Todd Diehl serves as Director of Title at Gateway Royalty, a role he’s built from the ground up over more than a decade with the company. Todd has played a critical role in shaping the company’s operations, reputation, and deep community ties in eastern Ohio. He is known for his diligence, transparency, and tireless commitment to landowners.
From Bartender to Energy Expert
Before entering the oil and gas industry, Todd was managing restaurants and bars in Youngstown, Ohio. Molly Johnson, a friend of Todd’s from college and Gateway’s Chief Counsel, connected him with Chris Oldham, Gateway’s CEO, who was looking for someone trustworthy, detail-oriented, and willing to dig through courthouse records in dusty basements. Todd was up for the challenge, and what started as a title research role evolved into a cornerstone position.
Today, Todd oversees Gateway’s title team, verifies ownership claims, closes deals, and ensures every transaction is legally sound and recorded correctly.
Why Landowners Trust Todd
Todd is often the person sitting at the kitchen table with a landowner, explaining the contract, answering questions, and handing over the check. For him, that’s the best part of the job. “I love getting to pay the landowners and see the looks on their faces,” he says. Over the years, he’s helped people pay off mortgages, eliminate medical debt, and even fund college savings for grandchildren. “A lot of these folks didn’t even realize they had something of value until we showed up.”
He emphasizes a no-pressure approach: “We’d love to own it, but we don’t have to own it. We’re not here to push anybody.”
When asked what he wishes every landowner knew, Todd has a clear answer: “You can’t control timing of development, you can’t control commodity pricing, and you’re not guaranteed tomorrow. It’s a found lottery ticket–decide what’s best for your family.”
A Steward of Community & Integrity
A local resident himself, Todd believes Gateway’s success is rooted in authenticity. “People around here can smell a con artist a mile away. You’ve got to be genuine. We’ve built relationships with attorneys, courthouse staff, and families. Folks know we’re not some fly-by-night, out-of-state operator. We’re in the community, we’re from here, and we plan to be here for a long time.”
Todd encourages landowners to do their research and bring competing offers to him. “If it’s a good deal, I’ll tell you to take it. If I can beat it, I will. And if something in the paperwork isn’t right, even if it’s not our deal, I’ll tell you what to change. That’s how you build trust.”
The Partner Landowners & Attorneys Can Count On
Todd also works closely with estate attorneys across the region. Gateway is often the first call local lawyers make when representing a client with oil and gas assets. “We’ve worked with over a dozen attorneys consistently and closed hundreds of deals with legal counsel involved. We’re upfront, flexible, and respectful of everyone’s role in the process.”
Whether it’s adjusting paperwork to meet an attorney’s requirements or offering an honest evaluation of another company’s offer, Todd’s approach is rooted in collaboration. “We want the attorneys and their clients to feel confident. We’re not here to take advantage of anyone, we’re here to do the right thing.”
Deep Roots, Long Roads, and Big Impact
Todd’s work often involves long drives across Ohio, meeting with landowners face-to-face. During COVID, when much of the team worked remotely, Todd stepped up as the boots on the ground, crisscrossing counties to keep deals moving. His dedication earned him a nickname from the team: “The Thumb,” a nod to his steady grip on everything happening across the play.
Outside of work, Todd lives in Carroll County with his wife and two daughters. “I’ve watched our team grow families, weather hard times together, and build something special. My daughter is the same age as Gateway, we started both journeys at the same time.”
Looking Ahead
As the industry expands with new investments for AI data centers, Todd sees a bright future ahead. “Oil and gas isn’t going anywhere and neither are we. We’ve been here since the beginning, and we’re just getting started.”
With a reputation built on honesty, expertise, and follow-through, Todd Diehl remains a trusted advocate for landowners and a pillar of Gateway’s continued success.
