Half century

Jul. 19—Founded by Charles Huckeba in the mid-1960s, United Pump and Supply at 212 E. Second St. has survived and prospered by doing things its own way.

Having recently expanded to Carlsbad, N.M., the company engenders a family atmosphere among its employees that combined with a day-to-day closeness to oil and natural gas field operations has enabled it to navigate the industry's multitudinous ups and downs of the past half century-plus.

Huckeba sold United Pump and Supply in 2004 to employees Clay and Sara Moore. The company began at 301 W. Second St. Working as a welcome consultant, Huckeba retired at the end of last year.

"Charles was the most generous employer I ever worked for," said Sara Moore, chief executive officer. "He treated everyone the way they would have liked to be treated and we have followed that. We try to be fair with people and treat them with respect.

"We believe in inclusivity to ensure that all employees are involved in corporate decisions and company events. In line with this spirit, our staff of 20 has collectively chosen to support the Live Life to the Fullest Barrel Race Oct. 21 in Andrews, which is a local charity that provides scholarships to deserving students."

The Moores retired for two years starting in 2020 and returned last August with longtime employee Riley Hunter buying in and assuming the role of chief of sales and operations. Clay Moore is chief of business development.

Key employees include Vice President of Business Development Luis Galindo, who has been with the company for 20 years, Inside Sales Supervisor Jake Brookshire, who has been there for 15 years, and Vice President and Controller Dianne Jones, a 23-year employee.

"We represent some really high-quality products," Sara Moore said, adding that such things as pressure release valves and chemical pumps are integral to operations in the Permian Basin and Eastern New Mexico.

"We're the largest supplier of Mercer Valves from Oklahoma City and we handle Chicago Valves and Controls, Sharpe, LMI, YellowJacket Weather Caps, Warren Valve and Superior Products from Junction City, Kan., with their vast line of choke valves, check valves, back pressure regulators and bleed rings."

Moore joined UP&S in 2000 as office manager and corporate secretary, shortly after which her husband came aboard to work in sales and business development. Hunter started 25 years ago as a repair technician in the shop and steadily advanced to become general operations manager before assuming part-ownership.

"With Riley's extensive technical product knowledge and valuable management experience, his inclusion in the ownership and management team further enhanced the company's capabilities," said Moore, who is a board member of the Ector County ISD Education Foundation.

"Our combined expertise led to opening a new location at 402 South Canyon St. in Carlsbad on Feb. 1. The Carlsbad location has provided closer and faster service for our New Mexico customers."