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.

EDUCATION and MILITARY CAREER

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.

After his honorable discharge from the US Army, Christopher continued his education at the Florida Institute of Technology, studying Computer Information Systems. At each turn in Tisler’s career, he pursued the education needed to succeed. Tisler attended Mud School at Geo Drilling Fluids’ Bakersfield facility, where he gained in-depth knowledge of drilling fluids, focusing on the properties, behavior, and treatment of oil-based and high-performance water-based muds.

DRILLING FLUIDS EXPERT

Early in his oil field career, Tisler worked as a Rig Hand for Indril Inc. and Caza Drilling Company (in Bakersfield, CA) and, most notably, at Ensign Drilling. For nearly six years, he was responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing various types of oilfield equipment while bolstering drilling operations. He continually took on more responsibility, including conducting regular safety audits and supervising the performance of other rig personnel. 

Tisler’s field experience took him from Michigan to the California oil and gas industry, where he is currently Superintendent of a Drilling Fluid Engineering team at Geo Drilling Fluids, Inc. In this expert role, Chris is not just tasked with identifying drilling inefficiencies and implementing automated strategies in the field, but he does so with a passion for driving process improvements across multidisciplinary teams and making data-driven decisions to ensure optimal drilling results. His leadership in training new employees on efficient and safe drilling practices with multiple mud types is a testament to his dedication to his work.

With over two decades in the oil and gas industry, Tisler is a forward-thinking problem solver who has driven both operational and digital advancements in the oilfield, improving efficiency, data accuracy, and real-time decision-making. At Geo Drilling Fluids, he led the company in pioneering automated drilling fluid report data transfers and played a key role in launching the first Automated Fluid Monitoring system for onshore drilling rigs. His expertise in drilling fluid chemistry, emulsifier performance, and downhole conditions simulation has also contributed to advancements in optimizing wellbore conditions and drilling performance.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

Christopher Tisler is extremely proud of his success as a Software Developer and Tech Entrepreneur. In addition to working full-time in the oilfield industry, Chris became the Co-Founder of Archimedes Workshop (ArcWorks), an umbrella company for his tech ventures and entrepreneurial partnerships. He began developing apps, including Goodstamp, a social network that promotes good deed collaborations, and Oilfield Calendar, a scheduling tool for oilfield families. ArcWorks has bootstrapped five oil field-related mobile apps that have been instrumental in optimizing oil field workflows and increasing overall industry efficiency.

Most notable of Tisler and his business partner’s success is the White Tie Fantasy app, an immersive sports auction site that delivers an exciting fantasy draft experience. As COO and Co-Founder of White Tie Fantasy, Christopher managed budgets and controlled product innovation and iterations. He was the primary force in obtaining the software patent for the White Tie Fantasy auction process, which demanded persistence. Tisler helped grow the company by hiring marketing, coding, and data delivery teams to achieve optimum customer engagement and market visibility. 

ArcWorks sold the patent for White Tie Fantasy in 2018, but Tisler still holds an equity stake. The venture led to a Keiretsu Forum pitch competition win and an invitation to their startup incubator. 

PERSONAL LIFE

Chris Tisler is a proud husband and father of three children, all of whom have become his strongest motivators for moving his career forward. He continually educates himself on the latest oil field processes and technologies and continues teaching himself advanced coding skills. His work with the Good Deed Social Network and his White Tie Fantasy app has been featured in publications, local news broadcasts, and podcasts. 

Tisler enjoys learning all he can about cryptocurrencies, along with the mathematics and probability theories surrounding the game of Craps. He is an avid Dungeons and Dragons player; He enjoys following the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Pistons, whether watching on TV or attending games when they play nearby.