Local landman featured in The Wall Street Journal

By David H. Waller

In what can only be described as a lesser-known publication—The Wall Street Journal (perhaps you’ve heard of it, though it’s no Albany News)—my brother, Andy Waller, recently found himself being interviewed for a cover story. And while we at The Albany News prefer real stories about multi-agency manhunts and championship football games, we’ll make an exception this time since, well, it’s my brother.

The article, published on Jan. 30, made the front page, diving into the riveting world of landmen in light of the new Paramount+ show, Landman. Now, for those unfamiliar with the profession, a landman is someone who secures drilling rights for oil and gas companies. But if you ask Hollywood, they’re rugged renegades dodging cartels and jumping out of helicopters. In reality, it’s a lot more spreadsheets and far fewer hostage negotiations.

Andy, who works as an actual landman in Midland for Diamondback Energy, provided some much-needed comedic relief to the article. Among his gems was this standout: “I’ve been in situations where you’ll get there (with a landowner) at 8 a.m. and they’ll say, ‘Well, have a beer with me,’ and then you’re there 12 hours drinking beer with a guy trying to figure out how you’re gonna get home.” Truly the mark of a dedicated professional.

Of course, the Wall Street Journal had to be selective with its quotes, but Andy delivered another zinger during his interview that didn’t make the cut: “I think a lot of people didn’t know what a landman was before the show, and they still don’t.” 

While Landman may be stirring up dramatic tales of the oil fields, Andy and his fellow landmen are out there navigating paperwork, lease negotiations, and the occasional beer-fueled marathon conversation. And thanks to Andy, the world now has a slightly clearer, and certainly funnier, picture of what it means to be a landman—at least for those who read that obscure publication called the Wall Street Journal.