The story of Buttram Energies, Inc. (BEI) begins with a profile of its founder, Frank Buttram. Frank attended the University of Oklahoma where he studied chemistry and graduated with a Masters Degree in Geology. Frank then spent a number of years with the US Geological Survey studying geologic structures and using his knowledge of chemistry to evaluate potential oil and gas discoveries in an effort to further the knowledge and education of the then very young industry. In addition, he authored many bulletins, which were published in the Geological Survey for national review by the oil and gas industry and its members.

Frank founded BEI in 1917 and went on to have a very remarkable career in the oil and gas industry. Among his accomplishments, Frank was one of five founding members of the IPAA (Independent Petroleum Association of America) of which he later served as chairman from 1939 to 1943. Frank also served at the pleasure of President Franklin Roosevelt on the Petroleum War Council beginning in 1942. Frank's banking interests led him to serve as chairman of the Oklahoma City branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. He was also honored with induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

Dorsey Buttram graduated from Cornell University and thereafter joined his father and became president of BEI in 1964 when Frank retired. Dorsey has held extended terms on the boards of both the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association (OIPA) and the IPAA. Dorsey also traveled extensively throughout the United States as a member of the IPAA Speakers Bureau and Energy Advocates educating and advising consumers, state and federal government officials regarding our national energy needs and domestic energy policy concerns. Dorsey was also given an honorary membership into the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), and was appointed to the American Heritage Panel. Dorsey, after many accomplishments and successes, retired from BEI in 1999.

Preston Buttram, Dorsey's son, joined BEI in 1993, and assumed responsibilities of vice president and operations manager. Preston attended the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University. He then spent several years as a field landman, and thereafter created an oil and gas consulting group which served as oil and gas consultants primarily to the banking and trust industry. Preston is a Certified Professional Landman and a member of numerous oil and gas associations as well as having served on a number of boards. He is also a founding member and board member of the American Royalty Council. Preston was elected President of BEI upon his father's retirement in 1999.

Over the years, BEI has diversified into a number of industries including cattle, creating the Brangus breed of cattle, citrus farms, real estate and banking. However, oil and gas has always been the backbone of the company and the primary focus of the company with interests in sixteen states across America. The management and staff of BEI are proud to be a contributing member of the oil and gas industry helping to provide America with its oil, gas and energy needs.