Chance conversation leads to new mine, redi-mix operations for opportunity-driven contractors in Texas

Success in business often comes from identifying opportunities and acting on them. That’s been the case for Scott Sherman, who has helped build multiple companies — including Wildcatter Sand Services LLC.

“I started my career as a homebuilder, which I did for almost 15 years,” Scott recalled. “During the course of that, I looked for ways to vertically integrate. Along the way, we started new companies with the idea that not only could they help with my work but develop relationships with outside customers too.”

The opportunity to form Wildcatter Sand Services came about two years ago. While visiting a friend, a neighbor came by and mentioned that a sand mine around Denison, Texas, was for sale.

“I asked if it was still available, and the neighbor confirmed with a realtor that it was,” Scott said. “It was under contract when he called, but the contract was set to run out in a couple of days. We visited the mine the day it expired, which was on a Friday. By Tuesday, we had it under contract. That was September of 2020, and that was the start of Wildcatter Sand Services.”

Scott is chief operating officer of the company, and his father, Skeet, is the CEO. Additional officers include Chief Financial Officer Angela Wilkins, Treasurer Paul Valdez and Director John O’Shea.

“We didn’t have any experience running a mine but having a background in construction management and operations helped,” said Scott. “When we see an opportunity, we go after it. We don’t believe in letting grass grow under our feet. One of our core strengths is building teams, and we have a talented group that does that.

“We did have some concrete finishing for residential and commercial construction experience, so there was some familiarity with material supply,” he added. “Once we acquired the mine, I spent a little over a year establishing new systems and processes.”

The mine, known as Grayson County Sand & Gravel, is more than 260 acres and produces several items. Sand materials such as mason and concrete sand are its primary focus, but it also makes and carries several varieties of rock.

“We are one of the few mines along the Red River that has rock, so that’s a big advantage for us,” Scott pointed out. “Our largest customers are redi-mix plants. We service about a 65-mile area to the east, south and west of Denison.”

Kirby-Smith’s service makes a difference

To reduce maintenance costs and increase fuel efficiency, Scott obtained new equipment with the help of Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) Territory Manager Matt Probey.

“Matt and I sat down and talked about what I wanted to accomplish, and he and Kirby-Smith put together a package that would make it happen,” Scott said. “The combination of new Komatsu equipment and Kirby-Smith’s attentiveness to service and support made a great difference. They have an impeccable team that’s mindful of customer needs. Whatever we need, Kirby-Smith will figure out how to make it happen, and we have found that to be something that’s pretty rare these days.”

Plant Manager Joel Ray Stringfellow said KSM’s knowledge and service led to Wildcatter Sand Services’ acquisition of an electric-driven Masaba wash plant with a 6-foot-by-20-foot twin-deck screen over a 36-inch fine material washer that has further increased efficiency and lowered fuel costs.

“We are able to run the plant longer and with less maintenance compared to our old one,” said Joel Ray, who noted that Wildcatter Sand Services also added a Masaba feeder and conveyor. “All we have done is tighten and replace screens. In the morning, we fire up the generator, and the plant runs all day. It handles up to 300 tons of 1-inch native rock a day.”

Wildcatter Sand Services’ fleet of Komatsu equipment includes a PC490LC-11 excavator that is used to load several HM400-5 haul trucks in the pit. The trucks transport the raw material to the staging area of the plant. Operators then use WA470-8 wheel loaders to feed the wash plant and load smaller trucks, and they load larger trucks with a WA500-8 wheel loader.

“We have tried several major brands of equipment through various businesses over the years, and I would say that Komatsu is by far at the top of the list,” Scott said. “We put our machines through some rigorous challenges, and Komatsu holds up to the tests. Most importantly, our operators are happy with Komatsu equipment, so they are more productive. It’s comfortable, responsive and durable without giving us any major issues.”

Plus, Joel Ray tracks the equipment with Komtrax through My Komatsu.

“It gives us a picture of usage versus idle time, and that’s maximized production because we were able to see how high our idle time was, address that with our staff and lower it. It’s a great fleet management tool.

Ongoing expansion planned

Wildcatter Sand Services has already built on the success of the Grayson County Sand & Gravel operation. It will soon begin operations at a second mine in Chico, Texas. Last year, it opened redi-mix facilities in Gunter and Saginaw.

“Our goal for this year was to add another redi-mix location, if not two,” said Scott. “Long term, we are looking for aggressive growth and to increase our presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex by adding strategically located redi-mix facilities and aggregate operations. We could potentially double in size during the next two years.”

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See how Masaba Wash Plant makes difference for Wildcatter!