Paul Foster

Q&A with TBHF Legend Paul Foster: Fueling Growth and Community on Both Sides of the Border

Let’s start at the beginning—how did your journey in the energy sector begin?

Paul Foster: I got my start as a teenager welding pipes, digging ditches, and cleaning tanks in oil fields. After graduating from Baylor University and becoming a CPA, I handled the books for small oil refineries across the Southwest. I eventually worked my way up to supervisor at El Paso Refinery. When it went bankrupt and I lost my job, I saw this as an opportunity to start my own company, Western Refining.  It proved to be a significant challenge, but eventually we did it, and our goal was to acquire two connected refineries in El Paso.  Once we achieved that, my partners and I took a strategic risk by running the refineries at higher capacities than Chevron, the previous owner, believing it would generate better returns. It did. Western Refining Co. exceeded expectations, grew through acquisitions, went public in 2006, and eventually sold to Tesoro, which later became Marathon. The advantages we had were that as an independent refiner we could act fast and purchase well-maintained assets from larger companies. Today, the El Paso refinery remains one of Marathon’s most profitable.

You’ve also played a major role in revitalizing downtown El Paso. What motivated that effort?

El Paso has always had incredible potential that needed investment and vision. We started with projects like restoring the historic Plaza Theatre, Mills Building and Plaza Hotel. We also built a new Triple-A baseball stadium, home to the El Paso Chihuahuas. We are now restoring the Kress Building to preserve its Art Deco design and bring even more excitement to downtown. These projects and many others have transformed the area economically—71 home games a year at the new ballpark bring thousands downtown. Local restaurants and shops are thriving.

You are involved in professional sports in both El Paso and Juarez. What does that look like?

My wife Alejandra’s family had a soccer team in the ’90s, and that passion stuck. We helped launch a new team, FC Juárez, with the goal of winning games and improving the quality of life in the community. We’re excited about FC Juárez competing in the League’s Cup against U.S. teams in world-class stadiums and the great opportunity it presents to build binational pride.

We’re also proud owners of El Paso Locomotive FC (USL Championship) and the Chihuahuas (Triple-A baseball). These investments have helped re-energize downtown El Paso and create more opportunities for employment and commerce. El Paso and Juarez function like twin cities. Every day, people cross the border for work, school, shopping, or to attend games.

Tell us about the master-planned community you’re developing in northeast El Paso.

Campo del Sol is one of the largest residential projects in the region, aiming to build 10,000 homes. We’re now in the second year of homebuilding. The location is unique—defined by the Franklin Mountains, Fort Bliss and the New Mexico border. We’ve reserved land for future development including retail, healthcare, and education. It’s about building a sustainable, truly master-planned community that improves the quality of life for its residents.

What guides your philanthropic priorities?

I believe in long-term, systemic impact that improves lives. Our overall priority is to leave things better for us having been here. Higher ed is a big focus because it creates opportunity and enables us to keep home-grown talent in the region. We support efforts in the region that improve access to education and alleviate hunger and poverty.

I’m also proud to be involved with the Texas Business Hall of Fame. It’s more than an honor—it’s an avenue to give scholarships, mentor students, and strengthen the next generation of Texas leaders. It’s always heartwarming to meet the scholars from Baylor University.

Looking back, what are you most proud of?

It’s hard to choose, but I’d say contributing to the growth and pride of El Paso and helping build a better, more vibrant city. Whether it’s helping transform downtown, investing in young people, or strengthening our ties with Juarez, I’ve always believed in this region’s potential. I’m proud to be part of its story—and I’m even more excited about what’s ahead.