As Dig Different kicks off its 11th year in 2025, I felt it was time to look back at some of the contractors we featured in our earlier issues to see how their journeys have unfolded. Many have grown well beyond their original goals, taking on bigger projects and expanding their services. Others have found satisfaction in staying the course, continuing to serve their communities in the same steady way they did when we first introduced them to you.

In the next two issues, we’ll revisit two of those companies, starting in this issue with SSC Underground in Arizona, a contractor we originally profiled back in March 2017. At the time, the company was operating under the name SSC Global, and it was already known for its high-quality work in the trenchless industry. Fast-forward to today, and SSC Underground is still family-owned, employing about 40 people — the same core team size they’ve maintained for years.

EMBRACING CHANGE

While much has stayed the same in terms of their company values and work ethic, SSC has also evolved to meet the demands of a changing market. Their service offerings have grown, and so has their geographic reach. In addition to installing water, sewer and fiber lines, they’ve expanded into even more specialized trenchless services. They’ve also taken on larger, more complex projects, some involving critical urban infrastructure upgrades.

PRESERVING CULTURE

What’s impressive about SSC Underground isn’t just the work they do but how they’ve managed to preserve the culture that made them successful in the first place. As businesses grow, it’s easy to lose sight of the personal touch that comes with being family-run. But SSC has stayed grounded, maintaining a close-knit team atmosphere while continuing to deliver exceptional service to clients across the region.

Their story is a reminder that success in the trenchless industry isn’t just about rapid growth or chasing trends. It’s about knowing who you are as a company, being open to innovation and steadily building on the foundation of quality work and trust that customers have come to expect. Whether a company expands dramatically or chooses to remain the same size, what matters most is the ability to adapt, stay relevant and continue delivering results.

In the next issue, we’ll head east and revisit another company that’s been navigating the ever-changing landscape of trenchless work. 

SUCCESSFUL GROWTH

These glimpses into where they are now offer valuable insights for contractors, reminding us that there’s no single formula for success. Growth can take many forms, and staying true to your values, no matter how far you expand — or don’t — is the key to long-term sustainability.

Stay tuned as we explore more stories of persistence, adaptability, and craftsmanship that define this industry. If you’d like to share your own story, I encourage you to email me at editor@digdifferent.com and tell me about your company. 

Enjoy this issue!