Kiely MacLean acquiring a summer job cleaning hazardous tanks has been the stepping stone in defining who she is as a person and realising her ultimate dream of being an innovator and successful entrepreneur. During the summer of 2011, the young Kiely MacLean, who had just graduated with a degree from business school, had two life-changing choices to make. One – to take on the corporate marketing world, wearing formal suits every day for a lucrative company, or two – to throw on overalls and boots and get dirty in oil and gas tanks. MacLean is the CEO of RJ Cleaning Oil Tank Services. Her company, with unique automated technology — using robotics, instead of people, to clean tanks for a safer and less tedious process, is a passionate advocate for innovation in business, the environment, and promoting women in the energy field.
Describe your business of robotic tank cleaning and RJ MacLean Tank Cleaning.
Controversial pipelines, transportation and environmental spills are issues that come to mind when considering carbon impact functions in oil and gas. However, the greatest risk for human exposure are the routine maintenance functions, including tank cleaning. Across the globe, wherever there is hydrocarbon production, transportation or refinement, there are storage tanks. The function of cleaning these depositories is traditionally some of the most dangerous regularly performed work in the oilfield – not to mention risk bearing for spill potential, or hazardous vapors release.
As a woman, in a male-dominated industry, how did you become involved with tank cleaning?
Following university, I worked at the field level for tank cleaning operations. It started as more of a summer job – the market opportunity was clear as people entering tanks seems archaic in the age of technology. The risk to personnel and massive waste volumes generated in the process were unbelievable to me as a newbie entering the industry. Everything was on such a large scale! The idea for RJ Maclean Tank Services was conceived through recognition that traditional tank cleaning processes needed to change with a profound effect of globally reducing waste and recycling water.
What motivates you daily?
When I look back in hindsight at the decisions I made and the path that I took, taking risks and feeling confident in going down a different and unique path while also having people behind you who really supportive is the most important thing. The RJ MacLean team is probably the main motivator daily, as they are all extremely dedicated and focused on challenging the status quo. In the long-term, I would say the largest motivating factor is understanding the change that needs to happen in energy, and that these changes need to happen quickly.
What was one of the defining moments in your life?
Being able to start in a down market and the impact we’ve had on the industry is something I’m extremely proud of. I’m proud of challenging the status quo and being able to form and mold cleaning and maintenance projects in the industry. My greatest accomplishment recently would be the fact that one of our biggest clients recognized our innovation and bought into it wholeheartedly.
What are some of the challenges that you must endure being a woman in this field?
I actually think this is my edge. There is one aspect that I have noticed entrepreneurs do really well: to use what can be seen as a weakness their advantage and strength. I completed a business degree and one of things I had to rationalize coming out of school was whether to take a marketing job offer or take the risky path – to put on work boots, roll up my sleeves and get involved in the front lines of something I knew nothing about.
What advice do you have for women who would like to explore careers such as tank cleaners?
“TAKE RISKS!!” We really need young professionals to get involved at the front level of business. I think executive leadership requires a thorough understanding of the operational levels of the business and it’s crucial for young female leaders to get involved on the front lines. Having that knowledge was a huge part of defining the started of the company. Particularly in energy, we need more female voices in the field.
The Edge Team | Staff Writer
