History

The Horizontal Directional Drilling Association (HDDA) was founded out of a shared vision to improve safety, standards, and overall industry practices. The idea began to take shape in 2021, following a series of highly publicized accidents that underscored the urgent need for change. These incidents—ranging from entry and exit communication failures to catastrophic equipment mishandlings—served as a wake-up call to industry professionals who recognized that more needed to be done to protect workers and the integrity of the HDD sector.

A pivotal moment occurred during the UCT 2021 conference in Nashville, where a group of industry veterans, including Cory Baker, Neal Hamil, Jay Miller, Grady Bell, Chris Jones, and others, gathered to discuss the future of HDD. That night, an idea was set into motion: to establish an organization dedicated solely to the betterment of the HDD industry. Discussions evolved from addressing safety concerns to broader topics such as procedural improvements, contractual frameworks, and the establishment of industry-wide best practices.

In early 2022, after extensive deliberations, the founders recognized the need for strong leadership to bring their vision to life. It was then that Robert Myers and Cory Baker reached out to Don Riggs, a leading contractor in the telecom industry across the South. Don had been witnessing firsthand the tightening restrictions and outright bans on HDD in various municipalities due to reckless drilling practices. Recognizing the importance of protecting and advancing the industry, Don eagerly joined the effort.

By May 2022, a core team—comprising Don Riggs, Cory Baker, Josh Tucker, Grady Bell, Bobby Hoover, and Robert Myers—had formed, working diligently to draft a mission statement, identify potential members, and establish the first steering committee. Their goal was clear: to create an organization that would advocate for responsible HDD practices, provide education and training, and foster collaboration among contractors, vendors, and governing bodies. Seventeen of the Founding members met face to face for the first time on July 13, 2022 to elect officers, organize committees, and detail legal matters needed to formally form the HDDA.

The Inaugural HDDA Conference took place in May 2023, at the DoubleTree Hotel (Love Field) in Dallas, Texas. Industry professionals, vendors, and drillers were invited to participate in a full day of discussions, training, and networking. Attendees were welcomed with breakfast, followed by an introduction to the newly elected Board of Directors and an overview of HDDA’s objectives. A roundtable discussion and luncheon further solidified the organization's commitment to fostering open dialogue and continuous improvement. The afternoon featured hands-on training sessions, made possible by dedicated vendors who set up demonstrations in the hotel parking lot.

The success of this first event provided the momentum necessary to propel HDDA forward. Since then, the organization has expanded its reach, hosting conferences across Texas and Louisiana and planning numerous training events for 2025. Through ongoing collaboration, industry leadership, and a steadfast commitment to safety and professionalism, HDDA continues to make significant strides in shaping the future of horizontal directional drilling.

From its inception, HDDA has been driven by a singular mission: to ensure that no family has to endure the loss of a loved one due to preventable workplace accidents. What began as a conversation among colleagues has grown into a thriving organization dedicated to elevating industry standards and protecting the future of HDD. Through collective effort and unwavering dedication, the founding members of HDDA have laid the groundwork for a safer, more responsible, and more innovative industry.

Founding Members

  • Cory Baker, HardRock Infrastructure Services, LLC
  • Grady Bell, Bell Trenchless Consulting LLC
  • Derek Briggs, Underground Supply Solutions
  • Robert Carpenter, Underground Infrastructure Magazine
  • Jim Cloud, Brownline USA
  • Mark Foulon, Vermeer Texas
  • Aaron Graff, Dakota Utility Contractors LLC.
  • Neal Hamil, JT Miller, LLC
  • Robert Myers, HardRock Infrastructure Services, LLC
  • Clint Pitman, Drilling Mud Direct
  • Don Riggs, Primoris
  • Michael Rybak, Inrock
  • Boyd Simon, Spartan Directional, LLC
  • Brooke Tingle-Eddington, Innerduct.com
  • Joshua Tucker, Online Directional Boring, LP
  • Danny Tweedel, Challenger Drilling, Inc
  • Jim Watland, Watland Custom Underground LLC
  • Don White, DCS Fluid Solutions