Brings Over 25 Years of Industry Leadership to Guide ECI’s Trenchless and Distribution Divisions into the Future
West Concord, MN – May 2025 – ECI Contracting is proud to announce the appointment of Travis Vander Wert as President, effective April 2025. Vander Wert will lead ECI Contracting’s trenchless and distribution operations, taking on day-to-day leadership responsibilities. He brings not only industry insight but also a people-first approach to leadership.
Vander Wert possesses a wealth of experience with over 25 years in the trenchless and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry, paired with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and values rooted in integrity and relationships. He will oversee ECI Contracting’s two core divisions, continuing to build “a very developed and talented team in the industry.”
“This is more than just a new position for me. This is the right place at the right time,” said Vander Wert. “ECI Contracting has built a reputation for excellence, and I’m excited to work with a team that shares my passion for strategic growth, operational discipline, and building authentic relationships with both our people and our clients.”
Vander Wert was previously the co-owner of MaxHDD, one of the largest privately owned HDD contractors in the nation. Prior to that, he held operational sales management positions with Vermeer, where he began his career while still in high school.
After years of leading high-performing teams across the southern U.S., Vander Wert made the decision to return to the Midwest to settle down with his family. He is also the co-owner of Iron Eagle Welding Academy, reflecting his commitment to workforce development and his entrepreneurial drive.
“Integrity is everything,” Vander Wert says. “If you lead with integrity, whether in business or in life, everything else tends to fall into place. That’s how I operate, and that’s the culture we’ll continue to cultivate here at ECI Contracting.”
About ECI Contracting
ECI Contracting is a premier utility construction partner specializing in horizontal directional drilling (HDD), trenching, plowing, and other underground installation services. Known for its commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence, ECI Contracting serves clients across a range of industries such as oil & gas, utilities, renewable energy, and energy infrastructure, with a focus on delivering Confidence Underground.