Opinions

A Driller's Life: Safety at Home

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Entry number 8 of Jim Beath's engrossing series - this one is about safety on and off the rig.

A Driller's Life: The Safety Culture

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:31:20 -0500

We're lucky to be working in a safety culture. Is it becoming an industry of its own? I'd say yes, and we can’t stop it, nor should we. If we just follow the light that the safety gods shine at our feet, all might be well. Right? Who knows? I do know that if I hadn’t broken my wrist, you wouldn't be reading this.

Because Obviously, the Moon Needs a Nuclear Reactor

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

With the DOE and NASA doubling down, it’s starting to feel more like science fact... or at least, a very expensive experiment.

Drilling Safety Starts Behind the Wheel

questions@askbrock.com (Brock Yordy) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

In light of the Jan. 9, 2015 Interstate 94 massive vehicle pileup, it is a good time to reflect on our industry and the many miles we drive every day.

A Driller's Life: Heat, Hard Lessons, and Florida Grit

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 20:00:00 -0500

Thanks for taking the time to read this story, I hope you enjoyed it, and until next time, work hard for what you want, and if you don't know what you want just work hard.

From Garbage Truck to Glory: Building the Big Rig

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

I’ve made holes of every kind, distillation shafts, dewatering shafts, ventilation shafts , mast arm shafts, injection wells.

Don’t Get Your Hose Stuck in the Dirt

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

A Driller’s Life returns with Jim Beath’s unforgettable first day on the rig; a story of mud, mentorship, and the kind of lessons you only learn once you’ve got your hands on the throttle.

Fair Wages in Drilling: Balancing Profit, Safety, and Skilled Trade Retention in Construction

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

How can we ensure drillers are being compensated to the best of the company’s ability while companies still make a profit? Rachel Bourne breaks it down.

Got Drilling Stories? We’ve Got Ink (or at Least Pixels)

johnnyoldaniwords@gmail.com (John Oldani) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We're looking for smart, engaging, and maybe even slightly muddy content from pros in water wells, geotech, environmental, mining, energy, foundations — you name it.

From Kaboom Cereal to Cable Tool Rigs — How One Kid Found His Calling in the Water Well Industry

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

It all starts with a driller, a bowl of Kaboom cereal, and a mom in a fuzzy blue robe. Ends with prison, Pizza Hut, and a pastor with one less thumb. Yes, it’s all true — meet Jim Beath.

Hard Hats and Habits: Rethinking Head Protection in Drilling

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

If you need to replace your whole hard hat, consider a new safety helmet designed to increase head protection.

Fostering a Safer and More Inclusive Environment in the Drilling Industry During Women in Construction Week

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0500

It's crucial to address workplace harassment in the drilling industry, foster open conversations, and create a culture where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

Changes in the Drilling Industry

Hazyschmitt@aol.com (John Schmitt) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0500

In recent months four long time in business local contractors have joined forces to become two. Observed by the author, it seems that trend is picking up.

Balancing the Rig: Building a Safer Future for Drilling

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:00:36 -0500

Drilling contractors face tons of challenges on and off the job site. Here's some ways to ensure employee safety while making sure productivity remains uncompromised.

Breaking Ground: The Mental Health Journey of a Driller

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Drillers are tough, but even the toughest need support now and then. Spending weeks on the road, away from family, can really wear on your mental health.

Like Father, Like Son: Tucker Johnson's Blueprint for the Future of Drilling

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Tucker Johnson, a 13-year-old future driller, is already making his mark in the well drilling industry, embodying the leadership, work ethic, and innovation needed to carry on his family’s legacy at Johnson Well Drilling.

The Power of Subtle Listening: How Music can Influence Leadership

jacob.william.fletcher@gmail.com (Jake Fletcher) — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Discover how a song or other artistic expression can impact the way your team views your leadership and encouragement in the drilling field and beyond.

Climate Change Takes Center Stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The Paris 2024 Olympics have highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on major sporting events, from polluted water in the Seine River to extreme weather conditions, raising critical concerns for both athletes and outdoor workers like drillers.

The #FutureDrillers of Jubilee 2024

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As we combed the aisles of the show floor, we sought to interview just a few of these hopeful #FutureDrillers about what they think of drilling, what goals they have in life, and what the future holds in store for them and drilling worldwide.

From Captain to Coach: How High School Baseball Made Me a Better Leader

jacob.william.fletcher@gmail.com (Jake Fletcher) — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Discover how coaching baseball taught Jake Fletcher leadership lessons, improving his personal and professional life.

'Elevate' Your Safety Game: A Guide to Personnel Hoisting Systems

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Discover essential safety regulations and best practices for using man baskets and Bosun chairs in personnel hoisting, ensuring every lift is both efficient and secure.

Relinquishing Control: How to Let Others Lead

jacob.william.fletcher@gmail.com (Jake Fletcher) — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The only way to avoid having the best ideas and innovations buried in the graveyard is to allow others the opportunity to explore and try new things.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Drilling: Training and Professional Development

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Ontario's first geotech and environmental drilling training day bridged the knowledge gap through industry collaboration and professional development.

Workforce Development: Apprenticeship and Career Path Strategies

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Dave Bowers shares strategies for engaging Gen Z workers and transforming drilling jobs into sustainable careers through structured apprenticeship programs and a supportive work environment.

Two Ears, One Mouth: Listening in the Drilling Field

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In the drilling industry, the ability to listen actively is a skill that separates those who succeed from those who fail in the long run.

10 Days in May: How do we Measure Success?

jacob.william.fletcher@gmail.com (Jake Fletcher) — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Defining success looks different from drilling to coaching to military leadership, but the core principles remain the same. Find out how Captain Fletch uses his varied experiences to ensure all of his teams are 'game-ready.'

Digging Deep: A Shared Community as Tough as Lead

Wed, 29 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The lives of runners and mining professionals may differ in many ways. Still, one thing that remains the same is their ability to withstand all conditions, push past all obstacles, and find the right path forward in any situation.

Rocks in a Hard Place: Tackling Boulders in Cable Tool Drilling

Hazyschmitt@aol.com (John Schmitt) — Sun, 19 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400

In this edition of Schmitt's 'Let Me Tell Ya,' John Schmitt explores the challenges of encountering boulders in cable tool drilling and offers practical advice and historical perspectives on how to manage and overcome these underground obstacles effectively.

From Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs: Supply Chain Optimization Insights from a Rising Star

Thu, 16 May 2024 04:39:38 -0400

Supply chain management and optimization require agility, flexibility, and a fresh perspective! See how this supply chain leader manages his supply chain and uses predictive analysis and technology to optimize effectively.

Climbing the Ladder or Playing for the Team

jacob.william.fletcher@gmail.com (Jake Fletcher) — Thu, 09 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

"I believe there are some people bound for senior leadership, some bound to lead where they are among the people, and a rare few who can do both."