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Logo of Enchanted Rock

Unplugged with Pete

Latest Episode

Episode 2: Sam Thigpen, CEO of Sapphire Gas Solutions

Episode Highlights

  • How Sapphire Gas kept critical facilities running during Winter Storm Uri
  • What virtual pipeline operations really mean — and why they matter
  • Why natural gas is the quiet workhorse behind hyperscale and data center reliability
  • Building a people-first company culture in a high-stakes industry
Summary

In this candid conversation, Pete DiSanto sits down with Sam Thigpen, founder and CEO of Sapphire Gas Solutions, to talk infrastructure resilience, the reality of leading during a crisis, and the growing role of natural gas in backup power. From Winter Storm Uri stories to LNG export expansion, Sam shares what it takes to scale a company while staying grounded in his values and operational grit.

Past Episodes

Episode 1: María Belén Garza, Energy Manager at H-E-B

How H-E-B Became the Backbone of Texas Resilience

Summary

Pete DiSanto and María Belén Garza dive deep into how H-E-B transformed its storm response and energy resilience by partnering with Enchanted Rock. With over 190 Enchanted Rock microgrids installed across Texas, H-E-B now delivers uninterrupted service even during hurricanes and grid failures. From spoilage prevention and safety to cutting diesel dependency, this episode showcases how energy strategy has become a cornerstone of customer trust and operational excellence.

Key Takeaways

  • Why food safety means power continuity at H-E-B
  • How microgrids replaced diesel and mobile generator guesswork
  • The moment during Hurricane Harvey that changed everything
  • What true 99.995% reliable backup power looks like

About the Series

What’s Unplugged with Pete?
Straight-shooting conversations with the energy executives, entrepreneurs, and movers and shakers who are shaping the future. Hosted by Pete DiSanto, EVP of Products at Enchanted Rock, this is where the real stories come out.