Brook J. Pauley - Owner

Brook Pauley is the founder and Managing Member of J&L Energy, LLC, a West Virginia-based natural gas company focused on responsible Marcellus development in the Appalachian Basin.

Brook has seen firsthand the positive impact natural gas development can have in rural Appalachian communities — from long-term income for land and mineral owners to steady work for local contractors, service companies, and families. As someone who is from the region and deeply connected to its land, people, and way of life, Brook’s vision for J&L is to build a lasting company rooted in responsibility, safety, integrity, and respect for the communities it serves.

Brook founded J&L Energy in 2016 after identifying an opportunity to assemble strategic land positions near existing production, pipeline infrastructure, and proven Marcellus reserves. Since then, he has grown J&L’s contiguous acreage position to more than four times its original size while securing practical drilling locations with nearby takeaway capacity and dependable water access.

His approach combines rural land experience, technical due diligence, and a long-term development mindset. Brook believes that responsible energy development starts with careful planning, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing things the right way — before, during, and after drilling operations.

Brook earned a Master’s degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Rural Development from WVU. He was named a Distinguished Young Alumnus by the West Virginia University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and was honored by West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin during the State of the State Address as an Outstanding Small Business Owner.