Paul Pallan, M.D., is a San Antonio-based vascular interventional radiologist. He was drawn to the advancements and possibilities of minimally invasive procedures from the moment he first learned about them as an undergrad. But that’s not what brought him to Bankler Partners, LC. At least, not entirely.
In 2023, an opportunity arose for his family to start an oil and gas supply company in Pecos, near his hometown of Odessa. “We didn’t really know what it took. For the first six months, we had almost zero in sales,” Pallan told us. He pitched in when he could and soon found himself working equally in the family business and in his medical practice. Every day off, every vacation was spent in West Texas networking with local business people. Then things started to happen.
4NS-Supply closed out that first year in a profitable position, and annual sales have grown over 800% since. Early on, Pallan learned that what they could supply that was a true differentiator wasn’t a pipe or a valve, it was something less tangible but just as important. “This business is 95% relationship based,” he said. Whether talking to folks in Pecos or Houston, time and trust are universally what matter,” he added. Balance is important, too.
Pallan credits his wife of 20 years, Marissa, for her support and understanding as he continues balancing his dual careers. He is currently working on his pilot’s license and can now fly more practically and conveniently, which is more essential than ever as 4NS-Supply is planning expansion towards New Mexico.
Diversification is part of the plan—two areas that do well for them are gas and water—but Pallan knows that slow and steady wins the race. “We want to make sure we can still perform with what we have before extending too much,” he explained. “A lot of supply companies will just do what they do. But we truly learn about our customers’ projects and how they work. I think that’s what’s made the difference.”
The Bankler Partners, LC relationship came about through a referral from a trusted business attorney who knew the Bankler team’s experience working with entrepreneurs would be beneficial. Pallan had both a medical imaging service and the closely held supply company to consider. “Bankler Partners did phenomenal work. I didn’t know that a business structure made such a significant difference in taxes. It was a leap of faith, but it worked out. Every year now, I’m so impressed.”
Learn more about 4NS-Supply at 4ns-supply.com