John Harpole

31st Annual Energy Summit Conference Steering Committee Co-Chair | Leadership Profile

​The Energy Summit is guided by the tireless input of COGA member volunteers who lend their expertise to the planning process – prioritizing content and ensuring the best possible learning experience for our attendees.  Now in his second year as steering committee chair, John Harpole, founder of Mercator Energy, shares a few thoughts about what to expect at this year’s event.

Founder and President
Mercator Energy LLC

​John, thanks for taking a few minutes to talk about the 2019 Energy Summit.

During this last year, oil and gas issues have been at the forefront of most political discussions here in Colorado.  If you are like the rest of us, I am sure you have questions.  If so, this is the conference to attend to find answers about the future of oil and gas here in the great state of Colorado.
 
You’ve been involved with the conference for several years – what do you like most about the planning process?

The planning process for our conference is not new.  Each and every possible discussion topic is vetted by industry leaders that are involved in our business in a granular way.  That vetting process has always resulted in a strong speaker line up that addresses the most meaningful topics of our time. 
 
Looking at the sessions we have lined up, which one are you most looking forward to and why?

This year I am most interested in the discussions around the political trends and how they relate to Colorado's energy future.  On a personal level, I find myself asking if this is an industry that I want my kids to get into and the answer is, an unqualified yes. 
 
You have also been a champion of the next generation of industry leaders.  Why should young professionals attend the conference?

I believe that the young professionals in our ranks have the most to gain by attending this conference.  They can simultaneously expand their knowledge of the industry and their network of friends and acquaintances.  Those relationships will be critical to them as their careers grow. 
 
What are you reading these days?

What am I reading these days?  "Sacred Duty: A Soldier's Tour at Arlington National Cemetery" by Congressman Tom Cotton… I can't put it down.  It is a must read for every citizen of this country.    
 
For attendees coming to Denver from out of state, what is your favorite Denver restaurant?
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My favorite restaurant down town is La Loma.  My favorite restaurant near down town is Barolo Grill.  My favorite restaurant in Littleton, where I live, is Nono's… great Cajun food. 

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About John Harpole

John A. Harpole is founder and President of Mercator Energy LLC, a natural gas services, brokerage, and energy market analysis company. Mercator assists both producers and end users in 12 western and mid-western states in selling and sourcing natural gas supplies Mercator also conducts special research projects for client groups, exploring the impact of industry trends on various regional markets. Mercator’s analysis on “Poverty and Fracking” was featured in a Wall Street Journal editorial and on Fox News.

During his career, Harpole has provided strategic advice and counseling to independent oil and gas producers, power producers, major electric and gas utilities, hedge funds and energy traders, retail and wholesale energy marketers, equipment vendors and large energy users, typically at the CEO level. He has also played a key role in developing innovative new business structures and in helping to transform energy and environmental policy at the state and federal levels.
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John is a board member of the Western Energy Alliance (formerly IPAMS), the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, the Leadership Program of the Rockies, University of Colorado’s Global Energy Management Program (GEM) and Energy Outreach Colorado.