Thomas Supply & Distribution: Fueling a Tech-Driven Future in Oilfield Procurement

Thomas Supply & Distribution has quickly emerged as a transformative force within the oilfield services sector, bringing modern technology, operational efficiency, and strategic foresight to the forefront of procurement. The American Executive had the privilege to speak with Edward Esqueda, Director of Supply Chain for both Thomas Oilfield Services and Thomas Supply & Distribution, to explore the origins of the new division, the role of technology in reshaping their operations, and how a unified procurement strategy is unlocking new growth and innovation across the organization.

Leadership: From Field Purchasing to Digital Procurement Strategy

Edward Esqueda’s leadership has been instrumental in building Thomas Supply & Distribution from the ground up. Originally focused on modernizing procurement at Thomas Oilfield Services, Edward quickly saw an opportunity to create something much larger—a fully integrated supply and distribution division that would support the company’s internal needs while also expanding its reach into new markets.

“Those early conversations were really rooted in necessity,” Edward recalled. “At the time, we were exploring Vroozi for Thomas Oilfield Services to bring structure and automation into the field procurement process. But as we engaged more deeply, we realized there was an even bigger opportunity. That’s where the idea for Thomas Supply & Distribution started to take shape.”

The collaboration with Vroozi didn’t just digitize procurement—it helped lay the operational foundation for an entirely new business. “That alignment with Vroozi gave us a digital backbone to scale quickly. We weren’t just improving procurement—we were building a supply chain infrastructure for a new division.”

An Expanding Role in a Unified Supply Chain

With procurement now integrated across both Thomas Oilfield Services and Thomas Supply & Distribution, Edward’s role has evolved significantly. No longer limited to sourcing and purchasing, he now oversees a dynamic, tech-enabled supply chain operation designed for speed, visibility, and long-term scalability.

“My role has definitely evolved,” he explained. “I’m not just focused on purchasing anymore—now it’s about the whole supply chain lifecycle, from sourcing and vendor management to field operations and digital insights. Having both companies on the same procurement platform gives us visibility and control we didn’t have before.”

This centralized structure has become a key advantage, allowing both companies to operate more efficiently while maintaining transparency and alignment across teams.

Overcoming the Challenges of Integration

Integrating procurement operations across two distinct entities presented both technical and cultural challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was driving adoption among field personnel, many of whom were accustomed to informal, manual processes.

“One of the biggest challenges was training and adoption,” Edward mentioned. “You’ve got field personnel who are used to making calls or sending a quick email to order supplies. We had to show them how digital procurement makes their jobs easier, not harder.”

To ensure a seamless transition, Edward emphasized collaboration at every level. “We didn’t roll this out in a vacuum. We brought in stakeholders early—operations managers, field supervisors, AP teams—and made sure everyone had a voice in the process.”

That inclusive approach helped generate buy-in, which was critical to the platform’s success. “We worked closely with the Vroozi team on configuration and user experience to make that transition as smooth as possible.”

Empowering Field Operations Through Distribution

The launch of Thomas Supply & Distribution introduced new capabilities that have strengthened Thomas Oilfield Services’ ability to serve its clients. By controlling more of the procurement process internally, the company has improved both speed and reliability across its operations.

“Before, we were relying on third-party distributors for a lot of materials. Now, with Thomas Supply & Distribution, we control more of the supply chain. That means we can guarantee quality, improve margins, and deliver faster to the field,” Edward noted. “It’s a game-changer.”

The expanded distribution network has also improved cost-efficiency by consolidating vendor relationships and offering a broader, more competitive catalog of products.

Technology: The Engine of Supply Chain Transformation

At the heart of Thomas’s procurement transformation is a technology-first approach that prioritizes automation, real-time data, and mobile accessibility.

“Today, we can see everything in real-time—who’s ordering what, where it’s going, how much it’s costing,” Edward explained. “We’ve got dashboards that show us spend trends, delivery timelines, vendor performance. That kind of visibility was impossible before. And it’s not just reporting—it’s actionable.”

The company’s use of mobile tools has also accelerated field productivity. “Our guys in the field can punch in an order on their phone, route it for approval, and get it fulfilled in record time. It’s not just about speed—it’s about consistency and accountability.”

That level of operational precision, combined with flexible sourcing options, gives Thomas a unique edge in the competitive oilfield services sector.

Unlocking New Opportunities in the Supply Chain

The creation of Thomas Supply & Distribution has not only streamlined internal operations but also created a new business development engine. With scalable infrastructure in place, the company is already extending services beyond its original footprint.

“We’ve already started supporting other customers outside of Thomas Oilfield Services,” Edward said. “That’s the beauty of it. This isn’t just a support arm—it’s a standalone business that can scale. And because we’re running everything through Vroozi, we can onboard new customers quickly, manage pricing structures, and track profitability in real time.”

This dual focus—internal efficiency and external growth—positions Thomas for long-term sustainability in a fast-changing industry.

A Career Built on Innovation

After a long career in supply chain operations, Edward finds this chapter among the most exciting. What stands out most to him is how technology is transforming not just systems, but people.

“I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’ve never seen a transformation like this,” he said. “What excites me most is how tech is empowering the people closest to the work—the guys in the field, the AP team, the supply chain staff. Everyone’s working smarter because the tools are finally catching up to the needs.”

It’s a people-first philosophy paired with cutting-edge technology—a combination that’s redefining how Thomas operates at every level.

Looking Ahead: Agile, Digital, Scalable

As Thomas Supply & Distribution continues to grow, Edward’s focus remains on expanding the company’s digital ecosystem, improving procurement agility, and ensuring the business can scale efficiently in response to market demands.

“We’re working on integrating more supplier portals, better contract management, and predictive analytics,” he noted. “It’s about being proactive instead of reactive. When you’ve got data at your fingertips, you can make smarter decisions faster.”

But perhaps most importantly, Edward is building for flexibility—ensuring that the systems and strategies in place today can continue to evolve with the business.

“This isn’t a one-and-done,” he emphasized. “We’re building something that has to evolve with the business. Our success is going to depend on how well we keep adapting—whether it’s new features, new vendors, or new markets.”

From the oilfield to the office, Edward’s vision is clear: a future where procurement isn’t just a back-end process—but a driver of innovation, resilience, and competitive advantage.