KEY PERSONNEL

ROGER A. SOAPE, CPL

Founder

Roger A. Soape, CPL, founded Roger A. Soape Inc. as a land services firm in 1980. Prior to founding the firm, Roger was a field landman and project manager associated with J.L. Schneider & Co. He is the past President of the 12,000-member American Association of Professional Landmen, which named him its Landman of the Year. Roger is a former chairman of NAPE and of AAPL’s ethics committee. He is a past president of the Houston Association of Professional Landmen, which previously named him its Landman of the Year and Senior Landman of the Year in 2022. He is also a member of the North Houston Association of Professional Landmen. He was recognized by the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association and Texas Monthly magazine as a “Best Landman.”

Roger is Vice President of the board of The West Endowment, which makes charitable contributions to religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational organizations in Texas, a director of the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, and a director of the Matagorda Bay Foundation. Roger is a native Texan and attended the University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife, Donna, live in northwest Houston.

ANDREW COOPER

Co-Managing Shareholder

Andrew Cooper, CPL, is a Co-Managing Shareholder at RAS, Inc. Andrew received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006 and started working for RAS, Inc. upon graduation. The initial years of his career were spent honing his trade as a field landman where he was given the opportunity to travel extensively across Texas and learn the lay of the land in various courthouses across the state. In 2011, Andrew was invited in-house where he served as a Senior Project Manager and Vice President, before becoming a Co-Managing Shareholder in 2021.

A member of the American Association of Professional Landmen, the North Houston Association of Professional Landmen and the Houston Association of Professional Landmen, Andrew obtained his Registered Professional Landman certification in 2011 and his Certified Professional Landman designation in 2013. He currently serves on the HAPL Board of Directors, NAPE Operator’s Committee, and HAPL Executive Night Committee. In 2020-21, Andrew had the honor of serving on the AAPL Executive Committee. He has also previously served as NHAPL's AAPL Regional Director, President, Vice President, Secretary and Director, Chairman of the AAPL Field Landman Committee, as well as a member of numerous AAPL education related committees. In 2022, he received the AAPL Presidential Award for Meritorious Service.

Away from the office, Andrew cherishes his time spent with his four children: Andy, Olivia, Harrison and Theodore. A native Houstonian, he enjoys hunting, golfing, and coaching his children's sports teams.

WILL HOLSTIEN

Co-Managing Shareholder

Will Holstien, CPL, is a Co-Managing Shareholder with Roger A. Soape, Inc., where he has been employed since 2008. Prior to becoming an employee of Roger A, Soape, Inc., Will was a field landman from 2005-2008. He earned a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Government from the University of Texas at Austin in 2003. Following graduation, Will was a research assistant/paralegal at the Austin energy and regulatory law firm of McElroy, Sullivan, Miller, and Weber LLP. He is an active member of the American Association of Professional Landmen, the Houston Association of Professional Landmen, and the North Houston Association of Professional Landmen. Will has served a two (2) year term as a Regional Director to AAPL, a term on the Ethics Committee and the Industry & Public Relations Committee for AAPL. He has served on the NHAPL Board of Directors since 2016 serving in numerous leadership roles including President of NHAPL in 2022-23. Will actively volunteers with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where he is a member of the Mutton Bustin committee. He has served as a member of the alumni association boards of Episcopal High School and St. Francis Episcopal Day School. Will is an active member of St. Martins Episcopal Church where he is an usher and a member of the Endowment Board. He previously served as a member of the Outreach/Missions Committee and the Vestry of St. Martin's Episcopal Church. In addition, Will served on the Board of Trustees of the St. Martin's Episcopal Preschool. Will is married and has two children. Though not current (and out of practice), Will holds a Private Pilot Certificate. When not in the office or volunteering in the community, Will is busy keeping up with sports activities for his boys.

FRANK ROBINSON, CPL

Senior Project Manager

C. Frank Robinson, CPL, serves as the Senior Project Manager at Roger A. Soape, Inc., where he has been employed since 1981. In 1989, he achieved certification as a Certified Professional Landman and remains an active member of esteemed professional organizations, including the Houston Association of Professional Landmen, the North Houston Association of Professional Landmen, and the American Association of Professional Landmen. Frank, a Texas A&M University graduate with a degree in Agricultural Economics, began his career as a lease analyst with Sanchez – O’Brien Oil & Gas in Laredo, Texas, after completing his studies in 1981. He upholds his certification through continuous education, participating in AAPL courses and the Advanced Oil and Gas Short Courses sponsored by the University of Houston Law Foundation, totaling more than ten hours annually.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Frank has demonstrated his commitment to the community by serving on the board of The Fay School and holding leadership positions in the Dad’s Club. He is happily married to the former Debbie Davis, and together they are proud parents of three daughters and a son. The Robinson family is actively involved in St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.

DANIEL GRABAU

GIS Manager and System Admin

Daniel Grabau is the GIS Manager and System Administrator at RAS, Inc., where he has applied his expertise since 2012. Daniel earned a Bachelor's degree in History from Texas State University, with a focus on GIS and Education. He has continually expanded his skill set, holding a GIS Certification from Penn State University, as well as ESRI and Microsoft Server Administration Certifications. Actively engaged in application development and automation, Daniel is at the forefront of technological advancements. His dedication to both GIS and system administration showcases his commitment to ensuring seamless operations and technological innovation within the organization. Daniel is currently an MBA candidate at Texas A&M University May’s Business School and is anticipated to graduate in May 2026.

LESLIE ARBOUR

Accounting Manager

Leslie serves as the Accounting Manager for Roger A. Soape, Inc., where she oversees billing operations and manages all invoicing related to landman services. Since joining the company in 2007, she has become a key part of the team’s financial backbone. During her time at RAS, Inc., Leslie earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Sam Houston State University, balancing her education with a full-time role. Outside of work, she enjoys horseback riding and spending time outdoors with her dogs.

KATHY THOMPSON

Senior Lease Analyst

Kathy Thompson is a seasoned Lease Analyst with an impressive 40 plus years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Since joining Roger A. Soape, Inc. in 2004, she has become an integral part of the team, showcasing her expertise in lease management and versatility in various land support roles. Kathy's commitment to excellence and meticulous approach to her work have made her a respected professional in the field.

Outside the office, she finds joy in the warmth of family moments, especially with her grandsons. Kathy's love for hosting get-togethers reflects her vibrant personality, and she thrives in the great outdoors, whether it's exploring nature or simply enjoying the serenity it offers.

JENNIFER GROVES

Office Manager & Lease Analyst

Jennifer Groves is the Office Manager at Roger A. Soape, Inc., where she supports both internal operations and client-facing projects through her diverse background in administration, title, legal, and credit union roles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. Jennifer is a member of the Houston Association of Professional Landmen (HAPL) and has served on the HAPL Executive Night Committee since 2023. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, reading mystery novels, and traveling with her husband.