The Partnership

After meeting repeatedly in the Artesia-area oil patch, Mack Chase and Johnny Gray decided to enter business together. In 1972, they formed Marbob Energy Corporation, named for their wives, Marilyn Chase and Bobbie Gray. The oil and gas operating company grew successfully for 20 years and reached production of 2,700 barrels of oil per day. In 1992, Chase and Gray dissolved the partnership to pursue their separate business interests and operating philosophies, dividing the production evenly. Within one year, each company had reached the production level they had shared in the partnership, and within a few years each business had about three times that shared level, reflecting both men's drive to succeed. Gray kept the Marbob name, and his children continued to operate that business, while Chase continued production under Mack Energy Corporation. In 2004, Mack Energy Corporation and Marbob Energy Corporation were among the top 10 oil producers working in New Mexico.

Artesia, New Mexico · United States