Countless books have been written to guide people through the A to Zs of success. Likewise, a long list of powerhouses have dished out advice designed to steer aspirants toward the dreams they want to translate into reality. However, not as many talk about the pitfalls that should be avoided and the lows that individuals may find themselves climbing back from at some point in their journey to the top. Steve Blackwell, the strategic mind behind Invito Energy Partners, is intimately privy to the challenges that confront entrepreneurs. Instead of shying away from sharing his struggles, he has made it a point to shed light on the barriers that those hoping to make a mark need to barrel through, and, in doing so, has helped others navigate the complex waters of the entrepreneurial realm. 

Boasting over fifteen years of experience in the energy industry, Steve Blackwell is a highly accomplished figure whose impressive portfolio not only speaks of his in-depth understanding of the sector but also of his grit and determination to overcome all odds. Among the roles he’s played in his career is serving as the president of Petromax Operating, an oil and gas exploration and production company where he oversaw the deployment of over $200 million of investor capital into three operated fields, the lease of over 86,000 net mineral acres, and the drilling of 39 horizontal wells. 

Additionally, Steve Blackwell held a key position at US Energy Development. As its Chief Operating Officer, he spearheaded the deployment of $100 million of investor capital into drilling 29 wells in the Eagle Ford shale. 

While it is true that he has reached numerous career milestones, Blackwell has faced his fair share of hiccups, as well, including the end of his run in the mortgage industry following the 2008 economic crisis. Needless to say, no one prepared him for a future where he would have to see his business and career collapse. When that future materialized, the Invito Energy Partners CEO adapted, treating the circumstance as a source of learning and an opportunity for growth. 

“There is no preparation for adversity,” Blackwell said. “Watching a fifteen-year career disappear before your eyes will certainly test your ability to persevere but will also test how much you believe in yourself.”

Banking on his wealth of experience and capitalizing on the key takeaways from his years in the energy sector, Blackwell led the rise of Invito Energy Partners. Today, the Texas-based investment firm has cemented its position at the forefront of the energy space, managing to survive and thrive in the aftermath of the pandemic. 

Apart from maneuvering Invito Energy Partners toward great heights, Blackwell is also emerging as a power player that both aspirants and established personalities in the industry can look up to and follow. When asked what entrepreneurs must consider, he readily shared, “Before you jump in, take time to truly evaluate your desire to start your own business and try to visualize what your daily life looks like and make sure that’s what you want. On a very practical side, one of the biggest challenges to startups is the capital necessary to execute a  business plan and personal capital to live off while you build the business. Make sure you have enough of both.”