MEET THE TEAM
Russell Drilling was founded on hard work, experience, and a commitment to delivering dependable water well solutions. In the late 1970s, brothers Travis and Roger Russell began drilling residential and farm wells with a single worn-out rig purchased with borrowed money. Their first well was drilled at their parents’ home, marking the start of what would become a lifelong pursuit in the drilling industry.
As the company grew, Russell Drilling expanded its capabilities and equipment fleet, taking on projects ranging from residential and agricultural wells to industrial and public water supply systems. By the early 2000s, the company shifted its focus primarily to larger municipal and public water supply projects, building a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and technical expertise.
Today, Russell Drilling continues to serve communities across Central and East Texas with experienced crews, modern equipment, and a commitment to delivering high-quality water well drilling, pump services, and well rehabilitation while protecting the groundwater resources that sustain our communities.
ROGER RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
2021 Texas Ground Water Association Contractor of the Year
Licenses & Certifications:
• TGWA Water Well Driller, Master
• TGWA Pump Installer, Master
• Water Treatment Specialist Class III
Memberships:
• National Groundwater Association
• Texas Groundwater Association
• Texas Groundwater Association, East Texas Chapter
• Ground Water Institute (Past President)
• Texas Rural Water Association
• Water Quality Association
• Texas Water Quality Association
Roger is a 5th generation, life-long resident of Nacogdoches County. Beginning at age 15, working with other well contractors during summers, holidays and weekends, he gained valuable experience early. This experience would later allow him to successfully satisfy requirements of the Texas Department of License Regulation, whom rewarded him with his Master Driller License at 19 years old. Having over 45 years of experience is an asset that very few can compare to in the fields of water well drilling, water pumps and water treatment. Roger has represented the Texas Ground Water Association in state legislative matters and was awarded Contractor of the Year in 2021.
JOSH BARRETT, VICE PRESIDENT
2025 Texas Ground Water Association Presidents Award
Licenses & Certifications:
• TGWA Water Well Driller
• TGWA Pump Installer
• State of Louisiana Water Well Contractor’s License
Memberships:
• National Groundwater Association
• Texas Groundwater Association
• Texas Groundwater Association East Texas Chapter President
Josh is native of Nacogdoches County and a 2nd generation water well driller. He is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and has over 20 years of experience in the water well drilling industry. Josh has maintained his Water Well Driller License in Texas for over 15 years, his Water Well Contractor license in Louisiana for more than 7 years, and he performs electric logging and downhole camera surveys for Russell Drilling Co. Additionally, Josh serves as a board member for the Texas Ground Water Association and as the East Texas Chapter President.
LEROY BARRETT, JOB FOREMAN
Licenses & Certifications:
• TGWA Water Well Driller
• TGWA Pump Installer
Memberships:
• National Groundwater Association
• Texas Groundwater Association
• Texas Groundwater Association East Texas Chapter
Leroy is a native of Nacogdoches and currently lives in Garrison, TX. He has worked with Russell Drilling since the beginning, in 1981, and is our lead man. Over the years, Leroy has successfully maintained both his Water Well Driller License as well as TGWA Pump Installer License. He is a member of the National and Texas Ground Water Association. We could not be more blessed to have such a hard working man who works tirelessly for the success of Russell Drilling Co.
