Texaco people profile: Tony Casas
Tony Casas
Regional Technical Solutions Manager
Specialism: Maintenance cost reductions and continuous improvement
Length of time in business: Over 30 years
Based in: Brisbane, Australia
What credentials / experience do you have?
I trained as a mechanical engineer and over my 30 years with Chevron, I have amassed extensive equipment application and lubrication experience. I have a thorough knowledge of reciprocating and rotating machinery, including front line critical equipment such as haul trucks, hydraulic excavators, electric rope shovels, grinding mills and turbines.
What do you believe Texaco has to offer customers?
I would say we have world class products. Texaco’s services and solutions are aimed to help reduce equipment maintenance costs, improve reliability and durability.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the industry at the moment?
I think there are a few, but if I had to focus in on just one, I think I’d highlight the tough competitive environment our customers are facing currently. This situation is likely set to intensify further, so to help customers remain profitable and viable, lubricant manufacturers need to go beyond the basic supply of products and focus on reliability, durability and lowering operating costs. With years of hands-on experience, our engineers understand customers’ operating issues, the hostile operating environments and that the cost of downtime and/or equipment overhaul can be substantial. Our teams work very hard to help customers reduce their Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and to maximise production and profits.
Who do you most admire and why?
Bill Gates, not just for the creation of the Microsoft platform but for his philanthropic work in areas such as health care and educational development for developing regions across the world.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
I really enjoy listening to conversations about business, career development and marketing. Carla Harris, Lisa Nichols, Stephen Barlett, Tim Ferris and Seth Godin are some of my go-to favourites.
What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
Don’t settle in your comfort zone. Explore your limits, take calculated risks, and treat failures as a chance to learn and grow.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
To advocate for yourself! Don’t be embarrassed to sell your skills and experience when you get the opportunity, and advocate for others where and when you can too.
What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?
Be persistent, patient and treat everyone with respect.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was younger, I wanted to become a game ranger, to protect wild animals in Africa. It’s a cause I am still very passionate about today.
What skill do you think more people should learn?
Learn about finances in whatever business world you are in. Understanding areas such as profit and loss and how it drives a business helps you understand a customer’s buying decisions and business needs. You can, of course, then also leverage this knowledge for your own personal finances, learning how to invest and forecast your net worth year by year.
