WWJ Closeup, August 2026

DANNY NORTHRIP
Owner
DNA Well & Pump LLC
Mackinaw, Illinois

TOP TIP FOR CONTRACTORS LOOKING TO OFFER WATER CONDITIONING SERVICES?
Start by educating the customer. Involve them from the initial water testing through the selection of the equipment. This helps me understand their expectations, and it helps them clearly see the value and cost associated with the solution they choose.

HOW DO YOU MAXIMIZE JOBSITE EFFICIENCY AS A ONE-MAN OPERATION?
Even though every job looks a little different, the core goal is always the same: get water from the ground to the point of use with as little wasted energy and effort as possible. Strong processes, good organization, and consistent routines make that possible and keep the work efficient.

HOW MUCH WORK HAS BEEN GENERATED FROM SPEAKING WITH REALTORS ABOUT WELL INSPECTION SERVICES?
It’s difficult to put a specific number on the work that’s come from those conversations. Whether or not we ended up doing the inspection, the real value was in educating realtors so they could better educate their clients. Helping them understand why a groundwater professional should handle the inspection has opened the door to more informed referrals and stronger long‑term relationships.

AS YOU’VE RECEIVED RECOGNITION RECENTLY FROM THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT MAINTAINING POSITIVE CUSTOMER INTERACTIONS?
Communication is everything. There’s really no such thing as over‑communicating. Keeping customers informed at every step builds trust, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures they always feel supported.

YOU WERE RECOGNIZED IN THE 2025 WOLVERINE “TRADES TOUR.” HOW CAN THE INDUSTRY RECRUIT THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORKERS?
Our industry needs to be more present in the places where the next generation is paying attention. Opportunities like the “Trades Tour” is a perfect example. It puts real tradespeople in front of young people and shows them what this work actually looks like. Visibility matters. When we show up, share our experiences, and let them see the pride and purpose behind what we do, it sparks interest. I’m excited to stay involved in programs like this, and I have to give a big shout‑out to Jordan Davis and Wolverine Boots for creating such an impactful platform.

FAVORITE ASPECT OF UV TREATMENT?
What I appreciate most about UV treatment is that this industry is all about providing safe water, and UV does exactly that. It’s not a temporary fix for a poor water test or just another box to check for the health department. It’s a long‑term, reliable solution for a problem that can change over time—and it gives homeowners real peace of mind.