DONNIE WOOD
General Manager
DRILLMAX
Salina, Kansas
BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED?
Don’t try to do it all by yourself; it’s not sustainable. I’m lucky to be part of a team who truly cares about being the best and taking care of customers. Whether it’s during the rig buying process or rig service once it is delivered, we want to provide the best sales and repair service in the industry.
MOST SATISFYING PART OF YOUR JOB?
Without a doubt, I really enjoy being in the field during startups, instructing, and interacting with drillers who operate our DRILLMAX rigs daily. Then at the end of the job when you turn on the air compressor and see the well making water, it gives you a great sense of accomplishment.
WHAT NEW DRILLING TECHNOLOGY ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
This is not new technology, but I enjoy the geothermal and cathodic protection drilling. You’re not looking for a certain formation at all. Your only job is to drill to required depth as fast as you can and move on to the next hole. Our DRILLMAX rigs are set up perfectly for this.
WHAT ARE YOU HEARING MOST FROM CUSTOMERS?
Everyone is extremely busy right now, rushing from job to job to keep up. They are looking for equipment that is easy to use and reliable. They depend on our equipment daily to perform its job and move on. Now is not the time to be suffering from equipment breakdowns.
IMPORTANT TIP FOR SOMEONE IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW RIG?
Do research on who you’re considering buying from. Visit their manufacturing facility. Does it have responsive rig service and affordable parts available? Are its service technicians set up to get to you quickly when needed? Get names and numbers of other drillers in your area who own the equipment and discuss with them their experiences.
MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB?
Staying on top of what’s happening in the industry is challenging. Being an asset to our customers requires understanding the drilling practices in different geologic formations, new products to help them, and any changes states make to rules or regulations affecting the method required to construct a well.