Tod Schlachter
Co-Founder

Tod’s work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit were evident from his very first job working in the parts department of a local farm equipment store. Eventually, his career path would lead to the construction industry where he began working as a general laborer. It didn’t take long before his hard work was noticed, and he was eventually offered a foreman position. In this role, Tod was responsible for managing large, underground construction projects. Eventually, his entrepreneurial drive would lead him to own five trucks and managing several drivers.

Never one to let a good idea go to waste, Tod used his experience in underground construction management and trucking to start a new business venture with his family. In 1999, Tod founded S&S Directional Boring, with Dustin as a partner.

In addition to being committed to his career, Tod is also active in his community. He served as township trustee for 13 years, where he helped spearhead road repairs and improvements. Today, he stays busy as a hobby rancher. His ranch, Belted Galloway Cattle, raises cattle for meat and is also home to mini donkeys. In whatever free time he has left at the end of the day, Tod enjoys traveling, spending time with his grandkids, reading, and watching old westerns and black and white movies.

Dustin Schlachter
Co-Founder/Co-Owner

Dustin Schlachter is dedicated to providing water and wastewater system repair and maintenance solutions that are both affordable and long-lasting. With a visionary mindset, he is responsible for setting the strategic course for OBIC and ensuring high growth initiatives and strong partnerships as he leads the company toward the future.

Dustin’s entrepreneurial aspiration has held him captive to the trenchless technology field since 1999 when he and his father founded S&S Directional Boring. No stranger to change management, he has successfully led multiple companies as they embraced new infrastructure rehabilitation technologies. In 2007, Dustin founded Advanced Rehabilitation Technology where he continued to grow and expand his work to include infrastructure rehabilitation through lining and coating system applications. This expansion allowed him to strengthen the executive and visionary skills he would need one day to lead a global company.

Kristi Kimpel
Co-Owner

Kristi has more than 16 years of experience in the trenchless technology industry, with a majority spent working with ART and S&S Directional Boring. In that time, Kristi has worn many hats while managing the front office: accounting, safety, marketing, event planning, insurance, and shipping and receiving, just to name a few.

Prior to joining the OBIC team, Kristi worked for a transportation broker as an onsite representative for the customers while also serving as an internal transportation specialist. She stays involved in the local manufacturing industry by maintaining active membership in the Black Swamp Safety Council. In addition, she participates in leadership positions for Williams County, learning how the community works and using it as an avenue to be more involved.

Kevin Hicks
Project Coordinator
khicks@ssdirectionalboring.com

Kevin came to SSDB with over 25 years of experience in supervision and 3 years in inventory control. His commitment to setting clear expectations and working with a highly trained team ensures each project is completed with superior customer service.

In addition to his leadership skills, Kevin also has proven experience prioritizing budgets and profitability, keeping a close eye on expenses, and cutting unnecessary items to make improvements where needed.

Outside of work, Kevin is a muscle car and sports enthusiast. When he is not at a Detroit Redwings Hockey game, he can be found remodeling his home and spending time with his grandkids.

Jeremy Herman
Field Operations Manager
jeremy@ssdirectionalboring.com

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In his role as Field Operations Manager, Jeremy is responsible for estimating, project management, and field operations.  He has 23 years of experience in conducting civil site work. He is also a proud member of the Laborers Local 500 organization.

In his spare time, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his kids and his friends, especially when it’s on his 20 acre property.

Ryan Schaufele
Project Coordinator
ryan@ssdirectionalboring.com

He has worked for S&S for 12 years and has extensive experience in the construction industry. As a project manager, Ryan is responsible for overseeing projects, estimating and serving as a superintendent. His favorite things about working here are the relationships he has built along the way and watching a project from start to finish.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys watching his kids play sports, boating and spending time on the river with his family.