The Bayou Boys: Lessons from Life in the International Oil is a must-read book for all aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals. Written by Ken Jones, this book is a memoir of his journey in the international oil industry and the lessons he learned along the way.
Ken Jones – A Prominent Name That Built Offshore Logistics, Inc.
Ken Jones was born and raised in Oklahoma and had always been passionate about the oil industry. He started his career in 1955 with Continental Oil Company and became Offshore Logistics, Inc. president in 1969. The company faced many challenges in the early years, from harsh weather conditions to limited resources. However, with hard work, determination, and innovative strategies, Ken and his partner built the company into a major player in the worldwide oil business.

Factors That Made The Company Successful
The key strategies that led to the success of Offshore Logistics, Inc. were its focus on safety, customer service, and innovation. The company was the first to effectively challenge Petroleum Helicopters for transporting oil workers to and from the drilling rigs and production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. This intense competition forced Offshore Logistics to look for international opportunities, which turned out to be more profitable and the springboard to the company’s future success.
Operating as AirLog, the company also expanded into Alaska, so by 1980, Offshore Logistics had activities in all of the important areas of oil drilling around the world, with the exception of the North Sea.
During the late 80s, Offshore Logistics sold the marine division, which had been the original business and used the proceeds to purchase Bristow Aviation based in Aberdeen, Scotland. This acquisition gave the company the largest fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in the world.
In the process, the company name was changed to The Bristow Group to more clearly define that they were now an aviation company after having elected to sell their fleet of oil field work vessels.
Ken served as President and then later Chairman of the Board until 2007, when he retired from active involvement at the age of 74. He continued to own shares in the company until it was liquated in 2021 in another downturn in the “boom and bust” cycle, which has been the history of the oil business since Colonel Drake discovered oil in the 1850s.
With Hard Work Comes Triumph
The legacy of Ken Jones and his partner Burt Keenan, in the oil industry is one of determination, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. They demonstrated that it is possible to achieve great success with hard work and perseverance, even in the face of adversity. They also showed that it is possible to positively impact the world and leave a lasting legacy.
Takeaway
The Bayou Boys: Lessons from Life in the International Oil is an inspiring and educational book that offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals. It provides a glimpse into the world of the international oil industry and the challenges faced by those who work in it.
Ken sums up his story this way. “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t worry about who gets the credit … or the blame.”