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The HDD Company of choice, Dedicated to quality,Unyielding in our values and Committed to our customers and community.
Proudly providing support in 600+ cities
about
Directional Contractor
DAKOTA
Utility Contractors,
Directional Drilling
DAKOTA is more than just a directional boring contractor. We operate a trusted network of partners with a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
Each project gets a dedicated team to ensure it’s completed on time, on budget, and as promised. We handle challenges quickly, so you can count on a smooth, stress-free experience.
- Dedicated project team assigned
- Network of trusted partners
- Customer-first service approach
Aaron & Alan Graff
Established DAKOTA
Established DAKOTA
Moved to
1401 Kaufman St
1401 Kaufman St
Alan Graff
Retired
Retired
Moved to
2501 S Oak Grove Rd
2501 S Oak Grove Rd
Ashlie Graff CEO
Acquired
330x500
330x500
Acquired Dry Auger
and built team
and built team
DAKOTA
In Numbers
"Today and Tomorrow's Infrastructure One Foot at a time!"
+
Miles Bored per year
+
Completed jobs per year.
+
Completed bores per year.
+
Professional and available crews
+
High quality fleet of equipment
+
Cities we have worked in within 17 states & 2 Countries
WHO WE ARE
DAKOTA's Legacy: Built on Trust, Growth & Service for over 25 Years!
OUR STORY
We are a family owned and operated company that was founded in 2000 by a father & son with one RIG to now over 130+ team members, and 300+ fleet of equipment. We were incorporated in 2000 and have grown with our customers every year now Celebrating our 25th Year Anniversary in business.
We are a premier Horizontal Directional Drilling company operating 24 drilling rigs, from 15,000 pounds to 330,000 pounds and hundreds of pieces of support equipment from heavy haul trucks to mini excavators. Operating in over 600 cities in 17 States
OUR VISION
DAKOTA Utility Contractors, “The HDD company of Choice,Dedicated to Quality, Unyielding in our values and Committed to our customers and community.”
Horizontal Directional Drilling
Our Services
Engineering & Bore Design
Potholing
Maintenance
Pipeline HDD
Engineering & Bore Design
Electric
Fiber
Gas
Water
Sewer
Extensive Fleet Support
Fabrication
Fusing
Auger Jack & Bore
Dakota Utility Contractors
Directional Drilling
Careers
Join Our Team
Apprenticeship/
Journeyman program
Our apprenticeship and journeymen program provides structured training that combines hands-on work experience with Web/classroom assignments. Apprentices learn skills under the guidance of experienced professionals, progressing through stages of increasing responsibility. Upon completion, individuals achieve journeyman status, recognized as fully qualified in their trade with the expertise to work independently and mentor others
Project Management
Our Project management team has the discipline of planning, organizing, while overseeing tasks to achieve specific production goals within defined timelines and budgets. They set objectives, allocate resources, managing risks, and coordinating team efforts. Have clear communication, efficient execution, and successful daily delivery of outcomes that meet stakeholder expectations.
CDL Program
DAKOTA is an approved Third-Party Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program in the state of Texas with 2 certified instructors on site. They train our team to safely operate commercial motor vehicles we utilize for our operations. The program combines classroom instruction on safety regulations and vehicle operation with hands-on driving practice. Graduates earn the skills and certification needed to secure and maintain a CDL
Leadership
We develop leaders from the ground up while motivating and supporting the team to achieve shared mutual goals. Our leaders have a clear vision, make decisions, and provide direction while fostering collaboration and accountability. They balance strategic thinking with day-to-day management, build trust through communication and integrity, and adapt to challenges with problem-solving skills. Effective leaders inspire others, develop talent, and create an environment where people can succeed together.
Fabrication Shop
DAKOTA’s welding fabrication shop specializes in cutting, shaping, and joining metal components to create or repair structures and equipment. Services often include custom metal fabrication, structural welding, precision fitting, and finishing. The shops support our directional drilling teams by fusing pipe and repairing tooling by delivering durable, high-quality metal products tailored to project specifications.
Maintenance
Our mechanics are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining our fleet of equipment, and building systems to ensure safe and efficient operations. They will troubleshoot mechanical issues, perform preventative maintenance, and minimize downtime for our operations team. Skilled in using tools, technical knowledge, and safety practices, our mechanics support keeping our operations running smoothly day to day
Our Expert Member
Meet our Team
Ashlie & Aaron Graff
CEO & PresidentHusband & Wife team who acquired DAKOTA back from PSC in 2021 have been at the heart of DAKOTA’s success, whose leadership is rooted in dedication to their family, employees, and customers. With expertise in finance and management, they have guided the company from its early stages to the strong, resilient business it is today. Together, they have built a trusted brand recognized across the industry, supported by the dedicated team they’ve surrounded themselves with.
Kerry Cottongame
Division ManagerKerry began his career at DAKOTA in early 2010, working his way through several positions before achieving the role of Division Manager. He now oversees larger projects, wireline crews, and haul truck operations, providing steady leadership and guidance. Kerry is dedicated to supporting the entire team, bringing both his own expertise and a collaborative spirit to every role. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, hunting, exercising, and spending quality time with his family.
Jeffrey Land
Division ManagerSince 2005, Jeff has dedicated his career at DAKOTA to growing through many roles before becoming Division Manager. Known for his ability to oversee operations, anticipate challenges, and support his colleagues, he continues to build strong teams that reinforce DAKOTA’s core utility segment. Away from work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family on the family ranch, takes pride in being a grandfather, catching cows, working with his horses and sneaking in some time to duck hunt when time permits.
Chase Varner
Chief EstimatorChase began his career at DAKOTA in 2014, bringing strong business acumen and a focus on building effective processes that continue to benefit the company today. He values collaboration, welcoming operational feedback while ensuring proposals meet demanding customer needs. Chase has also helped secure and maintain relationships with unique clients who remain with DAKOTA to this day. Outside the office, he is an avid golfer and enjoys hunting alongside his loyal hound, Ray.
Nathan Vyers
Safety Manager SSH, CSHONathan began his career at DAKOTA 2004 while DAKOTA was getting started and growing. His commitment to operations, training and safety alongside his countless Certifications clearly score in his role as Safety Manager. He also holds VP of UCATX to participate in navigating change in the industry while staying abreast in industry impacts.
Bob Macy
Fleet ManagerBob came to DAKOTA in 2019 after a career in coaching high school baseball and quickly made his mark on the Fleet Department. Known for his steady leadership and ability to build strong teams, he has been key to maintaining our fleet moving and supporting operations. Today, Bob oversees parts ordering, our yard, maintenance, and the fabrication shop, all while carrying forward the brand and values that define DAKOTA.
Bill Payne
Business ManagerBill Joined DAKOTA in 2000 after a career in Aviation. He oversees the company KPIs, contract negotiations, financial oversight & complaince while supporting all departments, managing budgets, tracking job costs, and supporting profitability through efficiency while building long-term partnerships through transparency, reliability, and consistent performance.
Contact Now
Contact Us
Let’s Work
Together
Call Us
+1 972 875-6344
Our Email Us
front.desk@dakotautility.com
Office Hours
MON-THUR 07:30-5PM
FRI 07:30-12PM (After 12PM Appoint Only)
FRI 07:30-12PM (After 12PM Appoint Only)
Location2501 S Oak Grove Road
Ennis, TX 75119
Ennis, TX 75119
Our Blog & News
Articles & Blog Posts
30 may
Dakota Utility Contractors Job Story
We’ve got the majority of our smaller rigs, 40,000-pounds (18,143.7-kg) or less, working on more fiber jobs this year than in previous years. Then there’s the Vermeer D220x300 S3 Navigator® horizontal directional drill (HDD) that just wrapped up a water job in Frisco, Texas, and is now working a water line relocation project in Rowlett, Texas,” explained Aaron Graff, president for Dakota Utility Contractors Inc., when asked if his 21 HDD crews were keeping busy this year.
read more 20 may
Hard Work and Diversification Produces Results for Dakota Utility Contractors
We've got many of our smaller rigs, 40,000-pounds or less, working on more fiber jobs this year than in previous years. Then there's the **Vermeer** D220x300 S3 Navigator Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) that just wrapped up a water job in Frisco, Texas, and is now working a water line relocation project in Rowlett, Texas, explained **Aaron Graff**, President for **Dakota Utility Contractors Inc**., when asked if his 21 HDD crews were keeping busy this past year.
read more 03 jul
Smaller HDD Rod Size Makes All the Difference for Dakota
When the city of Benbrook, Texas, called on Dakota Utility Contractors Inc. to relocate existing utility lines under Highway 377, Dakota President Aaron Graff knew that the right combination of power and precision would be the key to successfully drilling the 500-ft. lines, at a depth of 12 to 14 ft. in the time allotted — all while avoiding the existing sewer, water, fiber, gas and electric lines. (Fiber and gas lines are frequent players in a utility contractor’s worst nightmares.)
read more Our Accolades and Memberships
