Paul Favret is a Colorado-based energy executive, entrepreneur, and inventor with four decades of experience in oil and gas exploration, technological innovation, and corporate leadership. Throughout his career, he founded three companies and served as Chief Executive Officer of several energy businesses. His expertise includes geological exploration, seismic technology, shale development, and private equity-backed energy operations. His leadership contributed to significant acquisitions, successful asset development, and advancements in petroleum exploration technology.
Academic Excellence and Technical Foundations
Paul established his academic foundation at Western Carolina University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Geology and graduating magna cum laude in 1984. He subsequently attended the University of South Carolina, completing a Master's Degree in Geology and Geophysics in 1986 with summa cum laude honors.
Paul expanded his qualifications by earning a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston in 1992, graduating cum laude. In 1999, he completed Petroleum Engineering for Management studies at the Colorado School of Mines, strengthening his understanding of technical operations, financial management, and strategic decision-making.
Exploration Achievements and Recognition at Amoco
Paul launched his professional career at Amoco in 1986, working as a lead explorationist and geophysicist for a decade. His responsibilities covered Gulf Coast exploration, deepwater projects in the Gulf of Mexico, international assignments in Nigeria and Angola, and development opportunities within Wyoming's Greater Green River Basin.
Paul received five President's Awards between 1994 and 1996 for exceptional exploration and development achievements, becoming the only Amoco professional to earn five during that period. His scientific contributions included coauthoring a 1988 Geological Society of America Bulletin publication examining ancient geological structures beneath the Blue Ridge and Inner Piedmont regions.
Expanding Leadership Across Energy Ventures
Paul joined Aspect Energy, LLC in 1996 as president and an early partner. Through 2004, he directed exploration strategies, strengthened technical teams, and supported asset expansion. This position marked his progression from geological specialization into broader corporate management and operational leadership.
Paul subsequently served as president of Abundant Resources between 2004 and 2008. His work concentrated on unconventional shale resources, particularly the Barnett, Fayetteville, and Woodford formations across Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, where emerging exploration opportunities required specialized technical knowledge.
Pioneering Wireless Seismic Technology
Paul Favret founded Ascend Geo, LLC in 2002 and served as Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Director until 2009. The company specialized in developing portable, cable-less seismic acquisition technology. Its Ascend Ultra-Seis recording system introduced the industry's first cable-less, continuous recording platform synchronized through satellite timing.
Paul guided the development of innovative seismic recording architecture that secured seven U.S. patents. Across his professional career, he received credit for eight U.S. patents involving seismic acquisition, interactive investigation systems, data synchronization, vibrator force control, and noise attenuation technologies.
Building Source Energy Partners
Paul established Source Energy Partners, L.P. in 2010 and remained Chief Executive Officer through 2015. The business pursued shale development opportunities across Europe, Colombia, and the United States Mid-Continent region, combining exploration expertise with disciplined investment and operational strategies.
Paul oversaw a portfolio exceeding 800,000 acres across four project areas, including 18 producing wells generating more than 3,500 barrels daily. All projects were successfully sold between 2013 and 2015. His industry visibility included coverage in Oil and Gas Investor and a presentation at Hart Energy's 2011 Developing Unconventionals Conference.
Strategic Acquisitions and Resource Energy Partners
Paul became Chief Executive Officer of Denver-based Resource Energy Partners LLC in November 2015. Backed by Apollo Global Management, the company targeted distressed oil and gas assets within the Bakken formation of the Williston Basin, identifying acquisition opportunities during challenging market conditions.
Paul directed the acquisition of three mid-sized publicly traded companies through Section 363 bankruptcy proceedings within 18 months. Resource Energy Partners operated more than 220 wells producing approximately 3,800 barrels of oil daily. The company also drilled additional wells, completed refracturing projects, and achieved a successful sale in 2021.
Professional Connections and Industry Contributions
Paul maintained involvement with professional associations, including the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the Denver Geological Society. His participation reflected a continuing commitment to technical collaboration, geological research, professional development, and meaningful discussions surrounding energy exploration and industry innovation.
Charitable Commitments and Community Support
Paul has supported philanthropic organizations, particularly ACE Scholarships, established by Alex Cranberg, with whom he previously worked at Aspect Holdings. The organization provides educational financial assistance across multiple states, supported by annual donations exceeding $25 million.
Paul also contributes to the Dumb Friends League and supports additional charitable initiatives. His community involvement reflects interests extending beyond corporate achievements, particularly educational opportunities, animal welfare, and organizations serving individuals and families.
Retirement and Personal Interests
Paul Favret is retired from full-time executive responsibilities but remains actively involved in the motorcycle community. He continues participating in adventure rallies, pursuing personal interests while maintaining connections with the professional and recreational communities developed throughout his career.