Oil, Grit, and the American Dream: Investing with Rich Tabaka

In this episode of The Authority Company Podcast, host Joe Pardavila sits down with entrepreneur and oilman Rich Tabaka, author of How to Invest in Oil: Stories, Insights, and Strategic Recommendations from an Oil Entrepreneur.

Rich isn’t your typical oil tycoon—he’s a first-generation American who left the construction industry to dive headfirst into oil exploration in, of all places, Kansas. They talk about Rich’s blue-collar upbringing, his transition from construction to energy, and what really goes into drilling a well—beyond just the technical know-how.

Rich walks listeners through how anyone (well, any accredited investor) can get involved in oil, the unexpected advantages of drilling in Kansas, and why transparency and integrity are at the core of his company, Allied. Joe and Rich also get into the risks of dry wells, oil price volatility, and even the old-school superstitions that still float around the industry.

Rich opens up about how a bad first investment—complete with fraud and a now-imprisoned CEO—taught him lessons that shaped his future. And while the oil biz might not be for everyone, Rich is passionate about the opportunities it can offer—financially and personally.

He closes by reflecting on the motivation behind his book’s dedication to his young sons, hoping to pass on the same entrepreneurial spirit that brought his family to America.