One Foot At A Time

We sat down with Matt Sharpe at the DrilRite booth during CONEXPO to talk about the launch of Wolf Machinery and Supply, his role on the Horizontal Directional Drilling Association board, and the path that got him here.Matt walks through what it actually takes to start something new in this industry, where he sees the market going, and why involvement in HDDA matters more than most people realize.

In Episode 11 of One Foot At A Time, we sit down with John Langford of Huxted Trenchless to talk about the kind of career path you can’t map out on paper.John walks through his early years, the decisions that shaped his career, and how a completely chance meeting with a long-lost cousin at a restaurant ended up changing the direction of his life and leading him into the horizontal directional drilling industry. What starts as a casual conversation turns into a series of opportunities, lessons learned the hard way, and a career built step by step in trenchless construction.This episode is about showing up, staying curious, and being willing to take the next step even when you don’t have the whole plan figured out yet. A real story about how most careers in HDD actually happen, one foot at a time.

In this episode we sit down with Rob Krzys, President of Benjamin Media and publisher of Trenchless Technology Magazine, to talk about the rebirth of the HDD Rodeo and why it matters to the horizontal directional drilling industry. Rob shares what it’s been like covering trenchless and HDD for decades through trade media, the changes he’s seen across the industry over the years, and the role events like the Rodeo play in bringing contractors, manufacturers, and crews together. We also talk about the joys of working with family, building something that lasts, and why this industry continues to be worth showing up for.

In this episode we sit down with Dave Helgeson of DrillWorx to talk about how he found his career path in horizontal directional drilling and the journey of building the DrillWorx brand into what it is today. Dave shares the experiences that shaped his direction in the industry, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what it really takes to grow a brand with purpose in HDD.

n Episode 8 of the One Foot At A Time podcast, we sit down with Todd Taylor, owner of Infinity Tool MFG, to talk about what it really takes to build a company that lasts in the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry.Todd shares lessons from decades in rock tooling, HDD tool manufacturing, and explains why he believes his employees mentor him every day. We dive into leadership, crew culture, long-term thinking, and what contractors should look for in a partner when it comes to HDD reamers, bits, and downhole tooling.If you work in horizontal directional drilling, HDD construction, or run an HDD crew or shop, this episode gives real-world insight from one of the industry’s most respected manufacturers.

Recorded on the sidelines of the HDD Rodeo at the Utility Expo, this episode of One Foot at a Time features Aaron Graff, President of Dakota Utility Contractors and Secretary of the Horizontal Directional Drilling Association (HDDA). Aaron joins host Dennis Whitehurst for an honest, on-the-ground conversation about leadership, company culture, and what it takes to build and sustain a top-tier HDD operation.

In this episode of the One Foot At A Time Podcast, we sit down with Trevor Duncan, third-generation owner of Ditch Witch Louisiana, to talk about the power of family legacy in the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry.From the early days of his grandfather’s dealership to leading the business today, Trevor shares how his family built trust with HDD contractors across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. We discuss the challenges of growing a dealership, supporting drill crews in the field, and carrying a name that has been respected in the underground construction industry for decades.This episode is valuable for HDD contractors, dealers, and industry professionals who want insight into the values, leadership, and commitment it takes to succeed in construction.Topics Covered:The Duncan family’s three-generation story at Ditch Witch LouisianaHow family legacy shapes leadership in the HDD industrySupporting contractors with drilling fluids, equipment, and serviceLessons for the next generation of HDD professionalsThe One Foot At A Time Podcast brings you real stories from leaders in horizontal directional drilling, trenchless technology, and underground utility installation.#HDD #DirectionalDrilling #DitchWitch #TrenchlessTechnology #UndergroundConstruction

In Episode 5 of One Foot at a Time, we sit down with Renee Martin, General Manager of HDD Broker, to hear the inspiring story of how she grew up in the horizontal directional drilling industry and helped transform the way equipment is bought and sold.Renee shares how her father founded HDD Broker, how she stepped into the business, and why she became the pioneer of online equipment sales in the HDD world. Her story is a powerful look at how innovation and family legacy can shape an entire industry. Listen to more episodes and subscribe: https://drilrite.com/podcastBrought to you by DrilRite Chem – High Performance Fluid Additives for HDD#HDD #DirectionalDrilling #HDDbroker #Trenchless #DrilRite #OneFootAtATime #DrillingIndustry #WomenInConstruction #HDDPodcast

Robert Myers, President and CEO of Hardrock Infrastructure and current HDDA President, joins us to talk about his journey in horizontal directional drilling—from running crews in the field to leading one of the largest HDD contractors in the country. He shares what it took to build a company with over 40 active crews, why he believes the industry needs a united voice, and how the HDDA is working to make that happen.

In this episode of One Foot at a Time, we sit down with Josh Spray, longtime HDD professional and current Territory Manager at Digital Control Inc. (DCI) — the industry leader in horizontal directional drilling locating systems.We talk about Josh’s experience in the field, how DCI supports contractors with training and innovation, and why proper locating is the key to completing tough bores. Whether you're drilling through rock, clay, or city streets, this episode is packed with insight for anyone working in HDD.Topics covered include:– Josh's early career and how he ended up at DCI. – Best practices for locating accuracy and safety– DCI’s role in training, education, and jobsite support– Common locating mistakes and how to avoid themWatch, learn, and subscribe for more interviews with experts from across the horizontal directional drilling industry.

In this episode of One Foot at a Time, we sit down with Greg Horn, Senior Engineer at Huxted Trenchless, to talk about his career as an Engineer in HDD.  We cover everything from the Wild West early years, to modern day highly technical projects, including the recent world record JRX project.Greg breaks down what it takes to pull off complex crossings, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and why staying focused on the basics still matters.

In this episode of One Foot at a Time, we talk with East Texas HDD legend John White of USA Boring about staying small, keeping good people around, and building a career that goes the distance — one foot at a time.