Select Water Solutions is proud to announce that our chairman, president, and CEO, John Schmitz, has been recognized by the Houston Business Journal as one of Houston’s Most Admired CEOs. John, joined by members of Select’s executive team and his wife Sandy, attended the awards ceremony held in Houston last month.
This honor recognizes John’s visionary leadership, having guided Select Water Solutions since its founding in 2008 and leading the company through years of transformational growth and innovation in the oilfield water management and chemical solutions industry.
In a recent Q&A with the Houston Business Journal, John shared his insights on leadership and the qualities that drive success:
Q: What are some top qualities you believe make a strong leader?
“I believe a strong leader has to be accessible. An open-door mindset isn’t just about being available — it’s about genuinely knowing your people, listening to them, and staying in touch with what’s happening on the ground. Transparency is also important, especially when it comes to change. People respect clarity, even when the news is tough. And ultimately, you’ve got to deliver results. Leadership is earned through consistent follow-through, impact, and value creation.”
Q: How do you think leadership has changed in the past 10 years?
“The pace and complexity of leadership have increased dramatically, largely due to technology. Staying current isn’t optional — it’s foundational. I strongly believe you need to be able to receive data on Tuesday and be in a position to make decisions based on that data on Wednesday. Efficiency has also become non-negotiable — doing more with less and delivering better results.”
Q: What are your biggest drivers and motivators in your career? Have they changed with time?
“I’ve always wanted to build something lasting and to leave behind value that outlives me. Over time, that’s expanded with my growing family and a business focus around critical resources like water, land, oil, and gas. I also carry a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to U.S. energy independence. Those drivers have only gotten stronger over time.”
Q: What wisdom would you give to those who want to be a leader?
“Stay true to your roots and to your word — consistency and character matter. And most importantly, don’t lead from the office — get out there.”
Select Water Solutions celebrates this recognition of John’s leadership and remains committed to creating value for clients, employees, and communities across the U.S.