April 09th, 2026

MOGA Spotlight: McConnell & Scully, Inc.

Marking 60 years of service through changing conditions in Michigan’s oil and gas industry, McConnell & Scully, Inc. continues to evolve while remaining rooted in experience, relationships, and family legacy.

by Amanda Hattis
Managing Editor, Michigan Oil & Gas News

Members of the McConnell & Scully, Inc. team pictured in front of the company’s office. L to R: Left side, back row - Scott Allen, Kenny Ingram, Richard Davis, Josh Marsh. Left side, front row - Ashley Brunner, Elaine Seitz, John Wilkkes, Charles Withrow, and Mark Brubaker. Right side - Brendan McConnell, Christine McConnell, Ronnie McConnell, Jr., and Cavan McConnell -- CRACKERJACK PHOTOGRAPHY / Jamie Kirschner

Today’s oilfield landscape in Michigan looks far different than it did decades ago, with fewer new wells, deeper completions, and a greater focus on maintaining existing production. For companies like McConnell & Scully, Inc., those changes have shaped not only the work being done in the field, but how service providers operate day to day.

As the company marks its 60th anniversary, that evolution reflects a broader story—one of adapting alongside Michigan’s oil and gas industry while maintaining a consistent focus on service, reliability, and long-standing relationships.

“Success for a small oil well servicing company over a 60-year span is not the result of any single factor,” said Ronnie McConnell, Jr., President of McConnell & Scully. “It’s a combination of service, expertise, operational agility, resilience, and putting our customers first.”

McConnell & Scully’s history closely mirrors the evolution of Michigan’s oil patch. In the early years, particularly during the development of the Albion-Scipio field—once known as Michigan’s “Golden Gulch”—activity centered around shallow wells and rapid development. Equipment was simpler, regulatory oversight was limited, and operations moved at a very different pace.

Over time, that landscape shifted. Wells became deeper, often exceeding 5,000 feet, and began incorporating horizontal components and hydraulic fracturing techniques. At the same time, advances in seismic technology, digital monitoring, and well sensors transformed how operators understand and manage production. Regulatory expectations also expanded, bringing more complex permitting requirements and a stronger focus on environmental performance.

In response, McConnell & Scully evolved alongside the industry. What began as a smaller-scale servicing operation has grown into a company capable of handling a wide range of work—from traditional service rigs to larger double and triple derricks designed for more complex jobs. The company has also expanded its services to include tank truck operations, saltwater hauling and disposal, hot oil and steam services, a full-service pump repair department, and additional equipment and rental offerings.

That expansion has been driven not just by growth, but by necessity. As Michigan’s oil fields matured, the nature of the work shifted from drilling and completions to maintaining and optimizing existing wells.
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Over the past several decades, that has meant more rework, secondary recovery efforts, and ongoing maintenance to keep wells producing efficiently. McConnell & Scully adapted by broadening its capabilities, supporting everything from water handling and pump repair to thermal services and coordination alongside specialized contractors during more complex operations.
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With decades of experience in Michigan’s fields—including the Albion-Scipio, Stoney Point, and other formations—the company has developed a working knowledge of local conditions that allows it to anticipate challenges and respond quickly in the field.

Brandon makes a reference line on a headache rack that will be installed on a new truck for hauling pipe. -- CRACKERJACK PHOTOGRAPHY / Jamie Kirschner

A Business Built on People

While equipment and services have changed over time, one constant has been the people behind the work.

Many employees have been with McConnell & Scully for decades, with some reaching 45 to 50 years of service. That level of longevity is increasingly rare—and it reflects a culture built on trust, communication, and shared responsibility.

“Our employees are what make us go,” McConnell said. “They’re like family.”

That same sense of continuity extends to leadership. Today, a fourth generation of the McConnell family is helping lead operations, with day-to-day responsibilities increasingly shared across the team. At the same time, a fifth generation is already beginning, with the next member of the McConnell family just under a year old.

“It’s stressful, but there’s a sense of pride in it,” McConnell said. “It’s neat to keep the family business going.”

The transition between generations has been gradual, with experienced leadership continuing to oversee key decisions while the next generation takes on more responsibility in day-to-day operations, equipment management, and customer relationships.

That structure allows knowledge to be passed down while maintaining continuity for customers and employees alike.

Beyond leadership, the company’s culture is rooted in practical values that have carried through generations—showing up early, doing the job right, and maintaining strong relationships with customers.

In a service-based business, those fundamentals still matter.

“In oilfield services, trust is crucial,” McConnell said. “Operators want crews who show up when they say they will, communicate clearly, and solve problems without cutting corners.”
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As a smaller, family-owned company, McConnell & Scully may not compete on scale—but it has built its reputation on reliability, responsiveness, and personal relationships developed over time.

Brendan McConnell (left), Ronnie McConnell, Jr. (center), and Cavan McConnell (right) holding Cavan McConnell Jr., the fifth generation of McConnell & Scully, Inc. -- CRACKERJACK PHOTOGRAPHY / Jamie Kirschner

That approach extends to how the company works with operators, contractors, and regulators. From coordinating with drilling and completion crews to managing water logistics and ensuring proper permitting and reporting, the goal is to keep projects moving efficiently from start to finish.

The company’s long-standing relationships across Michigan’s oil and gas sector have also helped sustain operations through changing market conditions. While drilling activity may fluctuate, the need for maintenance, water handling, and well servicing remains consistent.

In recent years, that has meant continued work in areas such as trucking, roustabout services, and general maintenance, along with selective expansion into out-of-state projects when opportunities arise.

At the same time, like many in the industry, the company has experienced challenges in workforce development, particularly when it comes to attracting younger workers into the field. While experienced employees remain a strong foundation, finding and retaining new talent has become more difficult in recent years.

Looking ahead, Michigan’s energy landscape continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on maintaining existing wells, supporting remediation efforts, and operating efficiently within a more regulated environment.

For McConnell & Scully, that shift reinforces the value of experience.

With decades of hands-on knowledge in Michigan’s oil fields, the company is positioned to support operators through the full lifecycle of a well—from active production through final plugging, abandonment, and site restoration.

At the same time, the company continues to invest in equipment, expand service capabilities, and explore opportunities beyond its traditional footprint.

After 60 years in Michigan’s oil and gas industry, McConnell & Scully’s path forward remains grounded in the same principles that have carried it this far: dependable service, strong relationships, and the ability to adapt as conditions change.
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In an industry defined by cycles and change, that consistency continues to matter.