About Christopher Tisler

Christopher Tisler is a superintendent who oversees drilling fluids engineers and a software technology entrepreneur based in Chico, CA. Originally from Detroit, MI, Tisler joined the US Army at 17 and served a successful tour of duty as an Infantryman stationed in Friedberg, Germany. He credits the mental resilience and physical persistence taught during his Army experience as being instrumental in preparing him for the grueling conditions often experienced on oilfield rigs and in the business world. Chris is a shining example of what hard work and determination can accomplish, rising from an entry-level position as a Rig Hand to an expert in drilling fluid technology.

Throughout his young adulthood, Christopher lived alternately in Detroit with his mother and in Bakersfield, CA, with his father. He got his start in the Michigan oilfields, working as a roughneck on drilling rigs. His role focused on the physically demanding tasks of rig operations—tripping pipe, maintaining drilling equipment, and assisting in the overall drilling process. At the same time, he was pursuing a second career, taking classes in Computer Information Systems at a local community college. Both of these early decisions would be instrumental in laying a strong foundation for Tisler’s success in the field of drilling fluid technologies and as a successful software developer.

Over the past decade, Tisler has bootstrapped two software companies and five drilling-related mobile apps. Tisler’s most recent software venture, White Tie Fantasy, introduced a unique approach to daily fantasy sports, offering an innovative auction-based draft experience. In late 2018, Tisler exited White Tie Fantasy, selling its intellectual property to another fantasy sports company, where elements of its innovative design continue to influence the industry.

When Christopher Tisler moved back to Michigan to live with his mother, he made the challenging adjustment to small-town life in Beaverton, MI. Growing up in Beaverton, Tisler formed lifelong friendships with good-hearted people who kept him grounded. Chris enlisted in the US Army Infantry at 17, trained at Fort Benning, GA, and completed the 2-year minimum service requirement in 2000. His time stationed in Friedberg, Germany, where he earned the German Sports Badge Award, the German Shutzensnur Award, and the Army Achievement Medal, was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. These lessons he used to his advantage in the oil field and the fast-paced technology industry.