SHREVEPORT – Leading independent fiduciary wealth management firm, Argent Financial Group, announced today that Preston Smith and John Barr have joined Argent Mineral Management as mineral managers.
Smith and Barr will be based in Shreveport and focus on mineral wealth, contract negotiation, oil and gas accounting and asset evaluation. Smith and Barr will report directly to David Luke, Argent Mineral Management president and David Smith, Louisiana manager, business development officer.
“We are excited to have Preston and John join our team,” said Luke. “Their qualifications and experience are the ideal fit for their roles as mineral managers. They bring a deep knowledge of mineral asset management and a passion for serving clients.”
Smith has 13 years of experience in petroleum land work across Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado. Most recently, Smith worked within Hunter Energy Corp, serving as an in-house landman consultant.
“As mineral manager, I will be given the opportunity to help landowners maximize their mineral wealth. Argent promises to guide landowners to make the best decisions, keeping oil and gas industry trends in mind, and I will continue to uphold this promise,” said Smith.
Barr brings 16 years of experience in the land business in North Louisiana, South Arkansas and East Texas. Before joining Argent, Barr worked as a landman for small oil and gas exploration companies and larger companies by providing land services, targeting the Haynesville Shale.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the experienced team within Argent Mineral Management,” said Barr. “I have provided services to my family and close friends relating to acquisitions, sales and negotiations for mineral and working interest positions. I am looking forward to working with the Argent team to provide landowners in the area with the same outstanding services, as if they were one of my close friends.”
Smith received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Louisiana Tech University. He also earned his Certified Professional Landman certification from American Association of Professional Landmen. He currently serves as vice president of Ark-La-Tex Association of Professional Landmen. Barr graduated from Louisiana State University Shreveport with a Bachelor of Science degree. Barr is a member of the American Association of Professional Landmen and the Louisiana Forestry Association. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Petroleum Club of Shreveport and the Ark-La-Tex Association of Professional Landmen, also acting as the editor for the monthly publication, “THE REGISTER.”