Connecting experienced hydro excavation professionals with those looking to grow in the industry. Get mentored, become a mentor, or ask questions anonymously, all at no cost.
Get matched with an experienced hydrovac professional who can guide your career or business.
Find a mentorShare your expertise and help shape the next generation of the hydrovac industry.
Become a mentorSubmit a question and get candid, experience-based answers. Your email stays private.
Ask a questionThe hydro excavation industry is growing rapidly, but many professionals entering the field lack access to experienced mentors who can guide them through the unique challenges of this specialized work.
The Hydrovac News Mentorship Program was created to bridge that gap. Whether you are new to the industry and looking for guidance, or a seasoned professional ready to give back, this program connects you with the right people.
From operational best practices and safety protocols to business strategy and career development, mentorship is one of the most effective ways to accelerate growth and reduce costly mistakes.
Mentorship Program Director
Hydrovac News
Troy Fimrite founded and leads the Hydrovac News Mentorship Program, setting the strategic direction for the initiative and ensuring it delivers real value to both mentors and mentees.
With deep roots in the hydro excavation industry, Troy is focused on creating a structured environment where industry knowledge flows freely between experienced professionals and those building their careers. He personally coordinates mentor-mentee pairings and facilitates the overall mentorship community.
Getting started is simple. Whether you want to learn or teach, we make the connection easy.
Fill out the short form below to request mentorship or apply as a mentor. Tell us about your experience and goals.
We review every application and connect mentees with mentors based on experience level, areas of interest, and goals.
Begin your mentorship relationship with guidance from our program facilitators. Meet regularly and track your progress.
Experienced hydrovac professionals offering free, confidential guidance. Browse the directory or request a specific mentor.
Owner
5-10 years in industry
Kristy Black is the founder and owner of Black Hydrovac, a vacuum excavation company serving mission-critical construction clients across Virginia, Maryland, an…
Read candid, experience-based answers to real questions from hydro excavation operators, pricing, safety, equipment, crews, and scaling the business. No account required.
Browse the Q&AWhether you are looking to grow your career or share your experience, the program offers real value.
Connect directly with experienced hydrovac professionals who can provide personalized advice on your career and business challenges.
Learn proven operational techniques, safety protocols, and business strategies from people who have built successful hydrovac operations.
Whether you're an operator looking to advance or an owner scaling your business, mentorship accelerates your professional growth.
Submit questions anonymously and receive candid, experience-based answers from our mentor network without any commitment.
Experienced professionals can share their knowledge, shape the next generation, and build their reputation as industry leaders.
There is no cost for mentors or mentees. This program exists to strengthen the hydrovac industry through knowledge sharing.
Our mentors provide guidance across every aspect of the hydro excavation business. Explore a topic to see how mentorship helps.
Free mentorship for starting a hydrovac business. Get guidance on equipment purchasing, insurance, pricing, and market entry from experienced hydro excavation business owners.
ExploreFree hydrovac fleet management mentorship. Learn maintenance scheduling, utilization tracking, operator training, and equipment replacement planning from experienced fleet managers.
ExploreFree mentorship for building hydrovac safety programs. Develop OSHA-compliant safety plans, training programs, and incident prevention systems with guidance from experienced safety professionals.
ExploreFree mentorship for hydrovac regulatory compliance. Navigate state excavation permits, one-call laws, environmental regulations, and DOT requirements with experienced industry guidance.
ExploreFree mentorship for hydrovac bidding and estimating. Learn job costing, pricing strategies, and contract negotiation from experienced hydro excavation estimators and business owners.
ExploreFree mentorship for hydrovac crew management and training. Learn operator recruitment, training program development, and team leadership from experienced hydro excavation leaders.
ExploreFree mentorship for hydrovac equipment selection. Get unbiased guidance on truck specifications, manufacturers, new vs. used decisions, and support equipment from experienced operators.
ExploreFree career mentorship for hydro excavation professionals. Get guidance on career paths, certifications, leadership development, and advancement from experienced hydrovac industry leaders.
ExploreFree mentorship for hydrovac operations optimization. Improve daily productivity, reduce downtime, and increase profitability through operational improvements guided by experienced hydrovac operators.
ExploreFree mentorship for growing and scaling a hydrovac business. Get guidance on adding trucks, building management teams, financial planning, and market expansion from experienced hydrovac entrepreneurs.
ExploreChoose how you want to participate. All forms of involvement are welcome and completely free.
The Hydrovac News Mentorship Program is free for all participants. If your organization would like to support this initiative and help develop the next generation of hydrovac professionals, we welcome sponsorship partnerships.
Sponsors receive recognition across the program, including placement on this page, mentions in program communications, and association with a free professional development initiative.
Inquire About Sponsorship
