Management
Mark Jones
Chief Executive Officer
Mark is a fourth generation Jones’ family member involved in the oil industry. As the CEO of Franklin Well Services, LLC, Mark is responsible for leading the development and execution of Franklin’s long term strategy with a view of increasing customer satisfaction while remaining a profitable operation able to invest in future technologies.
Mark has worked in the oil fields since his childhood days. Prior to becoming CEO at Franklin, Mark spent 20+ years in leadership roles with Pioneer Oil Company, Inc, an exploration and production company, Pioneer Oil Field Services, Inc, a drilling company, as well as Franklin.
Lonnie Schultz
Operations Manager
Born and raised in Lawrence County Illinois, Lonnie joined Franklin Well Services, LLC in 2012 and brought extensive management experience from different industries with a strong focus on customer relations/satisfaction and safety. Most recently, Lonnie was promoted to Operations Manager where he will ensure that the goods and services provided meet Franklin Well Services’ quality standard and generates positive feedback from clients. As Operations Manager, he will see that the appropriate equipment is provided to successfully complete each job by making optimal use of the resources of the Company. Lonnie is also responsible for the recruiting and training of new employees as well as daily project planning and management for Franklin Well Services, LLC.
Lonnie holds certifications from Wild Well Control, OSHA, IADC Rig Pass, as well as being an IADC Safeland Instructor and a certified Petroleum Safety Administrator through The National Association of Safety Professionals. He continues his training within well servicing operations for well stimulation, acidizing and cement operations.
Jonathan Gatten
Technical Sales
Jonathan began his career with Franklin Well Services in 2010 as a drilling fluids engineer. After attending Mudtech Laboratories Mud School in Houston, Jonathan spent the next 9 years building relationships with his customers throughout the Illinois Basin as a “mud man”.
In 2019, Jonathan joined the Franklin Well Services sales team. He works daily to increase his knowledge in this role to provide the best service possible to the customers of Franklin Well Services.
Daniel Kendrick
Technical Sales
Dan grew up in Grayville, Illinois and was exposed to the oilfield early in his life. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering. After returning home from college, Dan worked at various jobs in the petroleum field in the Illinois Basin. From Alabama to New York State, Dan has worked in all of the major play areas over the last 30 years serving in various capacities. After spending 20 years with BJ Services/Baker Hughes, rising to the position of Regional Engineer, he returned to Illinois.
Dan has authored many papers and studies concerning the proper cementing and fracturing of both vertical and horizontal wells in the various basins he has worked. Several of them have been featured in national publications.
Dan came to work for Franklin Well Service in August of 2012. He presently holds the position of Technical Sales.
Stan Stoltz
Technical Sales
Stan Stoltz became involved in the oilfield industry 35 years ago. He did roustabout work and operated various types of equipment before then joining Dowell-Schlumberger in 1987. This job took him to many locations, including Canada, California, Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, Utah, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and West Virginia. In 1998 he became a service supervisor for Schlumberger before joining Franklin Well Services in 2002 as a Service Supervisor and later an Operations Manager.
Stan currently is in the sales department and enjoys meeting and talking to clients with all of their well needs. He is an active member of the Illinois Oil & Gas Association.
Matt Donaldson
Operations Manager - Fairfield Office
Matt began his career in the oilfield in 1988 initially on drilling rigs. His vast experience in areas of our industry include pumping wells, drillstem testing, power tongs, in addition to workover and drilling rigs. Matt was previously employed by a cementing and drilling fluids services provider.
In 2007 he accepted a position with Franklin Well Service as a supervisor, and currently manages the Fairfield facility. Matt has 16 years of experience in the cementing and drilling fluids services.
Dan Churchill
Dan began his career in the oil industry in 2010 working in various capacities. In 2012 he was promoted to a Drilling Fluid Engineer position and was later promoted to Drilling Fluids Manager in 2022.
Dan attended the Mudtech Laboratories Mud School in Houston TX and has experience working on projects in multiple states and managing a variety of mud systems for both horizontal and vertical drilling.