Alliance Spotlight: Avery Smith
Name: Avery Smith
Company: Basin Environmental & Safety Technologies, LLC
Title: Senior Vice President
Who’s your favorite Oklahoman? Can’t name just one! I’d have to say both of my grandpas, Jim Martin (Papa) and my namesake, Hicks Avery Smith, Jr. (Poppie) for different reasons. Papa spent nearly 70 years with Phillips 66 between Tulsa and Ada before passing away earlier this year. HAS II (Poppie) was a pilot and fought in three wars (WWII, Korea, and Vietnam). I’ll never fully know or contemplate what he went through as a young man. They are sadly no longer with us, but both embodied what it means to be old-school, an Adan, and Oklahoman!
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Bone-In, Prime Ribeye steak, medium-rare, seared with Chili-lime seasoning.
Mountains or beach? Mountains all the way. Put me up in a cabin far removed from civilization and you may never see me again.
Have you met anyone famous? Met quite a few, but my favorite encounter was Sir Charles Barkley. I was 18 years old working at Champs Sports at Paradise Valley Mall in Scottsdale in 1992 when Barkley first joined the Phoenix Suns. In 1992-93 the Suns were everything and had taken over the entire city during their run to the NBA Finals against Jordan and the Bulls. Charles happened to be walking through the mall on a random weekday morning. I spotted him when he walked by and was able to catch up with him. We had at least a 15-minute one-on-one conversation. He could not have been nicer or more gracious and even autographed two official NBA balls for me that I had grabbed off the shelf of my store. I still display that ball in my office.
What’s your favorite drink? Whistle Pig on the rocks, paired with a cigar on our back deck at sunset…my Heaven on Earth.
Favorite college team? Boomer Sooner! My dad played defensive back for OSU in the early 70’s but for some reason, he took this small-town, Ada-born kid to his first-ever college football game in Norman for OU-Nebraska. Even though the Huskers won that day, it’s been Crimson and Cream ever since! Bring on the SEC!
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job? I solve problems, set organizational strategy, identify opportunities, maintain and establish relationships, manage contracts, build the brand, and ensure our company stays compliant and authorized to work for anyone, anywhere!
Favorite band in junior high? Run-D.M.C. – It’s Tricky!
Name of your pet? Ritza (aka: Ritz, Ritza Lynn, Ritza Ruby Sue) – our German Short-Haired Pointer. Her life is honestly better than any other dog or human on the planet.
What was your first job? The Pima College Aztec bookstore in Tucson, AZ when I was 15. The thing I remember most about that job is that I had a hilarious boss with a glass eye and could never tell if she was looking at me or something/someone else. She took great delight in that by the way.
What was your first car? 1986 Volkswagen Jetta (aka the money pit) with a hand crank sunroof.
If you could have dinner with one person, alive or dead, who would it be? President Ronald Reagan, aka Ronaldus Magnus. His leadership and ability to communicate (even with political rivals), and the way he persevered through adversity utilizing his natural charm, wit, and humor were unmatched. This man stared down communism, called it the evil that it is, and led the fight to bring about the ultimate disintegration of the Iron Curtain. “Peace through strength!”
What was your favorite TV show as a child? “The Dukes of Hazzard” was must-see-TV for this 80’s kid. I even had the original metal school lunch box. That Daisy Duke, tho…
What’s the number one item you would save from your burning house? Old photos of my wife Amy and I and our kids/family. You know, actual printed photos that were taken by 35mm cameras, way before smartphones. Most everything else can be replaced.
What is your favorite thing about working in the oil and gas industry? I’m proud to be a part of an industry that fuels our nation and the world. I’ve worked in multiple industries throughout my career, but this one by far makes me the proudest. It is filled with individuals who are inspirational, resilient, thrive on taking risks, value freedom, and can wear both dress clothes and FRs in the same day!
What is your favorite holiday? Halloween, because the weather turns chilly, it’s the heart of football season, and the official start of the holiday season!
What is the best gift you have ever received? Time. It’s a limited resource and not guaranteed so I’ve learned to live in the moment and soak it all in so I don’t miss out on the most important things in life.
What is the first thing you would do if you won the lottery? So many possibilities, but my “beauty pageant answer” would be to open massive animal rescue resorts in multiple cities. Imagine the Disney World/Four Seasons of animal shelters. No animal would be turned away, ever! Currently seeking investors…who’s in?!?
Last movie you saw at the theater? We used to go to the movies at least once per week before the pandemic. We’ve been maybe twice since. I think the last movie we saw in a theater was DC League of Super Pets with our grandson, Tycen.
What’s your favorite app? Faceover, a face swap and GIF creator app. I crack myself up even if no one else thinks it’s funny.