For Elias “Eli” Villarreal, working at TRB Oilfield Services has always been more than a job. It’s about the people who stood beside him and the relationships that have lasted through life’s hardest moments.

Eli began working in the oilfields around 1975, after his father-in-law helped him find an opportunity to earn a better living. His work ethic took him across the country, including offshore jobs in Alaska, where he spent weeks away from home. Through it all, he remained focused on providing for his family.

His connection to TRB began before the company even existed. Eli worked alongside Tim Barman, at Fleet Cementers, and when Tim and his partners founded TRB in 2004, Eli came onboard. He became part of the company’s original crew, helping build TRB from its early days into what it is today.

Over the years, Eli worked as a coil tubing operator, eventually taking on leadership responsibilities. He is now a senior supervisor overseeing the TRB fleet and operations. But when asked what he enjoys most about working at TRB, his answer is simple: the people.

“Eli is the epitome of what you want a human and an employee to be,” said Jay Marett, who has known Eli for 22 years.

That loyalty became especially meaningful when Eli faced cancer and later underwent a liver transplant. During his recovery, TRB encouraged him to focus on his health rather than worry about paperwork or work responsibilities. The support left a lasting impression on him.

Tim expresses Eli’s loyalty and dedication to TRB but also to the friendship they've built throughout the years.

“He would do anything. No matter if it was night and day, I could call him and… he’d get it done,” Tim said. “We’ve always been there for each other, we're more like brothers. . . I don't consider him an employee, I consider him a very dear friend.”

Outside of work, Eli is a family man. Him and his wife Terry recently celebrated 50 years of marriage, and together they have five children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and 5 dogs. His experiences have also inspired him to give back to non-profits, including Relay for Life, where he has a team called Eli’s Angels, and JJ’s Legacy, which supports organ donation awareness.

After decades in the oilfield, Eli still believes success comes down to showing up, working hard, and being there for the people who count on you.

To Eli, loyalty has always been a two-way street. As he puts it, it means “being there for them.’ Cause they were there for me."