Hydrovac Industry Leaders of 2026
Recognizing the people moving hydro excavation forward, nominated by the industry itself.
Nominations close Friday, November 20, 2026 at 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
About the program
Hydrovac Industry Leaders is the annual Hydrovac News recognition of the people moving hydro excavation forward across North America: owners, operators, safety champions, innovators and the newer faces already making a mark.
Nominations come from the industry. The class of up to 12 honorees is published as one class in January 2027 in the Hydrovac News digital publication.
Six categories
A person can be nominated in more than one category, but can be honored once.
Contractor Leader
Owners and presidents of hydrovac service companies who are building strong, safe and well-run businesses.
Nominate in this categoryField / Operations Leader
General managers, superintendents, lead operators and field trainers who make the work happen on site.
Nominate in this categorySafety & Damage Prevention
People with a real story of reducing utility strikes or building a strong locate and safety culture.
Nominate in this categoryEquipment & Innovation
Manufacturers, upfitters, product specialists and technology people moving hydro excavation equipment forward.
Nominate in this categoryRising Star
Newer faces in the trade, including first-time owners, who are already making a mark.
Nominate in this categoryIndustry Advocate
Mentors, trainers, association volunteers and 811 advocates who invest in the industry as a whole.
Nominate in this category
Rules and eligibility
- No self-nominations. If you think you belong in the class, ask a colleague, customer or peer to nominate you.
- Anyone working in or serving the hydro excavation industry in the United States or Canada may be nominated.
- 2025 honorees can be nominated again only with a new story to tell.
- You can nominate more than one person. Please use one form per nominee.
- Nominating is free.
Timeline
Now
Nominations are open
Friday, November 20, 2026 at 5 p.m. Mountain Time
Nominations close
Late November into December
The Hydrovac News editorial team reviews nominations
December
Selected honorees are contacted
January 2027
The class is published in the Hydrovac News digital publication
Meet the 2025 class
The Hydrovac Industry Leaders of 2025, published in January 2026.
Kristy Black
Black Hydrovac
Terry Romanow
Hydrodig
Gary Jolley
Bighorn Vac
Steve D'Angelo
Clearsite Industrial
Leslie & Cody Bahr
Bahr Hydroexcavation LLC
Mike Schmidt
Tornado Infrastructure Equipment
Joe Russom
The Superior Hydrovac
Travis Taylor
Alpha Hydrovac
Allen Jones
NG Companies
Walter Sheese
Allwaste Industrial Services LLC
Nick Azevedo
Legacy Utility Group
Frequently asked questions
- Can I nominate myself?
- No. Self-nominations are not accepted. If you think you belong in the class, ask a colleague, customer or industry peer to nominate you.
- Can I nominate more than one person?
- Yes. Please fill out one nomination form for each person you nominate. Nominating is free.
- Can someone be nominated in two categories?
- Yes. A person can be nominated in more than one category, but each person can be honored once.
- Can 2025 honorees be nominated again?
- Yes, when there is a new story to tell since their 2025 recognition. Tell us what has changed in your nomination.
- Who reviews nominations?
- The Hydrovac News editorial team reviews nominations after they close and selects the class.
- When is the class announced?
- The class of up to 12 honorees is published together in January 2027 in the Hydrovac News digital publication.
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