Sam Thigpen Entrepreneurship Endowed Scholarship

Sam Thigpen, the Founder and CEO of Sapphire Gas Solutions and the founder of Tidewater Advisory Group. Sam is an award-winning energy industry executive, entrepreneur, and founder of multiple successful ventures. In 2005, he launched what is now Sapphire Gas Solutions, growing it into a national leader in LNG, CNG, and RNG infrastructure—earning recognition twice on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies. In 2021, he was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year® for the Gulf Coast Region. As Founder of Tidewater Advisory Group, Mr. Thigpen advises businesses on growth strategy, capital structuring, and international market expansion. His nearly 30-year career spans the full energy value chain—from field operations and large-scale construction to executive leadership—giving him unmatched insight into both operational detail and strategic vision.
Mr. Thigpen attended Sam Houston State University and is committed to advancing educational opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs through scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy.