Day in the life: Rod Bowers

With over two decades of dedication to SPM Oil & Gas, Rod Bowers’s roles have progressed from service technician to facility manager, transforming the Grande Prairie service center into a premiere Canadian oilfield operations support resource. Guiding the service center since 2002, Rod’s deep technical expertise and customer-first leadership helps oilfield companies navigate the country’s demanding conditions.

Q: What is your background and how did you start your career at SPM Oil & Gas?

I've been fortunate to spend my entire 25-year career at SPM Oil & Gas. I learned the intricacies of pressure pumping equipment from the ground up and performed a variety of maintenance and repairs to the different types of SPM frac pumps. Those hands-on experiences are invaluable in my current role.

Q: What is your current role and what does your day-to-day look like?

As the Grand Prairie facility manager, I engage directly with our customers to anticipate and help them plan for their maintenance needs. Downtime isn’t an option in this industry, and my focus is to help keep their equipment up and running to achieve their operational efficiency goals. I also ensure our center’s skilled technicians are equipped with the resources they need to help oilfield companies lower their total cost of ownership by maximizing the longevity of their assets.

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Rod Bowers

Q: What's different about the spm oil and gas service center capabilities in grande prairie compared to others in the basin?

Our location truly functions as a comprehensive one-stop shop for pressure pumping and pressure control solutions — from supplying and renting equipment to providing maintenance, repair and services. Our location combines a shop and yard which is not only convenient but allows us to offer faster turnaround times with equipment on site to support operating efficiencies.

Our service teams deploy anywhere customers need support, performing engineering-driven pump repairs and root cause analysis to help prevent further issues. Our location also offers iron reinspection services to prevent failures and over-pressurization for greater safety on-site. From power end repairs to complete overhauls, we deliver comprehensive services that reflect lifecycle learnings and include final assembly, testing, remanufacturing and refurbishment.

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SPM Facility in Grande Prairie, Canada

Q: Why do oilfield companies trust and choose spm oil & gas services?

There are many reasons oilfield companies choose to work with our team. We’re strategically located, like all global SPM Oil & Gas service teams, to minimize logistics and reduce downtime. SPM experts also deeply understands pressure pumping and frac iron technology as well as the industry's evolving requirements. Lastly, we focus on identifying the root cause of any equipment challenge to help ensure an asset doesn’t repeatedly experience the same issue. That makes notable impact that not only lowers OpEx but promotes longer pumping time.

Q: Explain the growth of grande prairie. How do you think it will evolve over the next few years?

Oilfield companies are pushing their equipment to operate over 20 hours a day and maintaining that intense pace requires companies to collaborate with experienced service teams who know how to extend the life and uptime of that equipment. Our ability to help companies improve operating efficiency while lowering costs is a fundamental driver of Grand Prairie’s growth.

Our team is an extension of our customers' service crews, seamlessly integrating with them to provide insights and support. As the industry evolves, we’ll continue to work alongside companies across the oil patch to meet their needs.

Q: How are the needs of canadian oilfield companies evolving? What trends are you seeing in the canadian oilfield?

Canada’s oil and gas production is poised to grow in response to rising global energy demand. In Western Canada, this growth unfolds across a vast landscape, where operations face some of the most challenging conditions in the industry.

Canadian operators are known for their innovative mindset, are quick to adopt new technologies and committed to delivering efficient, high-performance pressure pumping solutions to E&Ps. We take pride in being part of our customers’ journey, helping them overcome challenges and succeed in one of the most demanding oil and gas environments in the world.

Our five service centers in this area span a 1,500 km range, strategically positioned to support customers wherever they are. These regions experience long, harsh winters with temperatures dropping to –40°C, placing extreme stress on both equipment and operators.

We don’t just serve this region, we live here and work here. Our teams understand the terrain, the climate, and the operational realities firsthand. That deep local experience allows us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers, providing reliable support and solutions tailored to their needs.

Q: How is the grande prairie team helping canadian oilfield companies achieve their operational and sustainability goals?

Our team supports oilfield companies' operational and sustainability goals by expertly maintaining their pressure pumping equipment, which helps decrease environmental risks and prevent unplanned downtime. As a Caterpillar company, we support our customers wherever their operations take them — from pump to wellhead.

Q: What do you like most about working for spm oil & gas?

SPM Oil & Gas has allowed me to expand my career and skills in an industry I'm passionate about. There's never been a more dynamic or rewarding time to be in oil and gas. The companies we work with support communities worldwide.

Q: What has been the most fulfilling aspect to date in your career?

Being part of a strong, well-rounded team who consistently delivers results for the companies we serve is rewarding, and I experience that satisfaction every day.

Q: How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family, whether we're playing hockey, boating or hiking.