Tim Reist
STI/SPFA recently spoke with Tim Reist, Vice President Operations at Tex-Ok-Kan Oil Field Services, LLC, about his career in the steel fabrication industry.
STI/SPFA: Tell us about the history of your company.
Tim Reist: Tex-Ok-Kan Oil Field Services (TOK) started out as field welding company that repaired and built oilfield equipment. In 2011, TOK transitioned to building tanks for oilfield, agricultural and industrial customers. As we transitioned into the world of tanks, we secured API 12F and 650 certifications along with UL certifications.
In April of 2025, we acquired the fabrication shop that formerly belonged to Palmer Tank & Manufacturing in Garden City, Kan. to add ASME and other offerings to our portfolio.
STI/SPFA: How did you get your start in the industry?
Reist: I started out in the upstream sector of oil and gas service companies before transitioning to steel fabrication with TOK in 2022.
STI/SPFA: What do you like best about working in the industry?
Reist: Getting to work on projects that vary over many industries and also being a manufacturer of a product made in the USA.
The team at Tex-Ok-Kan Oil Field Services
STI/SPFA: What’s been your favorite or most memorable moment of your career so far?
Reist: I would say our purchase of the Palmer Tank facility in April was probably the most memorable and challenging moment. Working to incorporate 90 new employees into our company was exciting for the growth of the company.
STI/SPFA: What advice would you give someone who is interested in working in the industry?
Reist: Have an open mind and be willing to learn from others that have experience in the industry. The lessons they can teach will be valuable as your career advances.
STI/SPFA: What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing the industry in the next three to five years?
Reist: Labor. There are numerous studies that show there is a gap between the skilled labor leaving the workforce versus the volume of people that are entering the steel fabrication workforce.
STI/SPFA: How has STI/SPFA Membership helped you and your company succeed and grow in today’s marketplace?
Reist: The products we have gained access to has allowed us to enter into new product lines and revenue stream that we had yet to unlock without having to spend large amount of precious capital on R&D. STI Technologies have became a large part of our overall business.
