A Company Built on Reliability, Safety, and Performance.
Gas Field Specialists, Inc. is built on dependable service, strong leadership, and a team committed to delivering outstanding performance in demanding field environments. This direction is grounded in the current mission language around outstanding performance, exceeding expectations, and the importance of its people.
Who We Are
Gas Field Specialists Inc. was built through years of hands-on experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to earning trust through hard work. Our story is rooted in the field — shaped by the people, projects, and relationships that have defined who we are today.
Our people remain the foundation of that story. Their experience, integrity, and commitment to doing quality work continue to shape our culture and support the level of service our customers have come to expect.
Our Story Through the Years
Our company was started in 1965 when two brothers, Burdett and Loyd West, pooled their resources, knowledge, and experience, from several years of working with their father in the oil and gas industry in north central Pennsylvania, to provide well-maintenance services to local producers. The partnership was known as West Brothers, established in their hometown of Millport, PA.
1965
West Brothers Begins
Starting on a shoestring and a dream, West Brothers pulled, plugged, and bailed oil and gas wells, with the two brothers as the only employees. Over time, the operations expanded to excavation, residential and municipal sanitary sewer systems, and the repair and installation of pipelines for local utility companies. As demand for their services grew, so did the need for more employees to meet the growing demands of customers. With this in mind, the company expanded its workforce and hired several new employees.
1976
Expansion Into Transportation
The purchase of a small trucking firm in 1976 resulted in contract carriage operation, with ICC rights, transporting wood products between New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. This operation was maintained until 2002, when the company producing the wood product went out of business. However, the transportation aspect gave the company the experience in trucking that has since become an integral part of Gas Field Specialists, Inc.
1977–1979
Growth and the GFS Name
Incorporation came in 1977, with West Brothers Construction Co., Inc. Simultaneously, the company expanded operations into Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties in New York. A field office was opened in Fredonia, NY and a second field office was opened in 1978 in Pavilion, NY, to handle the further expansion of operations into Genesee, Livingston, Steuben, and Cayuga counties. In 1979, the company registered as a foreign corporation in the state of New York, which required a change of name to its present name of Gas Field Specialists, Inc., commonly referred to as “GFS.”
1984
GFS Energy Established
In 1984, GFS Energy, Inc., a New York corporation, was established with corporate offices in Pavilion, NY to maintain and produce recently purchased Medina and Bass Island wells in upstate New York. GFS Energy expanded its capabilities to maintenance and management, for several gas producers, in Western New York. The company was now directly responsible for production activities, including evaluation of well-tending techniques and production equipment. Due to the increasingly unfriendly oil and gas climate in the state, and the consistently low price of gas and oil, GFS Energy sold their wells and discontinued that business line.
1985
Energy Industry Downturn
In 1985, the energy industry experienced a drastic downturn which had a significant impact on many small businesses. Consequently, several businesses in the industry filed for bankruptcy protection, which had a direct, negative effect on GFS. It placed the company in a precarious financial position. Many suggested that the family 'throw in the towel' and file for bankruptcy as well. Giving up, however, was never a viable option. By this time, several of the younger family members were working full- or part-time in the business. So, with family determination, loyal employees, and customers with faith in our experience and level of achievement, the company slowly regained its financial strength.
2000's
Rapid Business Growth
With the discovery of the Marcellus shale play in the early 2000’s, the business experienced rapid growth unlike previous expansions. This growth accelerated the expansion of operations into Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, and Tompkins counties in New York and into Bradford, Tioga, and Clinton counties in Pennsylvania. Additionally, it enabled the company to add other office/maintenance facilities in Mansfield, PA and Horseheads, NY.
2007
Energy Rentals, LLC Was Formed
In November 2007, another company, Energy Rentals, LLC, was formed to handle the growing demand for specialized rental equipment in the industry. The company owns a fleet of six-hundred mobile frac tanks for fluid storage. That number has fluctuated over the years, and consequently, an office/maintenance facility in Smithton, PA was purchased to manage the tank rentals in southwestern Pennsylvania and southeastern Ohio, as well as parts of West Virginia.
2009
Second Generation Takes Over
Burdett’s adult children took over operation of the company after the deaths of Loyd in 1999 and Burdett in 2009. With the second generation at the helm, the company continued to grow and expand. Using their combined knowledge and experience in specialized areas, the five co-owners were able to successfully recreate the recipe for success their father and uncle had used in 1965. In 2022, after several decades of invaluable contributions to GFS, two of the siblings retired. Currently, there are three remaining siblings – Greg, Brad, and Cheryl, who serve as President, Vice President, and Sec’y/Treasurer, respectively.
2022
The Three Co Owners
As co-owners, Greg, Brad, and Cheryl have overseen and contributed to the expansion and evolution of the company since 2009. Together, with specialized knowledge and skills ranging from pre-fabrication, equipment operating, trucking, and construction to bidding, project-management, and corporate management, they’ve used their experience to anticipate the ever-changing needs of the industry, giving them a distinct advantage over their competitors.
Today
Present Day Operations
Today, their strategic thinking and business acumen guides each business decision and continues to shape their vision for Gas Field Specialists, Inc. and the next generation of ownership in this multi-generational, family-owned business.
“Starting on a shoestring and a dream, the company was built through hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to doing the job right.”
Leadership That Drives the Company Forward
Gregory West
President
Bradley West
Vice President, Operations
Cheryl Taylor
Secretary / Treasurer
The strength of Gas Field Specialists Inc. comes from its leadership, field experience, and the honesty, intelligence, and commitment of the people behind the work.
Our Mission
Gas Field Specialists Inc. succeeds by delivering outstanding performance and providing service beyond customer expectations. We believe strong customer relationships, operational excellence, and the commitment of our people are essential to the continued growth and prosperity of the company.
Outstanding Performance
We hold every project to a high standard of execution and professionalism.
People Matter
The honesty, intelligence, and commitment of our people are vital to our mission.
Exceed Expectations
We work to anticipate and fulfill each customer’s evolving needs.
Serving the Region From Multiple Locations
Gas Field Specialists Inc. operates from multiple office locations to support clients and field operations across the region.