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About Pelagic Shoal

At Pelagic Shoal, we strive to redefine energy and safety standards by fostering a dynamic community of companies working in harmony to navigate the complexities of the energy industry. Our mission is to empower organizations with the knowledge, security, and safety necessary to drive sustainable growth through strategic collaboration across our consulting, title, and safety solutions. We believe in the power of collective expertise to innovate for a brighter, safer, and more prosperous future.

Pelagic Shoal's leadership team brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked on hundreds of energy projects ranging from oil and gas E&P work, pipeline projects, to renewable energy facilities across all 50 states and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. With four decades of expertise in fire safety and training, thirty years in land consulting, and a decade dedicated to Hazmat logistics, they offer a comprehensive skill set tailored to meet diverse project needs.

Updated at 1/21/2025 2:41:02 PM

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Matt Countryman

Co-Founder & CEO of Pelagic Shoal

Sharing the helm of Pelagic Shoal, Matt Countryman is redefining standards in the energy sector through a visionary approach to collaboration and innovation. As a founding member, he oversees three specialized divisions:

Pelagic Energy: Delivering comprehensive energy solutions with a keen focus on sustainability, ensuring client satisfaction and environmental responsibility.
Pelagic Title: Offering bespoke land and title services tailored to the intricate needs of energy projects, facilitating smooth transitions and compliance.
Pelagic Safety: Pioneering safety protocols, particularly in managing the unique risks posed by lithium battery fires, safeguarding communities and first responders.

Matt's leadership at Pelagic Shoal since its inception has been marked by strategic foresight, fostering an environment where energy, title, and safety services converge to offer holistic solutions to industry challenges.

His entrepreneurial journey extends further with:

Renewable Energy Equity Partners: Leading the charge in investment in renewable energy solutions, driving sustainable development across the board.
Rangeland Energy Management: Innovating in energy development and advocating for environmental stewardship with operations spanning the US.
Northbound Energy Holdings: Expanding through strategic acquisitions and development, specifically focusing on growing the energy landscape in Michigan.

With a proven track record of starting and growing businesses, Matt brings a wealth of experience to each of his ventures. However, his greatest pride and motivation come from his family. A husband and father to three wonderful children, Matt's family of five is the heart of his world. Every endeavor he undertakes is ultimately for them. Whether enjoying the salt waters off the Florida Keys or the fresh waters around Northern Michigan, these adventures are cherished moments that reinforce his life's balance. His passion for both his work and family life exemplifies a holistic approach to leadership, where success is measured not just by professional achievements but by the smiles and growth of his loved ones.

Brauch Williams

Co-Founder & CEO of Pelagic Shoal

Brauch Williams, a co-founder of Pelagic Shoal, brings a wealth of experience and innovation to the energy sector. Originally from Texas and now residing in Ohio, he shares the leadership of this pioneering company, focusing on redefining industry standards through visionary collaboration.

As a co-founder of Pelagic Shoal, Brauch is instrumental in overseeing:

Pelagic Energy: Where he leads the energy acquisition team, ensuring strategic growth and integration of sustainable practices.
Pelagic Title: Utilizing his expertise in land acquisition and title to provide specialized services that meet the complex demands of energy projects.
Pelagic Safety: Contributing to the development of safety protocols that protect communities and first responders from emerging risks like lithium battery fires.

Since co-founding Pelagic Energy in 2020, Brauch has been pivotal in developing proprietary systems and software that enhance client campaigning, coordination, and team management for Pelagic personnel. His 15 years in the energy industry have been spent honing his skills in land acquisition and consulting, making him an invaluable asset to the company's growth and operations.

Outside the office, Brauch is a dedicated family man, married with two daughters, for whom he strives to make a better future through his work. He finds immense joy in spending time with his family, exploring nature, and traveling. His love for the outdoors is evident in his hobbies; an avid fly fisherman, golfer, and outdoorsman, he embodies a lifestyle that balances professional success with personal fulfillment.

Brauch Williams' approach to leadership at Pelagic Shoal is grounded in his belief that the best solutions come from combining personal passion with professional expertise, ensuring that the company not only thrives but also contributes positively to the lives of those it touches.

Ray Bertka

Principal of Pelagic Safety

Ray Bertka is a Principal at Pelagic Safety, where he leverages his expertise to ensure safety and efficiency in handling one of the industry's most critical aspects: logistics and hazardous material (hazmat) waste management. A native of Greater Cleveland, Ray has transformed his entrepreneurial vision into impactful safety solutions within the energy sector, particularly concerning lithium battery fire incidents.

Ray brings a wealth of experience from his successful tech venture, Helixco, which he still owns and operates. Helixco's focus on revolutionizing job management in the restoration industry has equipped Ray with unique skills that he applies directly to his role at Pelagic Safety.

At Pelagic Safety, Ray's primary duties involve:

Orchestrating the logistics for deploying teams across the country to manage hazmat waste disposal following controlled burns and training exercises.
Ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations during the disposal of hazardous materials generated from lithium battery fire training sessions.
Developing and refining processes that integrate Helixco's technological capabilities into Pelagic Safety's operations, enhancing efficiency and safety in waste management.

Beyond his professional life, Ray is a family man, married with a daughter, and an avid golfer, where he finds parallels between the sport and his work in terms of strategic planning and meticulous execution.

Ray's commitment extends into the community where he actively participates in initiatives that promote safety and environmental stewardship. His vision for Pelagic Safety is to lead the charge in making hazardous waste management an exemplary model of safety and efficiency, setting new standards in the industry.

Through his role at Pelagic Safety, Ray Bertka combines his tech-savvy background with a profound dedication to safety, ensuring that the aftermath of training and actual incidents is handled with the utmost care for both people and the planet.

Rick Reed

Principal of Pelagic Safety

Rick Reed serves as a Principal at Pelagic Safety, bringing his extensive experience in emergency response and fire safety to address the unique challenges posed by our changing world of alternative energy platforms and storage possibilities. Hailing from Evansville, Indiana, Rick has dedicated over four decades to the fire service, making him a pivotal figure in enhancing safety standards across the energy sector.

With a background that includes specialized training in hazardous materials, technical rescue, and fire investigation, OSHA inspection preparation, post-accident investigation/lessons learned, OSHA 500 and 501 instructor, and many other OSHA specialty topics. Rick has held numerous key positions, including Fire Captain at the Evansville Airport Fire Department. His career is marked by his commitment to public safety, evidenced by his role in the Evansville Professional Firefighters Local 2897 where he served as President and Vice president and is currently a Steward for Teamster 215.

At Pelagic Safety, Rick's responsibilities include:

Developing and delivering comprehensive training programs specifically tailored for lithium battery fire incidents, leveraging his deep understanding of fire dynamics and safety protocols.
Ensuring that firefighters are well-prepared through hands-on training sessions, including the organization of practice burns with donated batteries from industry partners.
Collaborating with energy companies, manufacturers, and disposal contractors to create a seamless safety ecosystem that addresses both prevention and response.
Working closely with current developers of solar and energy storage programs across the US to ensure training reflects the latest technologies and safety standards.

Rick's expertise is not just theoretical; he has practical experience in managing real-world emergency scenarios, from hazardous material incidents to complex fire situations. His role at Pelagic Safety is crucial in bridging the gap between traditional firefighting techniques and the specialized approaches needed for modern energy safety challenges.

Outside of his professional life, Rick is known for his community involvement, often seen mentoring new firefighters or participating in local safety awareness programs. He values family time, enjoying moments with his loved ones, which reflects his commitment to fostering safety and well-being in both his personal and professional environments.

Rick Reed's journey from a dedicated firefighter to a safety innovator at Pelagic Safety illustrates his unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. His work at Pelagic Safety is driven by a mission to equip fire departments with the knowledge and tools necessary to handle the growing safety concerns, ensuring communities are safer in the face of evolving technological risks.