Meet Our LubeStarz

We love to learn about LMT readers, including what they do in the field of lubrication (and what they like about their jobs)! Here’s what our July/August Lube Star told us:


Mark L. Graham, CLS, CLGS, OMA

Title: Technical Services Manager, Lubricants, O’Rourke Petroleum Products, based in Houston, TX

Background: Mark has spent a total of 25 years in the maintenance/lubrication arena (14 of them with O’Rourke, including three years in his current role). After graduating from college, this native of Bandera, TX, coached football and baseball in the public schools for awhile before moving into the solvent and chemical business.

Why He Became A Lubrication Professional: Mark’s former employer also carried lubricants in its line. He eventually found himself drawn to that side of the business and began pursuing both on-the-job and formal training in it. Today, he holds certifications as a CLGS (from NLGI) and as both a CLS and OMA (from STLE). Over the years, he says he’s been very fortunate “to work with and learn from some of the finest individuals in our business.” Mark gives props to John Wagner (of Shell Oil) and Bob Portwood (of Pacer Lubricants) for being tremendous resources in building his lube knowledge and skills. “With all their field experience,” he explains, “they had seen most everything that would or could go wrong. I could not have asked for better mentors.”

What He Likes Most About His Work: Mark takes great pride in his work with O’Rourke Petroleum Products (founded in 1932). As a Shell Alliance Distributor, the company is committed to providing the best products and services in the industry—and Dennis O’Rourke (Owner & CEO), Mushahid Khan (President & COO) and Tony Garcia (GM) expect their organization to provide nothing less than the finest technical support for its customers 24/7/365. As far as his specific duties are concerned, Mark tells us every day is different. That’s what makes his work so enjoyable, he says. “It pleases me a great deal to help people solve their lubrication problems and extend the life of their equipment. Advancing technologies in this industry create a stimulating environment and fuel a continuous learning process for me. I look at it as a win-win all the way around.”

Our caps are off to all hardworking Lube Starz, who’ll receive their own baseball caps for making the team. Up for the game? Go to www.lmtinfo.com/lubestarz or www.lubestarz.com to tell us about yourself!

Follow the instructions for submitting your own application and photo and you might find your work-related profile in a future LMT issue. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

For more info, enter 77 at www.LMTfreeinfo.com