The people behind the bore: Recognizing 20 We Drill Together winners

Stansell Electric Company Inc. photo submission for We Drill Together contest

From expanding fiber networks to supporting water, power and utility installation projects, horizontal directional drill (HDD) crews keep communities connected. Through the We Drill Together campaign, Vermeer celebrated the people behind that work and recognized 20 grand prize winners who shared their stories from the field. 

Every bore has a story 

Much of the work that powers modern life happens below the surface. 

Every day, crews across North America tackle underground utility installation projects that bring fiber to rural communities, install critical infrastructure and help communities grow. It’s demanding work that requires skill, determination and a commitment to getting the job done right. 

That’s why Vermeer launched the We Drill Together campaign in June 2026, inviting HDD professionals to share photos and videos that captured the pride behind their work. The contest ran through July 31, and after submissions were reviewed, 20 grand prize winners were selected from crews across North America. 

The response highlighted what the HDD industry already knows: every successful bore is backed by a crew whose hard work, perseverance and pride help build the infrastructure communities depend on. 

Recognizing 20 We Drill Together grand prize winners 

From family-owned contractors to large infrastructure crews, the following winners represent the hard work and dedication found throughout the HDD industry. 

Andrew Aiello – Precision Fiber Solutions

Austin Brown – MTC Communications 

Clint Roddenberry – TBLANDMARK Construction 

TBLANDMARK photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Ian Eike-Brown – Subterraneus Inc 

Subterraneus Inc. photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Dustin Baxter – American Boring Inc. 

American Boring Inc. photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Joe Royer – Royell Communications, Inc. 

Royell Communications Inc. photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Jason Leatherman – Telecon Design USA 

Telecon Design USA photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Jordan Oliver – Ironman Directional Boring Ltd. 

Ironman Directional Boring Ltd. photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Katherine Klaus – ClearPath Utility Solutions, LLC 

ClearPath Utility Solutions LLC photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Kalley Husnik – MinnComm Utility Construction 

MinnComm Utility Construction photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Nichole Vincent – Stansell Electric Company, Inc. 

Nick Evans – TelCyte LLC 

Tim Covin – Hardrock Infrastructure 

Hardrock Infrastructure photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Dustin Forrest – Wiemelt Plumbing

Wiemelt Plumbing photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Victor Lule – NAVA Underground Construction 

NAVA Underground Construction photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Terrance Johnson – Online Directional Boring 

David Flood – Ganim Company 

Ganim Company photo submission for We Drill Together contest

T.J. Burnham – Colorado Boring Company 

Eric Guerrero – LARRETT Energy Services 

LARRETT Energy Services photo submission for We Drill Together contest

Thad Nelson – Alpine Directional Boring 

More than a contest 

Every company featured here has a story. A crew that gets up before sunrise. A job that tested their skills. A commitment to doing the work right. We Drill Together was created to recognize those stories and celebrate the contractors helping build America’s underground infrastructure. Congratulations to all 20 grand prize winners, and thank you for representing the hard work, determination and pride that move the HDD industry forward every day. 


Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications. 
Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Equipped to Do More are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2026 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved. 

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