Like coming home

After 25 years with the same company, Thomas Kleppe has joined Omega 365 Consulting as a new Department Manager in Bergen. “When I visited Ølensvåg for the first time, I regained the feeling of being part of a family company,” says Kleppe.

“You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Everyone here is so helpful and open; it's great. People are informal, yet down-to-earth,” says Kleppe, reflecting on his new role as Department Manager at Omega 365 Consulting in Bergen.

Kleppe recently took on this position after spending his entire career with one company since the age of 14, where he held various roles, ranging from offshore work to administration and management. In short, he remains in the same industry, bringing with him a vast network and extensive experience in the oil and gas supply sector to Omega 365.

Global workplace

“It was a big step to make a change after almost 25 years. I started there with a broom and shovel during my first summer job. My whole family worked there, so it was a natural starting point,” says Kleppe.

He eventually joined the workshop, earned a certificate of apprenticeship, and later became a service engineer, working across the globe. Kleppe handled service, breakdowns, and the start-up of new installations, whether offshore, on ships, or in shipyards. He has worked on almost every continent except North America.

Must serve in the service industry

After undergoing back surgery, Kleppe moved ashore and completed a two-year vocational education program. As a project engineer, he managed work and work packages that he had previously performed in the field. His management responsibilities are similar to what he will be doing at Omega 365. The main difference is that in his previous role, Kleppe focused on technical clarifications, mechanical equipment, and processes.

His previous job required him to be 'on' constantly, every day and at all hours. As Kleppe puts it, “It's like being in the emergency room.”

“If you're in the service industry, you have to deliver!” Kleppe says.

While the role was exciting, it was challenging to balance with family life—having a wife, two children, and a home at Frekhaug, just outside Bergen.

The feeling of a family company

When the opportunity at Omega 365 arose, Kleppe was open to it. He wanted to return to a family company, as his previous workplace had shifted in a different direction after being acquired by a larger international corporation.

“Omega has always seemed like a great company from the outside, and I’d heard many positive things about it before I even considered joining. When I got the call, I felt motivated and at the right age for a change,” he says.

“I enjoy working with people, and I thought it would be a lot of fun. It has exceeded my expectations. When I visited Ølensvåg for the first time, that family-company feeling came rushing back. I received a genuine and warm welcome right away. It felt like coming home,” says Kleppe.

Thomas Kleppe has built an extensive network within the oil and gas sector after many years in the field. 

A little better every day

In his spare time, the Department Manager values being social and inclusive. For the past eight years, Kleppe has been part of the CrossFit community at Frekhaug, with six of those years as an instructor.

“I like to stay active. It's fun to push yourself outside your comfort zone and test your limits. CrossFit is an incredibly inclusive environment, with a diverse group of people training together,” Kleppe says.

“Everyone is equally welcome. People are very supportive; you do cool things together and cheer each other on,” he adds.

Kleppe enjoys the constant progression. For instance, he recently learned to walk on his hands.

“You may not aim to be the best, but you get a little better every day,” he says.

As with any sport, there have been some injuries.

“The injuries are worse if you choose the sofa. The alternative is more harmful in the long run,” Kleppe says.

Good understanding of clients

Going forward, Kleppe is eager to take on exciting challenges at Omega 365. Over the past few months, he has been working diligently as a department manager. “Working in a structured way is familiar territory for me, as project planning plays a significant role in this job," he says.

“My role is to find the right people for our clients. Having spent a lot of time in the industry, I understand the nature of many positions and the needs of our clients. This gives me a better understanding of where a project stands and the specific skills required. You learn to read between the lines and, hopefully, secure solid candidates,” explains Kleppe.

Strategy for finding new candidates

Kleppe has built an extensive network within the oil and gas sector after many years in the field. With contacts both in the industry and at relevant educational institutions, he has developed a long-term strategy for Omega 365 Consulting to consistently provide the best consultants across all disciplines.

“I hope we can find more 'golden eggs' out there,” he says.

What do you look for in new consultants?

“First and foremost, we evaluate their prior knowledge, experience, and personal qualities. Some are a good fit for the local area, while others may be more mobile. It’s a very exciting process,” says Kleppe.

Omega 365’s positive reputation is crucial for attracting the 'golden eggs' that Kleppe is seeking.

“No one can market Omega better than the people who work here. They are our best ambassadors,” Kleppe concludes.