Climbing from the Bottom to the Top
By Cory Thompson, Operating Partner of an Oil and Gas Maintenance Business in Fruita, Colorado
Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to put in the work—no matter how tough the journey gets. As Cory Thompson, I know firsthand what it means to start at the bottom and work your way up. From the early days of my career to becoming an operating partner of an oil and gas maintenance business, every step of the process has been shaped by commitment, resilience, and a belief in the power of hard work.
Growing up and working in Fruita, Colorado, I learned early on that nothing worth having comes easy. The oil and gas industry is demanding, and like many others in this field, I had to prove myself through sweat, grit, and determination.
Starting at the Bottom Builds Character
There’s a certain kind of pride that comes from starting at the bottom. When you begin your career doing the tough, hands-on work, you develop an appreciation for every role within a company. I’ve been in the trenches, working long hours, handling tough jobs, and pushing through challenges that tested my limits. But those early experiences shaped who I am today.
Climbing the ranks isn’t just about gaining experience—it’s about learning what it takes to be a leader. When you start from the ground up, you understand the struggles of your team because you’ve lived them. You gain respect by showing that you’re not afraid to do the hard work yourself. That kind of leadership can’t be taught in a classroom; it’s earned through years of proving your dedication.
The Value of a Strong Work Ethic
One thing I’ve always believed is that talent alone won’t get you to the top—work ethic will. In my industry, and in any profession, those who put in the effort, go the extra mile, and refuse to quit are the ones who rise.
I’ve seen plenty of people with skills, but without the drive to push forward, those skills go to waste. On the other hand, I’ve worked alongside individuals who may not have had the most experience, but through sheer determination and a willingness to learn, they’ve built incredible careers for themselves. That’s the power of hard work—it creates opportunities where others see roadblocks.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Looking back on my journey as Cory Thompson of Fruita, Colorado, I can pinpoint a few key lessons that have helped me grow:
- Be Willing to Do the Hard Jobs – The tasks no one wants to do are often the ones that teach you the most. Embrace the challenge.
- Stay Humble and Keep Learning – No matter how much you know, there’s always room to grow. Stay curious and seek knowledge from those around you.
- Consistency Beats Shortcuts – There are no shortcuts to success. The people who show up every day, put in the work, and stay committed are the ones who make it.
- Respect Everyone on the Team – From the newest hire to the most experienced veteran, everyone plays a role in the success of a business. Treat every job with the same level of respect.
- Set Goals and Stay Focused – It’s easy to get distracted, but if you have a clear vision of where you want to go, you’ll find a way to get there.
From the Bottom to the Top: A Journey Worth Taking
As an operating partner of an oil and gas maintenance business, I take pride in the fact that I didn’t just land in this position—I earned it. The long hours, the hard days, and the lessons learned along the way have made success all the more rewarding.
For anyone just starting out, I can tell you this: don’t be afraid of hard work. It may not be glamorous, and it won’t always be easy, but the journey of working your way up builds resilience, knowledge, and the kind of leadership that people respect.
No matter your industry or career path, success comes down to one thing—your willingness to put in the work. If you commit to that, there’s no limit to how far you can go.