Meet Our Team

Brian Patten is the Founder and CEO of Next Generation Land Company. With over 25 years in the land business, he specializes in identifying and preparing land for data center and infrastructure development, with a focus on power availability, long-term scalability, and execution certainty. Brian is known for a disciplined, integrity-driven approach and a belief that real value is created through clarity, follow-through, and long-term relationships.

Kevin Thuot is the Managing Partner for Texas data center projects at Next Generation Land Company. Based in Austin, Texas, he has deep energy-sector experience across oil & gas and renewables. He co-founded and led JetRock Analytics for more than a decade, building an energy analytics consultancy that was acquired in 2025. Kevin is known for a rigorous, systems-level approach to decision-making, pairing data analytics expertise with a practical focus on project execution. He holds an M.S. from MIT and a B.S. from The University of Texas at Austin, both in Mechanical Engineering.

Scott Morcom is a commercial real estate professional with over 15 years of experience navigating complex transactions and long-term development strategies. He
has built a reputation for structuring and executing deals that require careful planning, stakeholder coordination, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. 

Nate Lasee is the VP of Operations for Next Generation Land Company.   With more than 15 years of hands-on operations and analytical experience coupled with 5 years in land acquisitions, he brings a deep, mathematics-driven approach to solving complex business challenges. Grounded in a strong quantitative background, he specializes in turning data into practical strategies that improve efficiency, support scalable growth, and create well-organized systems that perform reliably over time.

Michael R. “Mike” Ward is an experienced landman with more than 15 years of industry experience dating back to the early Marcellus Shale development in the Appalachian Basin. He brings extensive expertise in title research, abstracting, curative, and mineral and surface acquisitions across multiple U.S. basins.

In addition to his landman work, Mike spent several years working in residential real estate in the Atlanta, Georgia market while simultaneously managing oil and gas projects. This experience sharpened his skills in contract negotiation, deal structuring, client representation, and transaction management—skills that directly translate to complex land and mineral acquisitions.

Mike has negotiated leases and agreements with mineral and surface owners throughout Appalachia, the Permian Basin, East Texas, and the DJ Basin. His approach is relationship-driven, with a strong emphasis on transparency, trust, and clear communication to ensure smooth, efficient transactions for all parties involved.

A Pennsylvania native, Mike is a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and currently resides in Northeast Florida. He continues to manage land projects nationwide, working closely with operators, landowners, and industry partners.

Justin Kimball has more than 20 years of leadership experience across operations, sales, and real estate asset  management. He brings a strong blend of strategic business insight and hands-on operational expertise. During his years in management, Justin has worked closely with industry professionals to deliver high-quality solutions in order to maximize value and mitigate risk.

Known for his integrity, clear communication, and steady leadership style, Justin is a trusted partner who approaches every opportunity with loyalty, professionalism, and a focus on long-term growth.