In this issue, we shine a light on an operator whose story brings out the spirit of this industry — resourcefulness, resilience and the ability to spot opportunity in places others might overlook. DLS Underground, based in the small town of Harper on the south-central Kansas border, is proof that innovation doesn’t require a big-city skyline. Sometimes it begins with a farm kid, a supportive spouse and a willingness to take a risk.
When Dustin and Lindsey Stansbury launched DLS Underground, the company consisted of one rented drill, a pickup and a $10,000 loan. Eleven years later, the business has grown to 17 employees, a fleet of HDD rigs, multiple hydrovac trucks and two equipment yards. It’s a story of steady, intentional growth shaped by Kansas’ tricky soils, demanding bore paths and an evolving market for trenchless solutions.
What stands out most about the Stansburys is their versatility. Even as they’ve expanded their HDD capabilities, they’ve built a strong hydrovac division that’s now poised to overtake drilling in annual revenue. That kind of adaptability — knowing when to expand, when to diversify and when to double down — is becoming essential in today’s underground construction landscape.
LOOKING UNDERGROUND
And that brings us to one of the larger themes running throughout this month’s issue: the increasing importance of rehabilitation and renewals in North America’s underground infrastructure.
Across the country, pipe systems are aging faster than many municipalities can replace them. Traditional dig-and-replace isn’t always feasible. This is where relining and rehab technologies continue to shine. CIPP, spiral-wound solutions, pressure pipe rehab, UV curing and sectional point repairs are no longer niche options; they’re often the go-to choice.
Contractors who can pair new installations — whether fiber, water, sewer or electric — with robust rehab service offerings are positioning themselves for long-term success. The future isn’t either/or. It’s both.
OFF TO INDY
That’s one of the reasons I’m looking forward to the 2026 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show, returning to Indianapolis this month. No matter how many times you’ve attended, the show continues to evolve right alongside the industry. It remains one of the best places to see new rehab technologies up close, talk with manufacturers and learn from leaders who have pushed trenchless techniques to new heights.
WWETT is also where stories like DLS Underground feel right at home. It’s a place where you meet contractors who have built thriving companies; where you see firsthand the equipment that turns difficult jobs into doable ones; and where conversations about what’s next help shape the future of underground construction.
HEARING FROM YOU
I hope this issue inspires you, informs you, and prepares you for the work ahead. I would love to hear how your company is doing and you can do that by emailing me at editor@digdifferent.com.
See you in Indianapolis.
