Mike Oestmann is a native Midlander and a graduate of Lee High School. He then went on to Rice University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology with a Geophysics Option. In 1982, Mike began his career with Exxon in Houston. He moved back to Midland in 1989 during his 15 years with Exxon. He then spent time with Titan / Pure Resources/ Unocal and Celero / Whiting before co-founding Piedra Resources in 2007. Piedra sold its assets to Berry Petroleum in 2011 for over $120 million. In May of 2012, Mike and partners began Tall City Exploration with a $200 million equity commitment from Denham Capital. Tall City completed the sale of its assets in 2015 for a total of $1.2 B. In 2016, Mike founded Tall City Exploration II and is currently the President and CEO. Mike is a member of the AAPG and SEG, the PBGS (having served as President) WTGS and SPE. He is a certified geologist with the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists and the DPA of the AAPG.  He also serves as an elder at Westway Church of Christ. Mike and Cathy, his wife of 32 years, have 4 daughters and 4 grandchildren.