Navigating Owner Relations: Tips From a 5th Generation Royalty Owner
Whitley Penn Talks - A Crude Bit of Humor Series
WHITLEY PENN TALKS - A CRUDE BIT OF HUMOR SERIES
Navigating Owner Relations: Tips From a 5th Generation Royalty Owner
07/16/2026
Owner relations can be one of the most important, and often misunderstood, aspects of royalty ownership. In this episode of A Crude Bit of Humor, Buffie Campbell is joined by Emily Glass, Whitley Penn Mineral Management Manager. As a fifth-generation mineral owner, Emily shares her first-hand advice on how royalty owners can effectively communicate with operators, navigate ownership changes and acquisitions, track down the right contacts, and avoid common pitfalls when seeking information. We also explore how technology is transforming owner relations and share real-world insights on building productive relationships that help owners get the answers they need.
Listen to this episode on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Featuring:
07/16/2026
Owner relations can be one of the most important, and often misunderstood, aspects of royalty ownership. In this episode of A Crude Bit of Humor, Buffie Campbell is joined by Emily Glass, Whitley Penn Mineral Management Manager. As a fifth-generation mineral owner, Emily shares her first-hand advice on how royalty owners can effectively communicate with operators, navigate ownership changes and acquisitions, track down the right contacts, and avoid common pitfalls when seeking information. We also explore how technology is transforming owner relations and share real-world insights on building productive relationships that help owners get the answers they need.
Listen to this episode on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Featuring:
Takes from the Talk
What does an oil and gas Owner Relations department do?
Owner Relations serves as the primary point of contact between royalty owners and operators. These teams help answer questions on payments, ownership records, address changes, division orders, and document submissions. While they may not be able to resolve every issue, they can help direct owners to the right department and facilitate communication.
What information should royalty owners have before contacting an operator?
Before reaching out, owners should clearly identify their issue and gather any key documents that might be needed. These can include their owner number, lease information, legal descriptions, recorded deeds, probate documents, and a signed W-9. Having complete information ready to go helps operators process requests more efficiently and reduces delays.
How long does it take for operators to respond to Owner Relations requests?
Response times can vary widely. Some smaller operators may be able respond within days, while larger companies can take weeks or even months to address requests. Owners should be prepared for delays, especially when ownership changes, title issues, or complex payment questions are involved.
What should royalty owners do if they cannot get a response from an operator?
After multiple attempts by phone and email, owners can send a certified letter to the operator. Under the Texas Natural Resources Code, operators must acknowledge the request within a specified timeframe. While they may not be able to provide an immediate resolution to complicated issues, they are required to respond and provide an update.
How do mergers and acquisitions affect royalty owners?
When operators merge or assets are sold, royalty owners may receive payments from a new company and may be assigned a new owner number. Owners should save all acquisition notices, update their contact records, verify decimal interests, and confirm that payments continue on all previously producing wells after the transition.
What is the best way to keep track of Owner Relations contacts and records?
A simple spreadsheet can be one of the most effective tools for tracking operators, Owner Relations emails, phone numbers, mailing addresses, and account notes. Owners should also maintain copies of leases, division orders, probate documents, and signed W-9 forms in one central location to make future communications faster and easier.