Driller Mike Bencz is one of the stars of the Discovery Channel series “Licence To Drill,” which is going into its fourth season, this time sending the boys from the frigid north to the hot and humid south… in Louisiana. Season 4 begins on March 18th at 9pm on Discovery.
Enjoying some time off to be with his wife and 3-week-old son, Bencz spoke candidly about being portrayed on television, what working in the south was really like, and what his one piece of advice is for new dads.
CraveOnline: So, how was Louisiana different?
Mike Bencz: It was my first time in the States and the biggest way it was different was the heat and humidity. And the whole culture shock – the way they talk, the different names they have for everything, their accents are hard to understand, it’s different food. But everyone is super friendly though – everyone was super nice.
Now that the show has been on for a few seasons, do you feel that they accurately portray your lives?
Somewhat. I definitely like it because I’m trying to portray rig hands not as alcoholic drunks – we’re normal guys who work hard and do what we do. I want to represent rig hands who do a super hard job and take pride in what they do.
What’s the most difficult thing about your job?
Leaving my family – my wife and son. It’s being away from home.
What do you do on your time off?
Usually me and my wife do a lot of camping. I dirt bike a lot too – we’re very outdoorsy and like to hang out with family and just relax.
If you hadn’t gone into this line of work, what career would have interested you?
None. I don’t have a clue what I’d do.
You’re a dad – what’s a great parenting tip you can offer to new dads?
Enjoy every moment, especially if you work out of town. And give your wife a break – let her get her time too.
