Matt Countryman
Co-Founder
Sharing the helm of Pelagic Shoal, Matt Countryman is redefining standards in the energy sector through a visionary approach to collaboration and innovation. As a founding member, he oversees three specialized divisions:
Pelagic Energy: Delivering comprehensive energy solutions with a keen focus on sustainability, ensuring client satisfaction and environmental responsibility. Pelagic Title: Offering bespoke land and title services tailored to the intricate needs of energy projects, facilitating smooth transitions and compliance. Pelagic Safety: Pioneering safety protocols, particularly in managing the unique risks posed by lithium battery fires, safeguarding communities and first responders.
Matt's leadership at Pelagic Shoal since its inception has been marked by strategic foresight, fostering an environment where energy, title, and safety services converge to offer holistic solutions to industry challenges.
His entrepreneurial journey extends further with Renewable Energy Equity Partners, leading the charge in investment in renewable energy solutions and driving sustainable development across the board. Through Rangeland Energy Management, he innovates in energy development and advocates for environmental stewardship with operations spanning the U.S. And with Northbound Energy Holdings, he is expanding through strategic acquisitions and development, specifically focusing on growing the energy landscape in Michigan.
With a proven track record of starting and growing businesses, Matt brings a wealth of experience to each of his ventures. However, his greatest pride and motivation come from his family. A husband and father to three wonderful children, Matt's family of five is the heart of his world. Every endeavor he undertakes is ultimately for them. Whether enjoying the salt waters off the Florida Keys or the fresh waters around Northern Michigan, these adventures are cherished moments that reinforce his life's balance. His passion for both his work and family life exemplifies a holistic approach to leadership, where success is measured not just by professional achievements but by the smiles and growth of his loved ones.
Brauch Williams
Co-Founder & CEO
Brauch Williams, a co-founder of Pelagic Shoal, brings a wealth of experience and innovation to the energy sector. Originally from Texas and now residing in Ohio, he shares the leadership of this pioneering company, focusing on redefining industry standards through visionary collaboration.
As a co-founder of Pelagic Shoal, Brauch is instrumental in overseeing Pelagic Energy, where he leads the energy acquisition team, ensuring strategic growth and integration of sustainable practices. Through Pelagic Title, he utilizes his expertise in land acquisition and title to provide specialized services that meet the complex demands of energy projects. And through Pelagic Safety, he contributes to the development of safety protocols that protect communities and first responders from emerging risks like lithium battery fires.
Since co-founding Pelagic Energy in 2020, Brauch has been pivotal in developing proprietary systems and software that enhance client campaigning, coordination, and team management for Pelagic personnel. His 15 years in the energy industry have been spent honing his skills in land acquisition and consulting, making him an invaluable asset to the company's growth and operations.
Outside the office, Brauch is a dedicated family man, married with three daughters, for whom he strives to make a better future through his work. He finds immense joy in spending time with his family, exploring nature, and traveling. His love for the outdoors is evident in his hobbies — an avid fly fisherman, golfer, and outdoorsman, he embodies a lifestyle that balances professional success with personal fulfillment.
Brauch Williams' approach to leadership at Pelagic Shoal is grounded in his belief that the best solutions come from combining personal passion with professional expertise, ensuring that the company not only thrives but also contributes positively to the lives of those it touches.
Rick Reed
Principal, Safety Division
Rick Reed serves as a Principal at Pelagic Safety, bringing his extensive experience in emergency response and fire safety to address the unique challenges posed by our changing world of alternative energy platforms and storage possibilities. Hailing from Evansville, Indiana, Rick has dedicated over four decades to the fire service, making him a pivotal figure in enhancing safety standards across the energy sector.
With a background that includes specialized training in hazardous materials, technical rescue, and fire investigation, OSHA inspection preparation, post-accident investigation and lessons learned, OSHA 500 and 501 instructor certifications, and many other OSHA specialty topics, Rick has held numerous key positions, including Fire Captain at the Evansville Airport Fire Department. His career is marked by his commitment to public safety, evidenced by his role in the Evansville Professional Firefighters Local 2897 where he served as President and Vice President, and is currently a Steward for Teamster 215.
At Pelagic Safety, Rick's responsibilities include developing and delivering comprehensive training programs specifically tailored for lithium battery fire incidents, leveraging his deep understanding of fire dynamics and safety protocols. He ensures that firefighters are well-prepared through hands-on training sessions, including the organization of practice burns with donated batteries from industry partners. Rick collaborates with energy companies, manufacturers, and disposal contractors to create a seamless safety ecosystem that addresses both prevention and response, and works closely with current developers of solar and energy storage programs across the U.S. to ensure training reflects the latest technologies and safety standards.
Rick's expertise is not just theoretical — he has practical experience in managing real-world emergency scenarios, from hazardous material incidents to complex fire situations. His role at Pelagic Safety is crucial in bridging the gap between traditional firefighting techniques and the specialized approaches needed for modern energy safety challenges.
Outside of his professional life, Rick is known for his community involvement, often seen mentoring new firefighters or participating in local safety awareness programs. He values family time, enjoying moments with his loved ones, which reflects his commitment to fostering safety and well-being in both his personal and professional environments.
Rick Reed's journey from a dedicated firefighter to a safety innovator at Pelagic Safety illustrates his unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. His work at Pelagic Safety is driven by a mission to equip fire departments with the knowledge and tools necessary to handle the growing safety concerns, ensuring communities are safer in the face of evolving technological risks.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we do, delivering quality results that exceed expectations.
Integrity
Honesty and transparency are the foundation of our relationships with clients, contractors, and partners.
Safety
We prioritize the well-being of our team and communities, maintaining zero-incident operations across all projects.
Our Headquarters
9293 Olde 8 Rd, Northfield, OH 44067
Ready to Work Together?
Whether you need land acquisition, title research, or safety training — let's talk about your project and put the right team to work.