Blaine Brown is an accomplished leader with over 35 years of experience in the commercial trucking and drilling industries.  As the Director of the Pentastar Group of Companies and the President of Direct Horizontal Drilling, Blaine brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success.  His extensive experience spans both sectors, with a focus on driving operational excellence, improving safety protocols, and leading teams to deliver innovative solutions.  Throughout his career, Blaine has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing business strategies that enhance performance, ensure client satisfaction, and foster sustainable growth.  With decades of hands- on experience and a deep understanding of industry dynamics, he continues to play a pivotal role in the success of the Pentastar Group and Direct Horizontal Drilling.

Brian Sadoway launched his oil and gas career in the late 1960s and has since risen through the ranks to manage international operations. With an impressive 60 years of drilling experience, he previously oversaw operations for more than 80 deep well drilling rigs at a top North American contractor before joining Direct Horizontal in 2012.  Brian's comprehensive expertise in drilling is backed by a strong work ethic and a commitment to core values of safety, integrity, and reliability. As Vice President, he has embedded these values in our skilled team, ensuring they are practiced at every level, from the rig floor to executive communications. His unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality products and services on time and within budget sets a standard in the industry.

Rick Shipalesky began his drilling career in 1978 with an Alberta-based company, gaining 15 years of experience in water wells, exploration, foundation, and dewatering drilling, eventually becoming Field Drilling Supervisor.
His extensive knowledge of subsurface conditions in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Canada’s Arctic has been crucial for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) projects.

In 1993, Rick joined D&K Horizontal as a driller and later Rig Manager. He co-founded Direct Horizontal Drilling Inc. in 2001 and currently serves as Business Development Manager and Senior Project Manager, bringing a wealth of expertise from previous roles as Rig Manager, Drilling Supervisor, and Operations Manager.

David Fisher brings a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in Business Development, which is essential for effectively addressing customer needs in the competitive drilling industry. His career began in horizontal directional drilling in 1996, and over the years, he has successfully advanced through various roles, including motorman, derrick hand, driller, and rig manager.

This diverse background has provided David with a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s technical aspects and operational challenges. His firsthand experience at different levels of drilling operations allows him to anticipate client requirements and develop innovative solutions that are both practical and effective.

In his current role as Business Development and Project/Contract Manager, David is well-equipped to serve clients. He utilizes his deep industry insights to deliver tailored strategies that enhance project outcomes and ensure high levels of client satisfaction. David is committed to building strong relationships with clients, actively listening to their objectives, and translating those needs into actionable plans. David plays a crucial role in driving the success of our projects and fostering long-term partnerships in the industry.

Ernesto Gabuat is a seasoned project management professional with extensive experience in the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) industry. As a Project Manager, he oversees project team management, service delivery, and administration for a diverse range of ongoing projects.

In his role, Ernesto serves as the primary client contact for assigned projects, ensuring the delivery of high-quality results on time and within budget. He collaborates closely with other team members to set goals and establish standards for overall project quality, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in every aspect of the work.

A graduate of NAIT Petroleum Engineering in 2002, Ernesto has dedicated his entire career to the HDD industry, accumulating valuable insights and expertise that enhance his effectiveness as a project leader. His deep understanding of industry practices and strong communication skills make him a vital asset to both the team and our clients, reinforcing our commitment to successful project outcomes.

Ryan Chase began his career with Direct Horizontal Drilling in 2001 as a roughneck, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the field. Over the years, his dedication and expertise have propelled him through various roles, ultimately leading him to his current position as Operations Manager, where he oversees the company’s cutting-edge drilling fleet.

In his role, Ryan leverages his extensive knowledge to oversee design and maintenance of our custom-built high-performance rigs, ensuring they meet the highest industry standards. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence play a crucial role in optimizing rig performance and operational efficiency.

Ryan is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Direct Horizontal Drilling, coordinating with various teams to ensure smooth execution of projects and adherence to safety protocols. His leadership and problem-solving skills help drive the success of our operations, making him a vital asset to the company and a trusted resource for our clients.

David Kearns began his oil and gas career in the early 1980s and has successfully advanced through various roles to oversee field operations. With 37 years of drilling experience, David’s extensive background in drilling is complemented by a strong work ethic and a commitment to core values of safety, integrity, and reliability.  He joined Direct Horizontal in 2022.

As LRD Manager, he ensures these principles are integrated into our skilled team’s practices, from the rig floor to executive communications. His steadfast dedication to delivering high-quality products and services on time and within budget sets a standard of excellence in the industry.

With over 20 years of experience in the drilling industry, Troy Cooke has developed expert knowledge that has propelled him through various roles to his current position as Field Supervisor at DIRECT. Since 2009, Troy has led field operations on some of the most challenging and complex Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) projects in the country.

His nearly two decades of drilling experience across a range of progressively more responsible positions have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse disciplines required for successful field operations. Troy’s hands-on expertise encompasses everything from site management to technical problem-solving, making him a vital asset to any project team.

Troy's impressive resume highlights his success in completing numerous HDD crossings, including projects that span up to 2,300 meters in length and feature ream diameters of up to 60 inches. His ability to navigate the complexities of these operations demonstrates his proficiency and commitment to excellence in the field. As a leader, Troy is dedicated to ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality in every project, earning the trust and respect of his colleagues and clients alike.

Dustin Horatchka joined Direct Horizontal Drilling in 2004 and has steadily advanced through the ranks, spending 12 years as a Rig Manager before taking on the role of Field Supervisor. His extensive experience encompasses all aspects of Horizontal Directional Drilling, making him a versatile and knowledgeable leader in the field.

Throughout his career, Dustin has successfully completed numerous HDD crossings, including projects that span up to 2,300 meters in length and feature ream diameters of up to 60 inches. His hands-on experience and technical expertise enable him to tackle complex challenges with confidence and ensure the successful execution of projects. As Field Supervisor, Dustin is committed to maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency, and quality, reinforcing his reputation as a trusted professional in the industry.

Alex Viveash has been with Direct Horizontal Drilling since 2014, starting his career as a roughneck in both the maxi and light rig divisions. After spending five years as a steering hand, he took on the role of Technical Manager in 2020, leveraging his extensive field experience to lead technical operations.

With a strong foundation in the design, preparation, and execution of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crossings, Alex has applied his expertise across a wide range of challenging HDD environments. His hands-on experience has been instrumental in guiding the company through significant advancements, including the transition from wired tools to wireless electromagnetic (EM) tools utilizing in-house technology.

Alex's impressive track record includes involvement in over 150 HDD crossings, featuring more than 30 HDD intersects, including Canada’s longest HDD intersect. His technical acumen and innovative approach make him a vital asset to the team, ensuring successful project outcomes and the continued advancement of Direct Horizontal Drilling's capabilities.

Ken Sylvester has 15 years of dedicated experience in the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) industry. His hands-on field experience has been pivotal as he progressed through various roles, allowing him to gain in-depth knowledge of all aspects of drilling crossings.

Ken has successfully completed a wide range of HDD crossings, and is primarily responsible for the Light Rig Division (LRD) His extensive field expertise and practical problem-solving skills ensure the successful execution of complex projects, making him a crucial asset to the team.

Tyson Nelson is a Red Seal Heavy Equipment Technician/ Welder and the Shop Manager at Direct Horizontal Drilling, where he has been a vital team member since 2012. In this role, he expertly oversees shop personnel and drives operational efficiency. With a keen focus on equipment design and development, Tyson is instrumental in enhancing our technical capabilities and ensuring that our equipment meets the highest standards.

He takes charge of rig preparation and executes critical repairs, utilizing his extensive knowledge to uphold quality and safety throughout all shop activities. Tyson’s leadership and expertise are vital to maintaining the reliability of our equipment, directly contributing to the success of our projects and the satisfaction of our clients. His commitment to excellence sets a standard within the team and reinforces our dedication to minimal down time.

Shannon Jamieson has been with Direct Horizontal Drilling since 2016, serving as HR Manager and Quality Coordinator. With over 20 years in the oil and gas industry, she brings extensive experience in field preparation, human resources, and quality assurance.

In her role, Shannon excels in onboarding, employee preparation, and field service management. She has developed training programs that maintain 100% compliance, minimized accommodation costs, and tracked third-party invoices to prevent duplication, resulting in significant savings. Her initiatives have improved communication efficiency, reducing response times for both customers and internal teams.

Shannon interfaces with management to implement HR policies that align with company objectives and manages recruitment to attract top talent. She oversees personnel training, development, and competency assurance, as well as disciplinary actions.

Additionally, she has successfully implemented a Quality Management System that exceeds customer requirements and actively tracks equipment usage and safety information across all projects. Shannon’s strategic approach and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to Direct Horizontal Drilling.

Adam Olson joins our team as a seasoned expert in horizontal directional drilling (HDD), bringing over 20 years of extensive experience in trenchless crossings. With a proven track record in business development and project management, Adam excels in building strong relationships and driving growth within the industry.

His deep understanding of HDD technology and its applications has allowed him to successfully manage complex projects and deliver innovative solutions to clients. Adam is passionate about leveraging his expertise to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.