Billy McLucas
Investor, Developer, Entrepreneur
Originally from the Greater Boston Area, I spent my childhood and adolescent years chasing a hockey puck around most of the northeastern US and parts of Canada. On occasion, when the temperature was too high for ice to form, we threw a baseball or lacrosse ball around to pass the time. After being accepted to Rice University for my undergraduate studies, I quickly realized I’d have to make a change. Since the Texas heat doesn’t support the formation of ice well, I decided to take up my Irish ancestral pastime, Rugby.
Post graduation, I split my time between two worlds. Half my time was been spent navigating the highly atypical world of the offshore drilling industry working a rotational schedule, and the other half nurturing a few start-up real estate developments in Houston. I’ve always had an innate entrepreneurial curiosity and flare for the investment world. Coupled with my inquisitive financial nature and interest in cultures of the world, my dual professional background is not surprising and has provided a wide array of opportunity for professional and personal growth.
After traipsing through seventeen countries on six different continents, I’m fortunate to say I’ve had the opportunity to lead several very diverse teams to success amidst conditions that were anything but ideal. Managing an offshore drilling facility is not a “normal job” by any stretch of the imagination. “The office” is a massive floating piece of steel ranging in size from that of a tugboat to as large as an aircraft carrier (often located tens, if not hundreds, of miles offshore). Needless to say, logistics are often a nightmare. My teams have been a medley of individuals from all corners of the globe with backgrounds ranging from professors, scientists, and engineers to high school drop outs, gypsies, and self-proclaimed outlaws. Although there has been a fair share of challenges, the experiences have never been dull.
A short trip back to Rice for an MBA landed me a stint in investment banking, ultimately leading to the launch of a private investment group. Creative companies and solid long-term partners make every day exciting and challenging these days.
As many have said, entrepreneurship comes with the chance to be both the janitor and president all at once. With a separate set of trials and tribulations to those elsewhere in my professional life, the ability to visualize a project, design a business model, and work through the operational phase to see an idea come to fruition is priceless.
Fortunately, I’m still able to enjoy an occasional hockey game, partake in a random night of two-stepping, hike to the far ends of the earth, cook a decent meal, or spend time with friends. I’m hoping there may be a coaching opportunity and a few minutes to learn an instrument in the near future.
If you’re interested in knowing more about life offshore or talking about entrepreneurship or private investing send me a note.