed senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer of Western in 2009, he was vice president finance and CFO at Horizon Drilling, a private drilling contractor. Previously, Mr Bowers was the chief financial officer at FracSource before its divestiture in 2008. Prior to that, he was employed at Precision Drilling, initially as corporate controller with Computalog, followed by group controller, Canada for Precision Energy Services. Prior to Precision Drilling, he worked for Nowsco Well Service in various capacities, including Controller of Canadian Operations and Controller of Nowsco’s Asia-Pacific operations based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Senior Vice President, Finance
Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey K Bowers, CPA, CA
Peter J Balkwill is a chartered accountant with 30 years of experience in international and domestic oilfield services. Immediately prior to joining Western, he was chief financial officer at an internationally focused energy services company. He has previously held senior financial positions at Saxon Energy Services, Precision Drilling and Schlumberger.
Vice President, Finance
Peter J Balkwill, CPA, CA
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
“There were a number of business and technological challenges that we were attempting to solve through this migration, but prime amongst these challenges is the need for a truly multi-tenant technology platform that is able to efficiently meet the needs of multiple agencies and insurers”
Julie Giraldi,
CAAT Pension Plan
Read on
Award Winner
Western Energy Services
Dan Lundstrom, CRSP, CSP
Vice President
Health, Safety and Environment
Jeffrey K Bowers, CPA, CA
Senior Vice President, Finance
Chief Financial Officer
Alex R N MacAusland
President and Chief Executive Officer
Leadership
Headquarters:
215 - 9th Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Year founded:
2003
Number of employees:
595
Phone:
403 984 5916
Email:
info@wesc.ca
Website:
wesc.ca
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/western-energy-services-corp-
Jeffrey K Bowers, a founder of Western, is a chartered accountant with over 27 years of financial experience in the oilfield services industry both domestically and internationally. Prior to being appointed senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer of Western in 2009, he was vice president finance and CFO at Horizon Drilling, a private drilling contractor. Previously, Mr Bowers was the chief financial officer at FracSource before its divestiture in 2008. Prior to that, he was employed at Precision Drilling, initially as corporate controller with Computalog, followed by group controller, Canada for Precision Energy Services. Prior to Precision Drilling, he worked for Nowsco Well Service in various capacities, including Controller of Canadian Operations and Controller of Nowsco’s Asia-Pacific operations based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Senior Vice President, Finance
Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey K Bowers, CPA, CA
Peter J Balkwill is a chartered accountant with 30 years of experience in international and domestic oilfield services. Immediately prior to joining Western, he was chief financial officer at an internationally focused energy services company. He has previously held senior financial positions at Saxon Energy Services, Precision Drilling and Schlumberger.
Vice President, Finance
Peter J Balkwill, CPA, CA
Dan Lundstrom is the vice president of health, safety and environment (HSE) at Western. He joined Western in April 2018, and brings over 25 years of oilfield experience and over 23 years of HSE experience. He is currently certified in Canada as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional and in the United States as a Certified Safety Professional. Prior to joining Western, he was employed with Precision Drilling where he held various roles over his 24-year tenure, including, most recently, HSE director, global standards and compliance.
Vice President
Health, Safety and Environment
Dan Lundstrom, CRSP, CSP
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
For the second year running, Shielded Insurance Brokers has claimed the number-one spot among IB’s Top Brokerages. In 2020, it was record-setting growth that drove the company’s impressive success. This year, says managing director Stuart Brady, the key ingredient behind the win is the Shielded culture. Brady is proud of the shared vision for constant improvement across all aspects of the business. “We are thrilled to take out the win again, and it’s hats off to the team for their hard work over the past year,” he says.
“[The 5-Star award is] an acknowledgment of the hard work of the company. It’s nice to be recognized for progressive leadership that is making a difference in the present and shaping the future.”
Dan Lundstrom, Western Energy Services
Read on
Award Winner
Western Energy Services
Aaron MacAusland
Vice President, Operations
Horizon Drilling
Jeffrey K Bowers, CPA, CA
Senior Vice President, Finance
Chief Financial Officer
Alex R N MacAusland
President and Chief Executive Officer
Leadership
Headquarters:
215 - 9th Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Year founded:
2003
Number of employees:
595
Phone:
403 984 5916
Email:
info@wesc.ca
Website:
wesc.ca
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/western-energy-services-corp-
SPECIAL REPORT
Home
Bio
Alex R N MacAusland, a founder of Western, has over 27 years of management and operational experience in the oilfield services industry in western Canada and the United States. Prior to being appointed president and chief executive officer of Western, he was president and chief operating officer of Western from December 8, 2009 to December 1, 2013. Mr MacAusland was also president and CEO of Horizon Drilling, a western Canadian-based drilling and service provider, since February 2008. Previously, he was senior vice president of IROC Energy Services, overseeing Eagle Well Servicing, Mission Drilling and Aero Rentals. Prior to that, he was at Precision Drilling for 15 years in various capacities, including rig manager and contract sales, followed by general manager and then vice president for operations responsible for Precision’s well servicing rig fleet, snubbing, camp and catering divisions.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Alex R N MacAusland
Jeffrey K Bowers, a founder of Western, is a chartered accountant with over 27 years of financial experience in the oilfield services industry both domestically and internationally. Prior to being appointed senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer of Western in 2009, he was vice president finance and CFO at Horizon Drilling, a private drilling contractor. Previously, Mr Bowers was the chief financial officer at FracSource before its divestiture in 2008. Prior to that, he was employed at Precision Drilling, initially as corporate controller with Computalog, followed by group controller, Canada for Precision Energy Services. Prior to Precision Drilling, he worked for Nowsco Well Service in various capacities, including Controller of Canadian Operations and Controller of Nowsco’s Asia-Pacific operations based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Senior Vice President, Finance
Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey K Bowers, CPA, CA
Dan Lundstrom is the vice president of health, safety and environment (HSE) at Western. He joined Western in April 2018, and brings over 25 years of oilfield experience and over 23 years of HSE experience. He is currently certified in Canada as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional and in the United States as a Certified Safety Professional. Prior to joining Western, he was employed with Precision Drilling where he held various roles over his 24-year tenure, including, most recently, HSE director, global standards and compliance.
Vice President
Health, Safety and Environment
Dan Lundstrom, CRSP, CSP
Aaron MacAusland
Vice President, Operations
Horizon Drilling
Dan Lundstrom is the vice president of health, safety and environment (HSE) at Western. He joined Western in April 2018, and brings over 25 years of oilfield experience and over 23 years of HSE experience. He is currently certified in Canada as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional and in the United States as a Certified Safety Professional. Prior to joining Western, he was employed with Precision Drilling where he held various roles over his 24-year tenure, including, most recently, HSE director, global standards
and compliance.
Vice President
Health, Safety and Environment
Dan Lundstrom, CRSP, CSP
Peter J Balkwill, CPA, CA
Vice President, Finance
Alex R N MacAusland, a founder of Western, has over 27 years of management and operational experience in the oilfield services industry in western Canada and the United States. Prior to being appointed president and chief executive officer of Western, he was president and chief operating officer of Western from December 8, 2009 to December 1, 2013. Mr MacAusland was also president and CEO of Horizon Drilling, a western Canadian-based drilling and service provider, since February 2008. Previously, he was senior vice president of IROC Energy Services, overseeing Eagle Well Servicing, Mission Drilling and Aero Rentals. Prior to that, he was at Precision Drilling for 15 years in various capacities, including rig manager and contract sales, followed by general manager and then vice president for operations responsible for Precision’s well servicing rig fleet, snubbing, camp and catering divisions.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Alex R N MacAusland
Peter J Balkwill, CPA, CA
Vice President, Finance
Peter J Balkwill is a chartered accountant with 30 years of experience in international and domestic oilfield services. Immediately prior to joining Western, he was chief financial officer at an internationally focused energy services company. He has previously held senior financial positions at Saxon Energy Services, Precision Drilling and Schlumberger.
Vice President, Finance
Peter J Balkwill, CPA, CA
Ross Clancy
Vice President, Production Services
Eagle Well Servicing and Aero Rental Services
Aaron MacAusland is the vice president of operations for Horizon Drilling at Western Energy. He joined Horizon Drilling in June 2010, and has over 32 years of oilfield experience. Prior to his current role, he held management positions at Precision Drilling, Mission Drilling, and Saxon Energy Services.
Vice President, Operations
Horizon Drilling
Aaron MacAusland
Aaron MacAusland
Vice President, Operations
Horizon Drilling
Aaron MacAusland is the vice president of operations for Horizon Drilling at Western Energy. He joined Horizon Drilling in June 2010, and has over 32 years of oilfield experience. Prior to his current role, he held management positions at Precision Drilling, Mission Drilling, and Saxon Energy Services.
Vice President, Operations
Horizon Drilling
Aaron MacAusland
Dan Lundstrom, CRSP, CSP
Vice President
Health, Safety and Environment
Aaron MacAusland is the vice president of operations for Horizon Drilling at Western Energy. He joined Horizon Drilling in June 2010, and has over 32 years of oilfield experience. Prior to his current role, he held management positions at Precision Drilling, Mission Drilling, and Saxon Energy Services.
Vice President, Operations
Horizon Drilling
Aaron MacAusland
Western Energy Services was recently recognized by Canadian Occupational Safety as one of its Five-Star Energy and Resources award recipients.
Western is the fourth largest provider of contract drilling services and third largest provider of well servicing in Canada. Western’s contract drilling services are provided through Horizon Drilling in Canada, and Stoneham Drilling in the United States. In addition, Western provides well servicing through Eagle Well Servicing in Canada and rental equipment services through Aero Rental Services in Canada.
“The award is testament to Western’s commitment to Health, Safety and Environmental Leadership and an acknowledgement of the hard work of the company,” says Dan Lundstrom, Western’s Vice President of Health Safety and Environment. “Western understands the importance of being responsible environmental stewards, fostering a positive work environment and conducting daily activities with operational excellence. It’s nice to be recognized for progressive leadership that is making a difference in the present and shaping the future.”
Ross Clancy is the vice president of production services at Eagle Well Servicing and Aero Rental Services (divisions of Western Energy). He joined Western Energy in May 2014, and has over 17 years of operations and marketing experience in the oilfield services sector. Prior to joining the company, he worked for Precision Drilling, Ensign Energy Services, and Weatherford.
Vice President, Production Services
Eagle Well Servicing and Aero Rental Services
Ross Clancy
April Williams is the Vice President, Human Resources bringing 20 years of experience within the drilling services industry. Ms. Williams is a results-oriented leader with achievements in the development and execution of Human Resources strategies in both the North American and International markets. Areas of focus have included employee relations and engagement, human capital planning, compensation and benefits, training and development, immigration, and project management.
Prior to joining Western, Ms. Williams held various leadership roles primarily those during her 17-year tenure with Trinidad Drilling Ltd. where she held the role of Director, Human Resources, responsible for the oversight of the HR function globally.
Vice President, Human Resources
April Williams
Karen Bannister has over 20 years of marketing expertise and has a Chartered Marketer designation from the Canadian Marketing Association. She is a strategic marketing leader with a career record of success in developing and executing effective marketing strategies, growing revenue, and overseeing multi-talented teams. She also holds five certifications for marketing and brand management.
Karen has successfully completed the Mini-MBA, Essentials of Management program at Schulich School of Business, and most recently completed the Communications and Leadership Program at The Ivey Academy.
Vice President, Marketing
Karen Bannister, CM
Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation of the company’s internal customer service department.
Associate Vice President, Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Sarah M Stewart
Ross Clancy
Vice President, Production Services
Eagle Well Servicing and Aero Rental Services
Sarah M Stewart
Associate Vice President, Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Karen Bannister, CM
Vice President, Marketing
April Williams
Vice President, Human Resources
Ross Clancy is the vice president of production services at Eagle Well Servicing and Aero Rental Services (divisions of Western Energy). He joined Western Energy in May 2014, and has over 17 years of operations and marketing experience in the oilfield services sector. Prior to joining the company, he worked for Precision Drilling, Ensign Energy Services, and Weatherford.
Vice President, Production Services
Eagle Well Servicing and Aero Rental Services
Ross Clancy
April Williams is the Vice President, Human Resources bringing 20 years of experience within the drilling services industry. Ms. Williams is a results-oriented leader with achievements in the development and execution of Human Resources strategies in both the North American and International markets. Areas of focus have included employee relations and engagement, human capital planning, compensation and benefits, training and development, immigration, and project management.
Prior to joining Western, Ms. Williams held various leadership roles primarily those during her 17-year tenure with Trinidad Drilling Ltd. where she held the role of Director, Human Resources, responsible for the oversight of the HR function globally.
Vice President, Human Resources
April Williams
Karen Bannister has over 20 years of marketing expertise and has a Chartered Marketer designation from the Canadian Marketing Association. She is a strategic marketing leader with a career record of success in developing and executing effective marketing strategies, growing revenue, and overseeing multi-talented teams. She also holds five certifications for marketing and brand management.
Karen has successfully completed the Mini-MBA, Essentials of Management program at Schulich
School of Business, and most recently completed the Communications and Leadership Program at
The Ivey Academy.
Vice President, Marketing
Karen Bannister, CM
Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation of the company’s internal customer service department.
Associate Vice President, Leasing and
Call Centre Operations
Sarah M Stewart
Ross Clancy
Vice President, Production Services
Eagle Well Servicing and Aero Rental Services
Karen Bannister, CM
Vice President, Marketing
April Williams
Vice President, Human Resources
Sarah M Stewart
Associate
Vice President, Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Ross Clancy is the vice president of production services at Eagle Well Servicing and Aero Rental Services (divisions of Western Energy). He joined Western Energy in May 2014, and has over 17 years of operations and marketing experience in the oilfield services sector. Prior to joining the company, he worked for Precision Drilling, Ensign Energy Services, and Weatherford.
Vice President, Production Services
Eagle Well Servicing and Aero Rental Services
Ross Clancy
April Williams is the Vice President, Human Resources bringing 20 years of experience within the drilling services industry. Ms. Williams is a results-oriented leader with achievements in the development and execution of Human Resources strategies in both the North American and International markets. Areas of focus have included employee relations and engagement, human capital planning, compensation and benefits, training and development, immigration, and project management.
Prior to joining Western, Ms. Williams held various leadership roles primarily those during her 17-year tenure with Trinidad Drilling Ltd. where she held the role of Director, Human Resources, responsible for the oversight of the HR function globally.
Vice President, Human Resources
April Williams
Karen Bannister has over 20 years of marketing expertise and has a Chartered Marketer designation from the Canadian Marketing Association. She is a strategic marketing leader with a career record of success in developing and executing effective marketing strategies, growing revenue, and overseeing multi-talented teams. She also holds five certifications for marketing and brand management.
Karen has successfully completed the
Mini-MBA, Essentials of Management program at Schulich School of Business, and most recently completed the Communications and Leadership Program at The Ivey Academy.
Vice President, Marketing
Karen Bannister, CM
Sarah M Stewart has more than 15 years
of strategic leasing and customer care experience in residential property management. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Centurion’s national leasing platforms, residential lead generation, and overall customer experience excellence through operation
of the company’s internal customer
service department.
Associate Vice President,
Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Sarah M Stewart
“Company success is dependent on keeping workers safe and healthy. If there are no workers, there is no company”
Julie Giraldi,
CAAT Pension Plan
As a result of this success, and due to organic market demand, BZI rebuilt its core technology to offer its “platform as a service” (PaaS) and is now offerings its PaaS to three carefully selected current partners. BZI plans to expand its PaaS internationally from the end of 2022, with significant demand for its cost efficient, easily configurable technology insurance solution, Blue Leopard.
“Just three years after launching, we are enhancing our technology stack by moving from Blue Leopard 1.0 to Blue Leopard 2.0,” says a company executive. “There were a number of business and technological challenges that we were attempting to solve through this migration, but prime amongst these challenges is the need for a truly multi-tenant technology platform that is able to efficiently meet the needs of multiple agencies and insurers.”
By focusing on technology, automation and a feedback-led enhancement process, BZI ensures that its broker users can support their customers efficiently. The roll out of the Blue Leopard 2.0 platform makes BZI ideally positioned to safely scale to achieve its lofty ambitions.
“[The 5-Star award is] an acknowledgment of the hard work of the company. It’s nice to be recognized for progressive leadership that is making a difference in the present and shaping the future.”
Dan Lundstrom, Western Energy Services
Blue Zebra Insurance (BZI) wrote its first insurance policy in April 2018. Since that time, it has grown to offer seven products – motor, home, landlord, commercial motor, SME, personal accident, and cyber – through its Blue Leopard platform. The company is now one of the largest underwriting agencies in Australia, supported by a team of 34 people across all of Australia’s major states.
BZI was established in 2018 on a foundation of technology and insurance, with digital innovation at the core of its business model. It maximizes the ability of intermediaries to transact electronically, enabling them to quote, bind and service their clients efficiently (over 96% straight-through processing). BZI now competes with the biggest insurers in Australia in their heartland, personal lines and SME lines. The company’s growth trajectory is proof positive that its digital strategy worked, with more than 15,000 registered brokers and more than $350 million GWP bound to date.
BZI has built its technology platform, Blue Leopard, from the ground up, based on broker insights and with insurtech at its heart.
“The Blue Leopard platform is an evolution of Blue Zebra Insurance’s core business technology,” says a company executive. “This sets us apart from other technology providers as we have lived and learnt from our own experiences. That deep understanding of what is required to build a successful digital-first insurance offering is seen throughout the Blue Leopard platform and we stand behind our offering as it is what supports our own rapidly scaling business which delivers operational efficiencies to BZI and its customers.”
BZI’s entire insurance process is simple and digitally enabled, from obtaining a quote to settling claims with TPA partners. In 2021, BZI delivered more than one million quotes to broker partners, leveraging more than 100 million external data points.
The Blue Leopard platform is accessed by over 1,200 brokers every day via an online portal called the Zebra Lounge, available on any internet-enabled tool. Since the onset of the pandemic, its user numbers have steadily grown as brokers have gravitated towards the easy-to-use digital platform.
BZI has implemented more than 150 design changes (35 in 2021) to help improve efficiency through the entire insurance process. In addition, the company has made numerous changes to both underwriting questions and information on the portal, to continue driving down the need to refer, therefore saving brokers time.
“There were a number of business and technological challenges that we were attempting to solve through this migration, but prime amongst these challenges is the need for a truly multi-tenant technology platform that is able to efficiently meet the needs of multiple agencies and insurers”
Julie Giraldi,
CAAT Pension Plan
Alex R N MacAusland
President and Chief Executive Officer
“The Blue Leopard platform is an evolution of Blue Zebra Insurance’s core business technology,” says a company executive. “This sets us apart from other technology providers as we have lived and learnt from our own experiences. That deep understanding of what is required to build a successful digital-first insurance offering is seen throughout the Blue Leopard platform and we stand behind our offering as it is what supports our own rapidly scaling business which delivers operational efficiencies to BZI and its customers.”
BZI’s entire insurance process is simple and digitally enabled, from obtaining a quote to settling claims with TPA partners. In 2021, BZI delivered more than one million quotes to broker partners, leveraging more than 100 million external data points.
The Blue Leopard platform is accessed by over 1,200 brokers every day via an online portal called the Zebra Lounge, available on any internet-enabled tool. Since the onset of the pandemic, its user numbers have steadily grown as brokers have gravitated towards the easy-to-use digital platform.
BZI has implemented more than 150 design changes (35 in 2021) to help improve efficiency through the entire insurance process. In addition, the company has made numerous changes to both underwriting questions and information on the portal, to continue driving down the need to refer, therefore saving brokers time.
Western’s commitment to providing top tier services to its clients is achieved in part through its focus on efficiency, safety, consistent performance, training, and clear communication. With such expansive operations, the people who deliver first class services every day are indispensable. The quality of the people within Western – across all divisions – is one of the most important ways Western distinguishes itself from its competitors.
Western also aspires to create a welcoming environment and engage with the community through activities such as local sponsorships and fundraisers. For example, Western, through Eagle Well Servicing, has operated in a joint venture with the O’Chiese First Nations for more than nine years and is continuously looking for more joint venture opportunities. More broadly, the organization is focused on diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives and organizational practices such as Equal Opportunity Hiring.
A significant part of Western’s success at reducing its Environmental Footprint has been through its equipment designs and technology. As an example, Western has equipped rigs with “Power on Demand” technology as well as Natural Gas fuel systems for the rigs and boilers. With this technology, the equipment is designed to run at peak efficiencies with engines that start up and shut down as needed. This results in savings in fuel consumption and lower emissions.
Western values adaptability and open-mindedness as key qualities that ensure worker safety. Remaining flexible and engaged with its employees, Western has fostered a safe and efficient work environment.
“Company success is dependent on keeping workers safe and healthy,” says Lundstrom. “If there are no workers, there is no company. Safety is not only our highest priority, it is also the highest priority of our clients. Ultimately when it comes to safety, it’s our people, our equipment, and our responsibility.”
Western is poised and prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Dan Lundstrom, Western Energy Services
Western Energy Services Corp. is the fourth largest drilling company in Canada and one of Canadian Occupational Safety’s 5-Star Energy and Resource Companies for 2022. The organization says that the recognition from its peers is appreciated, and that the award is testament to Western’s commitment to its leadership in health, safety, and environmental protection.
“It’s an acknowledgement of the hard work of the company,” says a company spokesperson. “It’s good to be recognized for our progressive leadership that is helping in the present and shaping the future.”
Western recognizes the importance of being responsible environmental stewards, fostering a positive work environment, and conducting daily activities with
operational excellence.
Western’s drilling services are provided through Horizon Drilling in Canada and Stoneham Drilling Corporation in the United States. In addition, Western provides well servicing through Eagle Well Servicing and rental services through Aero Rental Services, both in Canada.
With such expansive operations, Western’s focus is on the people who deliver first-class services every day. The company believes that the quality of the people within the organization – across all divisions – is one of the ways to distinguish itself from other organizations in the sector.
A focus on efficiency, safety, consistent performance, training, and clear communication is part of the organization’s commitment to providing excellent services to its clients across North America. And it doesn’t stop there. Western is also keen to create a family environment and engage with the community through activities such as local sponsorships and fundraisers.
For example, Western has partnered with the O’Chiese First Nation in the Eagle Well Servicing joint venture and is continuously looking for more joint venture opportunities. More broadly, the organization is focused on diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives and organizational practices such as equal opportunity hiring.
“Company success is dependent on keeping workers safe and healthy. If there are no workers, there is no company”
Dan Lundstrom, Western Energy Services
Western Energy Services Corp. is the fourth largest drilling company in Canada and one of Canadian Occupational Safety’s 5-Star Energy and Resource Companies for 2022. The organization says that the recognition from its peers is appreciated, and that the award is testament to Western’s commitment to its leadership in health, safety, and environmental protection.
“It’s an acknowledgement of the hard work of the company,” says a company spokesperson. “It’s good to be recognized for our progressive leadership that is helping in the present and shaping the future.”
Western recognizes the importance of being responsible environmental stewards, fostering a positive work environment, and conducting daily activities with operational excellence.
Western’s drilling services are provided through Horizon Drilling in Canada and Stoneham Drilling Corporation in the United States. In addition, Western provides well servicing through Eagle Well Servicing and rental services through Aero Rental Services, both in Canada.
“The Blue Leopard platform is an evolution of Blue Zebra Insurance’s core business technology,” says a company executive. “This sets us apart from other technology providers as we have lived and learnt from our own experiences. That deep understanding of what is required to build a successful digital-first insurance offering is seen throughout the Blue Leopard platform and we stand behind our offering as it is what supports our own rapidly scaling business which delivers operational efficiencies to BZI and its customers.”
BZI’s entire insurance process is simple and digitally enabled, from obtaining a quote to settling claims with TPA partners. In 2021, BZI delivered more than one million quotes to broker partners, leveraging more than 100 million external data points.
The Blue Leopard platform is accessed by over 1,200 brokers every day via an online portal called the Zebra Lounge, available on any internet-enabled tool. Since the onset of the pandemic, its user numbers have steadily grown as brokers have gravitated towards the easy-to-use digital platform.
BZI has implemented more than 150 design changes (35 in 2021) to help improve efficiency through the entire insurance process. In addition, the company has made numerous changes to both underwriting questions and information on the portal, to continue driving down the need to refer, therefore saving brokers time.
As a result of this success, and due to organic market demand, BZI rebuilt its core technology to offer its “platform as a service” (PaaS) and is now offerings its PaaS to three carefully selected current partners. BZI plans to expand its PaaS internationally from the end of 2022, with significant demand for its cost efficient, easily configurable technology insurance solution, Blue Leopard.
“Just three years after launching, we are enhancing our technology stack by moving from Blue Leopard 1.0 to Blue Leopard 2.0,” says a company executive. “There were a number of business and technological challenges that we were attempting to solve through this migration, but prime amongst these challenges is the need for a truly multi-tenant technology platform that is able to efficiently meet the needs of multiple agencies and insurers.”
By focusing on technology, automation and a feedback-led enhancement process, BZI ensures that its broker users can support their customers efficiently. The roll out of the Blue Leopard 2.0 platform makes BZI ideally positioned to safely scale to achieve its lofty ambitions.
With such expansive operations, Western’s focus is on the people who deliver first-class services every day. The company believes that the quality of the people within the organization – across all divisions – is one of the ways to distinguish itself from other organizations in the sector.
A focus on efficiency, safety, consistent performance, training, and clear communication is part of the organization’s commitment to providing excellent services to its clients across North America. And it doesn’t stop there. Western is also keen to create a family environment and engage with the community through activities such as local sponsorships and fundraisers.
For example, Western has partnered with the O’Chiese First Nation in the Eagle Well Servicing joint venture and is continuously looking for more joint venture opportunities. More broadly, the organization is focused on diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives and organizational practices such as equal opportunity hiring.
“Company success is dependent on keeping workers safe and healthy. If there are no workers, there is no company”
Dan Lundstrom, Western Energy Services
A significant part of Western’s success at reducing its Environmental Footprint has been through its equipment designs and technology. As an example, Western has equipped rigs with “Power on Demand” technology as well as Natural Gas fuel systems for the rigs and boilers. With this technology, the equipment is designed to run at peak efficiencies with engines that start up and shut down as needed. This results in savings in fuel consumption and lower emissions.
Western values adaptability and open-mindedness as key qualities that ensure worker safety. Remaining flexible and engaged with its employees, Western has fostered a safe and efficient work environment.
April Williams
Vice President, Human Resources