Operators are under pressure to do more with less, and the future of completions lies in data-driven decision making. In this episode of Nerdin' Out, hosts Alex Fortin and Derek Mathewson sit down with Sean Hervo, co-founder and CEO of PrePad, to explore how physics-based simulation helps operators design completions smarter, faster, and more profitably.Sean shares how PrePad enables operators to simulate completions in minutes, optimize for economics (not just cost and time), and integrate seamlessly with Cold Bore’s real-time SmartPAD data. Together, they dive into the digitization of oil & gas, the shift from spreadsheets to simulation, and the opportunities for operators to unlock six-figure value per well.If you’re looking for insights on how completions data, real-time optimization, and lifecycle economics are transforming oil & gas, this episode is for you.👉 Learn more: www.PrePad.io👉 Explore Cold Bore Technology: www.coldboretechnology.com👉 Subscribe for more conversations on the future of completions.Sean Hervo is the co-founder and CEO of PrePad, a completions simulation platform that enables operators to make faster, smarter, and more profitable decisions. With nearly 15 years of experience in oil & gas, including 12 years at Shell where he led completions engineering teams in Canada’s Montney and Duvernay plays, Sean brings deep technical expertise and business acumen to energy technology.Originally trained as a mechanical engineer specializing in aerospace, Sean pivoted into energy and later co-founded PrePad to solve a critical gap in completions planning: replacing manual spreadsheets with physics-based, real-time simulation. Today, PrePad helps leading operators maximize free cash flow, reduce emissions, and deliver long-term value across the entire well lifecycle.00:00 – When things go wrong at 4 a.m.01:19 – Introduction to the episode01:42 – Meet Sean Hervo, CEO of PrePad02:38 – From aerospace engineering to oil & gas03:57 – Entrepreneurial leap: founding PrePad05:13 – Moving beyond spreadsheets in completions07:10 – Starting PrePad outside Shell08:12 – From cost-cutting to true value optimization10:27 – Linking subsurface and completions data12:10 – Aligning drilling, completions & production teams13:46 – Wrong incentives in silos15:18 – Digitization as the next frontier in oil & gas18:27 – Learning from biotech & manufacturing22:03 – Why investors demand digitized workflows23:48 – What data surprises operators most26:28 – Cold Bore x PrePad: A powerful synergy30:04 – Towards real-time completions decision-making33:57 – Doing more with less in a shrinking workforce35:22 – The impact of AI data centers on energy demand39:11 – LNG exports and global energy geopolitics41:06 – Chevron’s triple fracking in the Permian43:40 – The scale of simultaneous fracking challenges45:14 – Dealing with water & infrastructure bottlenecks47:04 – Cold Bore adapting to multi-well frack operations49:09 – Building robust data models for scalability50:16 – PrePad’s simulation challenges & solutions53:00 – Scaling PrePad with U.S. operators56:17 – Running a software company without being a software engineer58:14 – Building the right team to scale PrePad59:58 – Where to find Sean Hervo

Welcome to another episode of the Nerdin' Out with Cold Bore. This time, Craig and Derek sit down with Josh Gray from Stage Completions—a guy who’s seen it all, from sub-zero rig runs to cutting-edge frac design.In this wide-ranging, hilarious, and genuinely insightful episode, Josh breaks down what makes Stage’s “interventionless” completions system different, shares metallurgy wisdom only a true nerd would know, and reflects on how rig life shaped his approach to the business. Whether you’re deep in the world of wellbore design or just love a good story about getting lost on your way to Fort Liard, this one’s for you.With over a decade of hands-on experience in the oilfield, Josh Gray brings a unique blend of field savvy, technical knowledge, and sharp wit to the table. Having worked the rigs himself before stepping into the business development side at Stage Completions, Josh understands the complexities of the energy sector from both the boots-on-ground and boardroom perspectives. Passionate about metallurgy, completions design, and tech integration, Josh is known for bridging innovation with real-world application. Off the rig, you’ll find him nerding out on steel grades or navigating the wilds of AI articles and memes.⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: The Role of AI in Energy00:20 – Welcome to the Show + Guest Intro01:00 – Josh Gray’s Background at Stage Completions01:30 – How Interventionless Completions Work03:00 – Plug & Perf vs. Stage System: Industry Trends05:00 – Tech Hurdles and Innovation in Canada vs. U.S.06:00 – Metallurgy and Material Science in Completions10:00 – Life in the Oilfield: Rig Stories & Field Lessons17:00 – Builder.AI: A Case of Fake AI and Investor Hype21:00 – Can AI Predict Frac Performance?24:00 – Will AI Replace Experience in the Field?27:00 – The Promise and Limits of AI in Fracturing29:00 – Cold Bore’s Sonic System & Real-Time Downhole Data32:00 – U-Turn Wells & Advanced Drilling Techniques35:00 – Final Thoughts & Podcast OutroLearn more about us👇Website: https://www.coldboretechnology.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldboretech/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColdBoreTech/https://www.linkedin.com/company/cold-bore-technology/mycompany/

🎙️ In this episode of Nerdin' Out with Cold Bore, we sit down with Sean David, VP of Upstream Operations, to explore how artificial intelligence, real-time data, and a hefty dose of curiosity are transforming the energy industry. From his first-hand experiences watching fracs in the field to innovating artificial lift systems with the Whale Shark separator system, Sean brings deep insight into how oil and gas is evolving—fast.But we don’t stop at downhole tech. We dive into how Grok and other AI tools are redefining well analysis, decision-making, and engineering roles in the field, leaving some consultants wondering if they’ll even have jobs in two years. We also talk sucker rods, gas lock, and the hidden costs of inefficient completions, before stepping into the big picture: AI, quantum computing, and whether the energy sector is ready for the singularity.Whether you’re a data nerd, an operator in the patch, or just wondering how AI will change your job, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and real talk.0:00 – The Grok Moment: AI does in 30s what used to take days1:25 – Meet Sean David: From sucker rods to smart data3:00 – The Origin of Whale Shark: Reinventing the separator6:45 – Gas Lock and the Downhole Problem-Solving Journey10:20 – Shark-Themed Engineering: From valves to solids control11:05 – Sean’s Field Journey: Why data alone wasn’t enough14:00 – The Chaos and Cost of Frac Sites: $50K/hour decisions16:40 – Operational Efficiency: How 4 minutes can save millions19:00 – AI and Frac Data Optimization: Where Grok takes over22:00 – The Coming AI Disruption: What’s left for humans?25:00 – ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini: Force multipliers for engineers27:00 – Markets, Tariffs, and the Reshoring Playbook30:00 – BRICS, Petrochemicals, and US Dollar Strategy32:00 – AI Agents, Tax Bots, and Radiology Revolution35:00 – Quantum Computing & Logical AI: What’s Next?38:30 – Final Advice: Learn AI or get left behindLearn more about us👇Website: https://www.coldboretechnology.com/Instagram: / coldboretech Facebook: / coldboretech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cold-bore-technology

In this episode of Nerdin' Out with Cold Bore, hosts Alex Fortin, Craig Bergmann, and Derek Mathewson dive deep into the intersection of AI, automation, and fracking.We start by analyzing DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model that claims to have been trained for a fraction of the cost of OpenAI’s models. The discussion touches on its controversial training methods, potential intellectual property (IP) concerns, and whether AI models can simply “copy” their way to success.Then, we shift to Halliburton’s AutoFrac SPE paper, recently presented at HFTC, and break down how automation is reshaping hydraulic fracturing operations. From automated pump rate adjustments to eliminating variability in day vs. night crews, we explore whether computer assisted completions will eventually replace human decision-making in the field.00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro00:16 – DeepSeek vs. OpenAI: A New AI Challenger?03:32 – Did DeepSeek Train Its AI by Copying OpenAI?06:51 – AI Business Model Disruptions & The Race to the Bottom12:27 – Discussing Halliburton’s recent AutoFrac SPE Paper15:42 – Automation in Fracing: Manual vs. Automated Control17:45 – How Computer Driven Fracturing Eliminates Variability20:03 – Can Automation Handle Unpredictable Downhole Challenges?22:12 – The Future of Automation in Completions: Machine-Assisted or Fully Automated?25:14 – Human vs. Machine in Fracturing: Where’s the Line?27:21 – Final Thoughts & Future of AI in Energy and memes of the day.Learn more about us👇Website: https://www.coldboretechnology.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldboretech/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColdBoreTech/https://www.linkedin.com/company/cold-bore-technology/mycompany/

Join Craig, Derek and special guest John Thompson for an insightful chat unpacking reservoir optimization techniques and production forecasting. We dive into rate transient analysis (RTA) - an advanced form of production data analysis. John breaks down how operators use RTA workflows to characterize reservoirs and inform field development decisions. You'll learn: - What RTA is and how it works - Why RTA helps production engineers identify underperforming wells - How operators leverage RTA for production optimization - Key innovations advancing RTA efficiency Whether you're a petroleum or production engineer, you'll gain valuable perspective on using RTA to unlock a reservoir's production potential. Stick around as John gives us a peek behind the scenes of Saga Wisdom - his digital learning platform making top energy industry training affordable and accessible. Grab a coffee and join the conversation! Let us know your biggest takeaways in the comments. In this episode, you will be able to: Learn how AI technology is revolutionizing the energy sector for enhanced efficiency and productivity. Discover the latest advancements in rate transient analysis for accurate production forecasting and optimization. Uncover strategies for unlocking the untapped production potential in the energy industry. Explore innovative approaches to oil and gas reservoir characterization for improved exploration and extraction. Gain insights into effective emissions reporting and management in the dynamic energy sector. My special guest is John Thompson John Thompson, an esteemed petroleum engineer and Co-founder of Saga Wisdom, boasts an impressive career spanning over 25 years in the oil and gas industry. With a solid foundation in chemical and mining engineering, John honed his expertise as a reservoir petroleum engineer, specializing in the intricate field of Rate Transient Analysis (RTA). Renowned for his proficiency in reservoir characterization, development planning, and production forecasting, John has traversed the US and Canada, imparting invaluable knowledge and methodologies to industry professionals. His recent foray into co-founding a digital learning company underscores his commitment to advancing industry expertise. With a wealth of experience and a passion for knowledge sharing, John is a pivotal figure for today's exploration of reservoir optimization and RTA. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Spotlight 00:04:30 - Alberta's proposed $70 Billion AI Data Center in Grande Prairie 00:08:22 - Economic Impact and Government Incentives 00:10:36 - Rate Transient Analysis (RTA) Explained 00:12:20 - Application of RTA and Engineering Techniques 00:13:06 - Understanding Fractured Well Flow Regimes 00:14:10 - Evolution of RTA in Industry 00:15:37 - Application of RTA in Production Evaluation 00:18:21 - Limitations of RTA and Predictive Tools 00:25:42 - Advancements in RTA Automation 00:26:35 - Advancements in RTA and Industry 00:27:19 - Society of Petroleum Engineers Distinguished Lecturer Tour 00:29:58 - Use of RTA for Production Optimization 00:34:05 - Introduction to Saga Wisdom 00:38:50 - Professional Designation Opportunities with Saga Wisdom 00:39:39 - Recognizing Talent in the Industry 00:42:20 - Overcoming Challenges in Starting a Company 00:43:11 - Utilizing Digital Platform Analytics 00:45:06 - Incorporating Live Lecturing 00:49:17 - Expanding Course Offerings 00:52:26 - Coldbore's Data Synchronization and Integration Services 00:53:35 - Coldbore's Technology Application in Completions 00:56:17 - Diversifying Coldbore's Service Offering 01:00:18 - Importance of Emissions Reporting 01:02:02 - RealView Fishing's Technology Innovation 01:05:06 - Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:05:14 - Call to Action and Engagement 01:05:31 - Gratitude and Farewell 01:05:43 - Musical Interlude

Hey nerds! Derek and I recently had an awesome chat about the exciting advancements happening in space exploration and remote operations centers. We nerded out over that insane SpaceX Starship landing and how the latest rockets can now transport crazy amounts of cargo into orbit at an extremely low cost per Kg - we're talking launching missions every 3 days! 🤯 This will enable so many new space startups and innovations. Derek also shared a cool story he heard about a company extending satellite longevity through some wild orbital mechanics - fascinating stuff! Then we brought it back down to Earth to discuss remote operations centers in the oil and gas industry. We talked about why operators are building ROCs to centralize data and decisions, aiming to optimize and reduce costs. But it takes some sophisticated tech to pull off successfully! We got into the nitty gritty of requiring fast, reliable networks and redundancy to prevent costly downtime. Plus you need flexible systems that can handle different equipment and providers. We even touched on how SpaceX's Starlink antenna played a role in bulletproofing our own data management and transmission from location! 📡 Let me know what sorts of topics you want covered next or if you have any good stories to share! And don't forget to smash those like and subscribe buttons! 👍🚀 In this episode, you will be able to: Explore the Impact of Rocket Launches on Property Value - Discover how rocket launches are influencing property values and what it means for real estate near launch sites. Learn about Satellite Longevity Extension Technology - Uncover the cutting-edge methods for extending the lifespan of satellites in orbit and the implications for space exploration and communication. Understand Network Redundancy in Remote Operations Centers - Gain insight into the crucial role of network redundancy in ensuring smooth and reliable operations in remote centers, especially for space missions. Discover Cost-Effective Strategies for Reducing the Cost per Kilogram to Space - Uncover innovative approaches and technologies aimed at reducing the cost of sending payloads to space, potentially revolutionizing space exploration. Stay Updated on SpaceX Starship Launch Frequency - Stay informed about the latest developments and frequency of Starship launches, offering a glimpse into the future of space travel and exploration. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - The Future of Space Exploration 00:02:35 - SpaceX Achievements 00:06:52 - Advancements in Lunar Missions 00:09:49 - Remote Operation Centers in Oil and Gas 00:12:35 - Considerations for ROC Implementation 00:13:54 - Factory Setup and Equipment Movement 00:14:41 - Data Integration and Service Company Flexibility 00:17:25 - Network Redundancy and Real-Time Data Challenges 00:22:50 - Starlink Satellite and IT Security 00:25:14 - SmartPad Automation and Data Quality 00:27:40 - Shia LaBeouf's Flag Display 00:29:37 - 4chan's Creative Tactics 00:30:48 - 4chan's Dedication 00:31:32 - Impact and Impressions 00:32:15 - Podcast Outro The resources mentioned in this episode are: Visit the Cold Bore Technology website to read the white paper on ROC and SmartPad for optimizing completions operations. Like and subscribe to the Cold Bore Technology YouTube channel for more informative content on completions operations and technology solutions. Reach out to Cold Bore Technology if you are interested in implementing SmartPad on your frac sites to automate time logs and streamline reporting. Check out the Cold Bore Technology podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for in-depth discussions on technology, completions operations, and more. Leave a comment on the Cold Bore Technology YouTube channel about your favorite takeaway from the podcast or any specific topics you'd like to see covered in future episodes.

Hey Nerds! Watching the results from the recent U.S. election rolling in nearly in real time got us thinking—what if polling wasn’t just about gathering opinions but incentivized participation to make more accurate forecasts? This sent us on a deep dive into polling biases, prediction markets like Polymarket, and their surprising accuracy in calling elections. But it doesn’t stop there! Inspired by this, we also discuss how automation and real-time data are transforming completions operations in oil and gas. Derek shares insights from his latest white paper on Automated Stage Reporting, and we explore how SmartPAD is revolutionizing workflows by eliminating manual reporting and boosting efficiency. This episode is packed with nerdy goodness. We kick off with a discussion about how prediction markets like Polymarket align incentives better than traditional polling. Alex even shares how tracking seven swing states in real time revealed some eye-opening trends—turns out, betting markets often out-predict the pundits! From there, we shift gears to the oil and gas world. Derek breaks down the challenges of traditional reporting methods and how SmartPAD is bringing a game-changing level of precision to stage reporting. Imagine cutting out human error, standardizing metrics, and delivering real-time reports that operators can actually rely on. We also nerd out about the nitty-gritty of building automated systems. It’s not just about pulling data from sensors; it’s about creating robust processes that work 99.99% of the time—even in the middle of nowhere. And the best part? These systems aren’t just helping operators—they’re making our own field techs more efficient, too! If you’re into tech, energy, or just love hearing about the intersection of big ideas, this episode is for you. Whether we’re geeking out over election prediction models or explaining how automation is reshaping industries, there’s something here for everyone. Have thoughts on prediction markets or automation in oil and gas? Drop us a comment below and join the conversation! 📆 Stay tuned for more episodes of Nerdin' Out with Cold Bore! 00:00:00 - Introduction to Automated Reporting and Completions 00:03:04 - Betting Analysis and Election 00:06:08 - Data Quality Challenges in Election Polling 00:07:29 - Benefits of Automated Reporting in Completions 00:10:10 - Importance of Data Quality and Standardization 00:13:01 - The Evolution of Standards in Completions 00:13:40 - Automated State Detection, Reporting, and Data Analysis 00:15:43 - Automated Stage Reporting 00:18:37 - Digitizing the Fracking Process 00:24:21 - Election Polls and Predictions 00:27:30 - Next Podcast Teaser 00:27:45 - Podcast Sign-off Learn more about us👇 Website: https://www.coldboretechnology.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldboretech/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColdBoreTech/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cold-bore-technology/mycompany/

In this episode of Nerdin' Out, Alex, Derek, and Craig discuss Cold Bore Technology’s approach to data governance. They delve into the frameworks and systems implemented to maintain data quality, covering key dimensions like accuracy, cohesion, and timeliness. They also explore how these principles support the oil and gas industry, ensuring that customers receive reliable high quality data, and discuss the data dimensions or "kingdoms" for categorizing data types. Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and hosts; brief discussion on aphantasia and visualization. 02:09 - Overview of the episode’s main topic: data governance at Cold Bore Technology. 03:01 - The importance of fact-checking and timeliness in data validation. 06:53 - The inception of the data governance initiative and how Cold Bore’s framework was developed. 08:19 - Addressing data quality issues: the evolution from simple data reporting to enhanced data transparency and accuracy. 09:25 - Explanation of Cold Bore’s "kingdoms" concept and data dimensions like completeness and cohesion. 10:57 - Introduction to the eight data dimensions Cold Bore considers critical. 13:13 - Case studies on accuracy checks: verifying data consistency using multiple data sources. 16:10 - Explanation of congruence and its application in Cold Bore’s systems. 20:19 - Cohesion as a measure of how multiple data streams correlate. 22:08 - Discussion on the importance of having external references for accuracy checks. 23:26 - The "fast lane" vs. "slow lane" approach to timeliness: balancing data speed with quality. 25:39 - Examples of how Cold Bore manages different data lanes for real-time and long-term analysis. 28:09 - Addressing precision and how Cold Bore eliminated manual timing errors for more accurate data logs. 31:13 - Conclusion: The significance of data governance for customers and how Cold Bore’s tools support data accuracy and reliability. Key Topics: Data Governance Accuracy, Cohesion, Congruence, and Timeliness Data Quality Frameworks "Kingdoms" Concept in Data Categorization Practical Applications in the Oil & Gas Industry Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review! Have a topic you'd like us to cover or a question about data quality? Drop a comment below or reach out on social media. Don’t forget to check out our white paper on data governance, available soon on our website, and follow us for more insightful content!

Hey friends! Alex and Craig here, "Nerdin' Out" over our data protocols and streaming in completions. We know, pretty niche topic - but if you love diggin' into the details of how data flows from sensors to decisions, this one's for you! We start off chatting about how Apple hypes up their product launches while we struggle to get eyes on our new data features. It ain't easy! Then we break down the various ways Cold Bore delivers data to customers: REST APIs, CSVs, streaming protocols like MQTT and websocket, queuing systems, and more. We highlight the tradeoffs between fast streaming data vs fully qualified and complete data sets. A key part of our data delivery is adding context and enrichment layers. We talk through how we build the "Critical Path" to map key operational events happening second bysecond out in the field. This context helps users make sense of the firehose of sensor data we generate every second. And of course, we can't resist a good meme about creatively using data to solve real world problems! Gave us a good laugh. Let us know what you found most interesting or if you have any other data questions for us. Don't forget to like and subscribe! The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Nerds vs Geeks 00:01:04 - Data Delivery & Apple Watch Ultra 2 Updates 00:04:52 - Data Protocol Methods 00:08:19 - Human vs Machine Data Processing 00:10:54 - Advantages of Queuing Systems 00:14:48 - Data Ops and Data Streaming 00:15:13 - Enriching and Contextualizing Data - The Critical Path of Completions 00:16:33 - Accessing Contextualized Data 00:19:18 - Critical Path and Background Events 00:23:51 - Using Data for Operational Decisions Connect with us on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in data delivery and completion operations at Cold Bore. Post your questions in the comment section below and let us know what your favorite part of the discussion was. We'd love to hear from you! Learn more about us👇 Website: https://www.coldboretechnology.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldboretech/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColdBoreTech/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cold-bore-technology/mycompany/

Join Cold Bore's data experts, AKA Nerds, as they dive deep into the world of completions data. This series is designed for fellow data enthusiasts, providing a space to explore the complexities of data quality and governance without simplifying or having to dumb down the conversation. Hosted by Alex Fortin, Craig Bergmann, and Derek Mathewson, this podcast uncovers the hidden challenges and cutting-edge innovations shaping the oil and gas industry industry, making it perfect for those who want to nerd out over data, technology, and energy. In our pilot epsiode we are dving into the nitty-gritty of data quality, data delivery and data management in completions. From mislabeled data sets, manual data entry, and the complexities around data integrity, we discuss how we are pioneering new ways to enhance data quality to better enable real-time decision making both on and offsite. With the prevalence of AI and LLMs the oil and gas industry needs high quality data they can can trust. And creating that reliable data infrastructure is what our data nerds are all about. We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences too! Do you work with data? What keeps you up at night? Let us know in the comments! In this episode, we diescuss: Mastering data quality for AI analysis to revolutionize decision-making in the oil and gas industry. Navigating operational challenges in remote data management for improved efficiency and accuracy. Uncovering the impact of COVID on remote working in oil and gas, and its lasting effects on data operations. Exploring the evolution of data sets in the energy industry and its implications for future advancements. Harnessing the role of AI in optimizing frac operations for enhanced productivity and resource management. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - The Challenge of Personable Data Guys 00:01:37 - Evolving Data Quality at Colbor 00:04:19 - Transition to AI in Data Quality 00:09:40 - Coldbore's Role in the Industry 00:12:39 - Data as the Primary Differentiator 00:14:55 - The Impact of Data on AI Development 00:15:28 - Data Quality in Various Industries 00:17:00 - Importance of Data Quality and Model Accuracy 00:18:17 - Evolution of Data Entry and Decision Making 00:23:43 - Catalysts for Industry Change Learn more about us👇 Website: https://www.coldboretechnology.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldboretech/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColdBoreTech/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cold-bore-technology/mycompany/