The gas and oil industry is an ever changing field that is subject to many pressures. Richard Counts understands this better than most, as he manages numerous companies in the industry. Whether his companies are pushing to use cleaner energy forms, or whether he is working through complex negotiations, Richard Counts is constantly facing a new challenge in his work. Therefore, he is glad to announce that Stone Mountain Energy, LLP just closed a multistate pipeline deal with the sale of its Stone Mountain Pipeline to Duke Energy.

The interstate pipeline in question crosses through the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. With such a large geographical area, the pipeline project is not a small matter. Richard Counts worked tirelessly on the sale, to ensure that all of Duke Energy’s requirements were met.

He explains, “Most people don’t realize that pipelines have many components, which affects maintenance, construction, sales, and the like.” As such, the sale of the multistate pipeline addressed many areas. Stone Mountain Energy and Richard Counts were committed to making a sale that was reasonable and fair. Stone Mountain Energy is a joint venture between Morgan Massey of Massey Coal, Richard Counts of Ranger 40 Petroleum, LLC and Ron Tiller of Greensburg Energy.

Richard Counts is not one to back down from a challenge, so he approached the sale with vigor and enthusiasm. He explains, “We knew the sale would be difficult, as there are so many factors to consider. However, the time and energy that we spent on the sale was worth it in the end.” Richard Counts always tries to look at the bigger picture, so he had the end goal in sight during the sale.

According to Ron Tiller, former President of Stone Mountain Energy, LLP, the success of the Stone Mountain Pipeline was never a foregone conclusion. “Numerous regulatory hurdles had to be overcome and then there were those who said construction across the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky simply was not possible. When bids from pipeline contracts appeared to make the project uneconomic, Mr. Counts built a pipeline company from scratch; “I mean we did not own a single piece of equipment.” According to Mr. Tiller, a twice decorated Vietnam Veteran, “If I ever have to charge up another hill for the purpose of securing it from the enemy, Rick Counts is the guy I want by my side.” According to Morgan Massey, a legendary energy player, Richard Counts is “the most brilliant strategist and visionary I have ever had the pleasure of working with.”

For Duke Energy, acquiring the pipeline has enabled the company to provide more comprehensive energy services to residents and businesses in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Richard Counts feels honored to have assisted with this sale, as believes it will act as a catalyst for economic development in the Appalachian region. “The folks at Duke Energy are some of the most professional in the world. They conduct business with integrity. I cannot say enough good things about them, and we wish them the best of luck in this endeavor.”