Think your job is hard? Try being a petroleum engineer. Just ask Seven Oaks resident Ron Kasberger, a Petroleum Engineer who had a 38-year career with Chevron. Hard work has always been a way of life for him, even if that meant traveling to places all over the world.  

 

After earning a degree in Petroleum Engineering from West Virginia University, Ron started his career. He spent 28 years overseas in places like Angola, Scotland, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, China, and Singapore. 

   

“I couldn’t have found a better career starting in 1979,” reflects Ron. “Many of the places we operated in were underdeveloped. When we brought activity, investment, training and opportunity to those areas, it helped them develop.”  

 

As a petroleum engineer, Ron moved back and forth between operations management and engineering. “There’s a lot of different things to learn, which kept me interested.” Ron jokes, “I couldn’t get my two boys to become engineers.”  

 

He and his wife, Reneé, were high school sweethearts meeting in Ravenswood, West Virginia, a town of about 2000 people. “We dated throughout high school and college, about 8 years, and then got married after graduation,” says Ron. Reneé earned her degree and worked as a dental hygienist. “As soon as the kids were independent enough, she would work. Her job teaching Dental Hygiene at Taft Community College and working for a local dentist enabled her suitable hours to manage the kids and home.” 

 

The work ethic of Ron and Reneé left an impression on Robbie, their son. “When he was 14 or 15, he mentioned how hard we worked.” Later, as the boys were embarking their own careers, they told him and his brother Stephen, “Work hard and as long as you like what you are doing, you will do well at it.” 

 

Robbie shares, “My Dad made me comfortable with hard work, blue-collar labor, and the mechanics of things. He helped me understand and respect the value that the crafts (the trades) bring to a successful workplace. Dad was always working on something at the house, whether a car or repairing wear and tear items, so learning how things worked was part of growing up.” 

 

The Kasberger family relocated to Bakersfield in 1994 and regardless of reassignments have kept a residence here ever since. In 2014, Ron and Reneé built their home in Seven Oaks. “It is a nicely laid out community,” he comments. He and his wife like the common areas, and everyone keeps up their yards and houses, adding to the neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal.   

In 2017, Ron retired. He jokes, “I highly recommend retirement to people. After I retired, I realized I could exercise as long as I wanted. My wife and I ride 20 miles a day on our bikes and the fact that Seven Oaks is very close to the bike path is a plus. It reduces the risk of riding alongside traffic.”  

 

Ron jokes that Reneé is busier now than he was working. She is active in the Association of Petroleum Wives and enjoys hanging out with the ladies at various events. She and Ron also like traveling. In recent years, they have spent extended time in their RV traveling to Alaska and back and various cross-country road trips. Both Robbie and Stephen (and family) were recently transferred to Bakersfield from other locations, so it gives them an opportunity to spend time with their immediate family, which now includes two grandchildren.   

 

While Ron may have retired, his legacy of dedication continues through his son, Robbie, who is forging his own path in the trades industry. 

 

Initially working as a personal trainer, Robbie discovered his passion for sales when a colleague at In-Shape encouraged him to learn the process. That revelation launched a successful career, taking him from district manager at In-Shape to 24-Hour Fitness before joining Purpose-Built. Now, he channels his skills and enthusiasm into a company that is revolutionizing the way tradespeople equip themselves for success. 

 

“I really didn’t know what to expect by coming to Purpose-Built,” admits Robbie. “I have a strong affinity for fitness and helping people who want to better themselves. That same fulfillment exists whenever I look for it. I like helping people and seeing smiles on people’s faces.”  

 

Now Robbie can put that passion into his profession. Closing a deal or solving a problem for a company is a “really good feeling.” He gets to do that every day at Purpose-Built.  

 

Purpose-Built is a company dedicated to providing high-quality gear and apparel for tradespeople. Founded by Kris Johnson, the company has expanded rapidly, now boasting eight storefront locations, including one in Bakersfield. The business operates in two divisions: Home of the Trades, which serves individual customers through retail and e-commerce, and Purpose-Built Pro, a business-to-business division where Robbie plays a pivotal role. 

 

One of the standout offerings of Purpose-Built Pro is safety footwear vouchers. Instead of the traditional reimbursement model, companies can issue employees vouchers for work boots, simplifying the process and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This innovation benefits both businesses and employees, creating a seamless, cost-effective solution. 

 

Beyond footwear, Purpose-Built provides uniforms, custom-branded merchandise, and essential gear for industries such as construction, manufacturing, and first responders. Their catalog includes trusted brands like Carhartt and Ariat, ensuring workers have the best apparel for demanding jobs. Additionally, the company offers personalized service, working closely with businesses to develop tailored solutions that meet their workforce's specific needs. The options are endless! 

 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Tradespeople 

Robbie’s passion for the trades extends beyond sales. He believes in fostering the next generation of skilled workers, emphasizing the value of trade careers. “For every 14 tradespeople who retire, only one new person enters the field,” Robbie explains. “We want to show young people that the trades offer fulfilling, lucrative careers.” 

 

With the rising cost of college tuition and the increasing demand for skilled labor, the trades present a viable and rewarding career path. Robbie actively works to bridge the gap by educating businesses and young professionals about the benefits of these careers. Through Purpose-Built, he hopes to reshape the perception of skilled trades and encourage more individuals to pursue hands-on work that makes a tangible difference in communities. 

From electricians to plumbers, tradespeople keep society running, and Robbie is committed to ensuring they have the tools and support they need. At the end of the day, he just wants to help people and see them succeed. 

 

What sets Purpose-Built apart is its commitment to customer service. Robbie takes pride in offering direct, personal support to clients. “When you work with us, you’re not getting routed to a call center overseas. My clients have my personal phone number and email. They can reach out to me 24/7, and I’ll do everything in my power to help them.” 

 

This level of dedication ensures that Purpose-Built clients receive unparalleled service, making their experience seamless and efficient. Whether a business needs custom-branded workwear or a reliable source for safety gear, Robbie and his team are always ready to assist. 

 

With Purpose-Built continuing to grow, Robbie looks forward to expanding its impact, helping businesses streamline their operations, and inspiring the next wave of tradespeople. It’s a legacy that his father, Ron, can certainly be proud of. 

 

For more information, visit purpose-built.com or contact Robbie Kasberger directly: