WWJ Closeup, November 2025

COLBY MORRIS
Owner/Driller
Valley Drilling Inc.
Valley, Washington

TOP BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TIP?
Don’t be afraid to let go of underperforming employees. Holding onto individuals who make others’ jobs harder can hinder your ability to attract and retain the right talent needed for your team to thrive.

TOUGHEST CHALLENGE FACING BUSINESS OWNERS TODAY?
Finding good employees who are committed to staying in the industry is a significant challenge. While I’m always looking to expand and acquire more equipment, having the right people to operate it remains the primary obstacle.

WHAT RULES AND REGULATIONS KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT?
In Washington state, individuals with engineering degrees but no water well or drilling experience can purchase a drill rig and attempt to drill wells. This is not only dangerous but also detrimental to the industry due to their low success rates.

FAVORITE BUSINESS RESOURCE YOUR COMPANY USES?
Google Live Docs is an invaluable resource for our small company. My wife manages the office and being able to review estimates with her from my drill stand allows us to be highly responsive to customers while staying organized and aligned.

MOST IMPORTANT BUSINESS LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED THUS FAR?
If you become a partner in a company, demand complete transparency. Partnerships can quickly go awry without clear and open communication.

HOW CAN DRILLING FIRMS RECRUIT THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORKERS?
My goal is to create a more career-focused environment with a clear growth path for employees. As a small company, offering this can be challenging, but it’s essential for attracting new talent.