Breaking out in the oilfield in 2011, Josh Lewallen knows a thing or two about starting fresh and working your way up. Initially working as a Floorhand, Josh ended up with five years of experience as a Driller and stayed with his previous company for nine years until they closed their doors. At the recommendation of a company man, he applied and came to Latshaw Drilling. Josh started at Latshaw on Rig 10 as a Derrickhand until an immediate Driller position unexpectedly opened on Rig 10 at the start of a new hitch. Due to his past experience and with great support from his Rig Managers, Cody Samples and Ian Bongiorno, he was promoted to that position and fit right in. As a new Driller for Latshaw, he also appreciates Latshaw's maintenance department. Where he came from, maintenance and repairs on the rig were completed by him and his crew.

Josh likes the direction he is headed with Latshaw and appreciates the culture where everyone takes care of each other. "You don't feel like just a number here at all." He understands the importance of crews that share a close bond and have mutual respect. For Josh, this means leading by example through teaching, mentoring, and empowering his crew. He believes communication and honesty are critical parts of a great team.

"I want that support system to be there for my guys. You need to own up to your mistakes, big or small, and learn from them, and not get discouraged." Another valuable aspect of a solid crew is laughter and food. "Your second family is your crew. Work hard, focus on the current job, and when appropriate, joke around and have fun together." Every chance he gets, he cooks for his crew. "These little gestures have a bigger impact than anyone would think; it boosts morale."
Josh is from Abilene, Texas, is engaged to his fiancé, Kristina Moore, and has two children, Rownyn Lewallen and Jesslyn Moore. In his free time, he is always in his driveway working on his 2018 5.0 Ford Mustang to take racing, making modifications for things that make it go faster, like intake, exhaust, nitrous, and, in the future, a supercharger.