In a surprising turn of events, Travis Coomer, a resident of south-central Kentucky, has struck it rich after discovering oil in his backyard. The story, as recounted by Jimmy Reliford and his co-host Mad Dog on their show “Backyard Oil,” highlights Coomer’s incredible luck and the role of drilling expertise in transforming his life.
The Unexpected Oil Boom
Coomer’s journey into the oil business began quite unexpectedly. As Jimmy Reliford, the show’s host, explains, Coomer was initially drilling for gas on his 150-acre property near Columbia, Kentucky, when he stumbled upon a significant oil deposit. This discovery quickly turned his modest drilling operation into a highly lucrative venture.
From Backyard to Big Bucks
The first well, located right in Coomer’s front yard, produced an impressive 4,000 barrels of oil soon after it was drilled. With crude oil prices nearing $100 per barrel, this find has translated into a substantial income, generating around $2-3 million annually from the front yard well alone. Mad Dog, known as one of the best drillers in town, noted Coomer’s strategic decision to drill in his backyard, a move that has proven financially rewarding.
Strategic Expansion
Riding on the success of his first oil well, Coomer decided to expand his drilling efforts to the backyard. “Ever since I hit that well in the front yard, I’ve been wanting to drill one in the backyard,” Coomer told the hosts. His confidence in doubling his production was well-founded, as he aimed to prevent neighboring drillers from tapping into the lucrative oil reserves beneath his land.
The Drilling Challenge
The drilling process is not without its challenges, as viewers of the show witnessed. Coomer’s junior driller, Brucie, encountered a few hiccups, including running out of fuel during drilling. As Reliford and Mad Dog emphasize, drilling operations can be unpredictable and require constant vigilance. However, Coomer’s determination and Mad Dog’s expertise ensured that these setbacks were quickly overcome.
Striking Oil Again
After much anticipation, Coomer’s team struck oil once more in the backyard. The second well added another 40 barrels per day to his production, bringing the total output to 120 barrels daily. As Mad Dog excitedly pointed out, Coomer’s luck in finding oil seemed unparalleled, making him a local legend in the drilling community.
A Hillbilly’s Success
Coomer’s story is a testament to the potential fortunes lying beneath Kentucky’s surface. His success has transformed him from a humble resident to a millionaire seemingly overnight. As Coomer himself put it, “That ain’t a bad month for a hillbilly,” reflecting his delight and disbelief at his newfound wealth.
The Ripple Effect
Coomer’s windfall is not just a personal triumph but a boon for his entire family. As he shared with Reliford and Mad Dog, the oil wells will provide financial security for his children, grandchildren, and beyond. The newfound wealth has also allowed him to fulfill promises to his wife, Nadine, who can now enjoy the finer things in life thanks to their backyard discovery.
The Element of Luck
While Coomer’s tale is one of luck, determination, and opportunity, it also underscores the unpredictable nature of oil drilling. Not every drilling venture results in success, as many hopeful drillers have discovered. However, Coomer’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, fortune truly does favor the bold.
Mineral Rights
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “In the United States, mineral rights can be sold or conveyed separately from property rights. As a result, owning a piece of land does not necessarily mean you also own the rights to the minerals beneath it. If you didn’t know this, you’re not alone. Many property owners do not understand mineral rights.”
One person added: “Would love to get in to this but I’m in foothills NC we find gold sometimes”
Another commenter said: “I call BS. He didn’t make 4M a year on a well, it would have to be a mass producer of fully sweet crude and be pumping thousands of barrels a week. Overhead of drilling, pumping, trucking (pipeline connections) all that would eat into profits. You would have to have hundreds of wells to make up.”
Willingness to Take Risks
The story of Travis Coomer, as brought to life by Jimmy Reliford and Mad Dog on “Backyard Oil,” is a remarkable example of how a stroke of luck and a willingness to take risks can lead to life-changing success. In an industry where outcomes are often uncertain, Coomer’s tale is a testament to the enduring allure of oil drilling and the dream of striking it rich in one’s own backyard.
Balancing Luck and Planning
What do you think? What role does luck play in the oil industry, and how can aspiring drillers balance it with strategic planning and expertise? How does the success of individuals like Travis Coomer impact local economies and communities in oil-rich regions? What environmental and ethical considerations should be taken into account when pursuing personal wealth through natural resource extraction?
Watch the entire video on Rush NZ’s YouTube channel for more information here.
