While many businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania benefited from natural gas production, Cabot is proud to have partnered with several companies that have modified their business models specifically to provide support for us. One of those is RLE Enterprises, based in Moscow, Lackawanna County. The development of the Marcellus Shale brought RLE to the gas fields of Susquehanna County. We have learned to rely on each other for the past decade.
RLE was established in 1991 by John Gentile, Sr., primarily as an excavating company. Family-owned and operated, RLE grew to employ 15 people by the time John passed away unexpectedly in 2007. His son, John Gentile, Jr., who we know as “Johnny,” was 21 at the time he took over the reigns as company president.
Our relationship with Johnny and RLE began in 2010 when we contracted with the company to move drilling fluid with tractor trailers from one gas pad to another. RLE proved their adaptability when they stepped up to start building gas pads for us and handling reclamation upon their completion. They also plowed snow for us.
“That led to the rig moves, compressor hauling and GPU hauling. And that kind of tied the trucks together with the cranes,” Johnny said of the evolution. “Our motto was, ‘never say no.’ We’re seasoned to the demand of service.”
That can-do attitude helped RLE develop four divisions that include towing and garbage hauling and RLE Equipment in Springville. They now employ a combined total of 150 people. RLE’s diversity got them through an industry slump about five years ago. “When the dip hit, other companies had to leave town,” Johnny recalls. “Our employers helped us stay busy. We were able to weather it across the board.”
Johnny credits lessons his father shared with him during his early years with the company. “I’d never have made it through this roller coaster ride and be this far if I didn’t get to spend the years that I got with him,” Johnny remarked. “He taught me how to be tough, humble, respectful and to always keep your word.”
RLE Enterprises has become an integral part of our operations, trusted to take on big jobs for which few are as qualified. Some people see those “Wide Load” signs as an inconvenience. When we see those signs on RLE vehicles, we see a trusted team of experts who execute the movement of our rigs and other equipment with safety and precision.
“Now that we are established with Cabot, it’s a pretty steady work flow. Our RLE employees work hand-in-hand with Cabot employees to get things done,” Johnny related. “I look at Cabot as a main artery or the right arm of our business. I hope there’s a mutual respect there and they feel the same about us.”
Of course there is, Johnny. Thank you to you and your employees. Here’s to another 10 years!
