A Conversation with Bud Brigham, Energy Entrepreneur

While many corporations embraced “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” statements on hiring, Bud Brigham penned a letter about his company’s values: “To plainly state our employment values, we hire 100% based on merit and seek individuals who further our mission.” 

While many corporations avoid talking about capitalism, Mr. Brigham writes: “There is no better empirical validation of property rights and capitalism than the unprecedented prosperity of the United States.” 

Mr. Brigham wrote this letter, titled “Who We Are,” as CEO and chairman of Atlas Energy Solutions. It was included in a filing with the Security and Exchange Commission as part of the company’s initial public offering.

I’m delighted to host Mr. Brigham as our guest at the next ARI Member Roundtable on Saturday, January 25.  

With more than thirty years of entrepreneurial and operating experience in the oil and gas industry, Mr. Brigham has founded seven companies, three of which have had successful IPOs, and three have been sold for total proceeds of over $8 billion. He is currently executive chairman of three private energy companies with more than $1 billion under management, as well as Atlas Energy Solutions, which went public on the NYSE in 2023, and which is currently the largest proppant producer and logistics company in the United States. 

At the Roundtable, we will talk about Mr. Brigham’s fascinating career path, his encounter with Ayn Rand’s ideas, and how they have influenced him in his life and in business — including especially how his “Who We Are” letter came to be.

Invitations have already been emailed to current ARI supporters. If you’d like to attend this Roundtable as well as other events in the future, consider becoming a member.