Texas native Derrick Pursley was named “Ultimate Operator” to wrap up Vermeer’s yearlong Navigator Nation campaign.

Pursley

“In this industry each day is different. I continuously learn something new,” Pursley siad. “I’ve had jobs in the past where I didn’t want to go to work, but I’ve never had that feeling in this business. I enjoy what I do, and I’m proud to do it.”

The company recognized Pursley with the award on the opening day of this year’s International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) in Kentucky. Vermeer designed the Ultimate Operator honor to celebrate those working in the HDD sector. In a release, the company said the campaign’s purpose was to “show the passion and expertise drill operators have for their profession and elevate awareness for the new generation of HDD operators.”

Companies and individuals were invited to submit videos entries throughout the year at www.navigatornation.com. More than 100 entries on the site received nearly 15,000 total votes, with Pursley topping the vote count. The site had almost 31,000 unique visitors from 92 countries.

Pursley has worked for West Texas Boring Co. since 2001. He lives in Odessa, Texas, with his wife and two children. He grew up in the small west Texas town of Andrews and graduated from the University of Texas, El Paso, in 1998 with a major in business management. He also played professional golf for three years.

 Vermeer Corporation, based in Pella, Iowa, serves utility drilling, surface mining and pipeline drilling markets. The company also works in agriculture, biomass and other equipment areas. For more information, visit www.vermeer.com or email salesinfo@vermeer.com.