Blaine Grace is the Vice President of Operations at Gateway Royalty, bringing over a decade of experience to the company. Since joining Gateway nearly 13 years ago, Blaine has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, overseeing day-to-day operations, managing relationships with brokers on the ground, and ensuring smooth coordination between the field team and the back office in Midland. His deep understanding of mineral acquisitions, financial forecasting, and operational strategy has helped Gateway Royalty solidify its position as a leader in southeastern Ohio’s oil and gas industry.
A Journey from Texas to the Utica Shale
Blaine was born in Midland, Texas, but his family relocated to East Texas when he was young. He grew up in Whitehouse, Texas, just south of Tyler, before attending Texas A&M University. He graduated in 2007 with a degree in Sports Management but ultimately pivoted to a career in oil and gas. “I love sports—that’s my passion—but I realized I didn’t necessarily want to work in the industry full-time,” Blaine recalls. While searching for job opportunities, he was introduced to the landman business by Chris Oldham, who was working on a leasing project in Fort Worth at the time. “I wasn’t sure what a landman even was, but I gave it a shot, and the rest is history.”
Blaine began his career in the Barnett Shale, working with Dale Property Services on behalf of Chesapeake Energy. His early experience in leasing and mineral acquisition laid the foundation for his transition to Gateway Royalty, where he has since become a key leader in operations and business development.
A Commitment to Excellence in Mineral Acquisitions
Gateway Royalty specializes in buying minerals and royalties in the Utica Shale, operating across ten counties in eastern Ohio. Blaine is instrumental in executing the company’s long-term investment strategy. “We don’t just buy and flip assets—we’re in it for the long haul. We handle everything in-house, from title research to payments, ensuring a seamless and trustworthy experience for landowners,” he explains.
Blaine emphasizes that Gateway’s reputation is built on integrity and relationships. “We’re local. We meet landowners where they are—at their homes, at our offices in Carrollton or St. Clairsville, or even at a county fair. We’ve been in these communities for over a decade, and our track record speaks for itself. If a landowner wants to verify who we are, they only need to ask around—our name comes up with local attorneys, community leaders, and those we’ve worked with before.”
Why Landowners Choose Gateway
When asked why landowners should sell to Gateway instead of other mineral buyers, Blaine highlights the company’s unique advantages: “First and foremost, we are competitive. If we make an offer, it’s because we see value, and we’re confident in what we’re doing. We don’t rely on third parties for title work or funding—we handle everything internally, which means deals close quickly and smoothly.”
Beyond competitive offers and efficiency, Gateway’s long-standing presence in the area sets it apart. “We have a proven track record. If you’re considering selling your minerals, talk to people in your community. Talk to your attorney. You’ll hear the same thing—we do what we say we’re going to do, and we honor every deal. If we commit to a deal, we close it—no backing out, no last-minute changes.”
A Passion for Teamwork and Long-Term Success
One of the aspects Blaine enjoys most about working at Gateway is the team. “It’s a little cliché to say we’re like a family, but we really are. We’ve worked together for years, and we all know our strengths. Everyone is in the right role to maximize what they do best, and that makes all the difference. When you like the people you work with, you work better.”
Blaine also enjoys the challenge of finding and closing deals that align with Gateway’s long-term business strategy. “The best deals are the ones that fit our business model. Those are the ones that get us excited.”
Life Beyond Gateway
When he’s not managing operations at Gateway, Blaine enjoys spending time with his family. “I love hanging out with my boys and my wife, playing golf, traveling, and catching Aggie football games or Dallas Mavericks basketball games. It’s important to find time to unwind and enjoy life outside of work.”
Blaine and his wife, Anna, recently moved to a new property that better suits their growing family, offering more space and outdoor opportunities. “It’s been a great investment and a perfect fit for us,” he says. The couple has two young sons, Baker and Bowen, and their household also includes a German Shepherd named Dakota, two donkeys (Willie and Waylon), and six chickens. “A lot of my friends are surprised that I have chickens and donkeys now, but my wife grew up in the country, and we’ve really embraced it. The next step might be a greenhouse and a garden—she’s already talking about it, so I know it’s coming.”
A Trusted Partner for Landowners
When advising landowners, Blaine emphasizes transparency and reliability. “Whatever we say we’re going to do, we do it. That’s our motto. We do the right thing. We’re also accessible—you can actually get in touch with us, unlike some larger firms where it’s tough to get answers. And we’re here for the long term. This isn’t a short-term play for us. We’ve been in Ohio for over a decade, and we plan to be here for many years to come.”
Gateway Royalty’s deep industry knowledge, strong local presence, and unwavering commitment to landowners make it one of the most trusted mineral buyers in Ohio. Under Blaine’s leadership, the company continues to grow and refine its approach, ensuring that every deal benefits both Gateway and the landowners they serve.
