Chris Oldham is the President of Gateway Royalty LLC. Since 2012, Gateway Royalty has been a leader in acquiring oil and gas minerals and royalties in the Utica Shale, and Chris has been instrumental in driving its success
A Proven Track Record in Energy Investments
Before founding Gateway Royalty, Chris built his expertise as a contract landman in the Barnett Shale, working with Dale Resources and later Chesapeake Energy. Managing a team of 40 landmen in Tarrant County, Texas, he played a critical role in leasing, title curative, and drilling unit construction—navigating the complexities of urban lease acquisition. “I gleaned knowledge on the inner workings of a major company in how it simultaneously handles land issues and drilling schedules,” Chris recalls. His experience with proprietary software databases and efficient land management has been a cornerstone of his success at Gateway.
In 2010, Chris assembled a $6 million land bank with family and industry friends from the Texas Panhandle. The goal was to lease approximately 10,000 acres in a developing horizontal play. Within 18 months, that acreage was sold for $28 million, with Chris and his investors retaining an override.
The Evolution of Gateway Royalty
Chris co-founded Gateway Royalty in 2012 after recognizing the potential of the Utica Shale in southeastern Ohio. “Gateway has been around since 2012, so we’re essentially going into year 13 now. The future looks even brighter today than it did back then,” he says. Under his leadership, Gateway has completed more mineral transactions than any competitor, solidifying its reputation in Ohio.
Chris attributes Gateway’s success to trust and relationships built over time. “We have strong relationships with local attorneys, county commissioners, and even some local politicians. People know that the Gateway name is strong. We’re honest, we’re trustworthy, and if we tell you we’re going to do something, it gets done.”
A Passion for Family and Community
Outside of work, Chris is dedicated to his family. “I enjoy coaching my kids and being involved in whatever sport they’re playing—baseball, basketball, volleyball, field hockey. My wife and I run an Uber service for our five kids, but we love every moment of it,” he jokes.
Chris graduated from Texas Christian University with a BBA in Accounting and Finance in 2004. While at TCU, he was President of his fraternity, a finalist for Mr. TCU, and participated in the “Journey of Hope”—a 4,000-mile cross-country bicycle ride raising money for people with disabilities. He was the top fundraiser both years.
Today, he resides in Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife, Kathryn, and their children, balancing the demands of business with his commitment to family life.
Why Landowners Trust Gateway Royalty
Chris emphasized Gateway’s experience and execution. “We’re under about 2,300 of the 3,500 producing wells in the entire Utica Shale play. There’s no single mineral buyer that is as knowledgeable about what’s going on as we are. We have the history, the royalty checks, and the data to back it up.”
As for Gateway’s position in the industry, Chris is measured but confident. “You never want to say you’re the top or the largest, but we’ve been here since 2012, and not many other companies can say that. We have the track record to prove it.”
Chris Oldham’s leadership and expertise continue to drive Gateway Royalty forward, reinforcing its status as one of Ohio’s most trusted mineral buyers.
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