For over 160 years, Denton and Sons Water Wells has been a cornerstone of the Sand Lake, Michigan, community. Founded in 1860, the company has been passed down through seven generations, providing reliable water well drilling services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. We had the opportunity to sit down with Coady Denton, the current president, to learn more about the company’s history, challenges, and why they’ve trusted VERSA-DRILL rigs for their work.

A Legacy Built on Determination

Chelsea Sanders: Coady, your company has such a rich history. Can you share how it all began?

Coady Denton: Sure! My ancestors were traveling from Chicago to Traverse City, but the road got so muddy that they got stuck in Sand Lake and decided to settle here. They needed a well on their homestead, and after that, people started asking them to drill wells for them. Seven generations later, we’re still here doing what we were made to do.

CS: That’s an incredible story! You’ve clearly kept the legacy alive. Did you take over from your father?

CD: I did, and my brother works with me as well. He handles all the service and hookups, and I am the president of the company. I started out on a drill crew, worked my way up, oversaw a couple of the crews, and then took over when my dad stepped down.

Challenges and Industry Growth

CS: What’s been the biggest challenge in running the business?

CD: Staying ahead of the competition while maintaining the high-quality service and product we've always provided. We also offer a 24-hour emergency service line, so there's always a crew ready to go, no matter the time of day.

CS: That’s fantastic. What types of drilling do you focus on?

CD: We do residential, commercial, industrial, irrigation, and geothermal drilling.

Why Versa-Drill?

CS: What led you to invest in Versa-Drill rigs?

CD: The rigs are very driller-friendly, and switching from one VERSA-DRILL to another is seamless. When we looked at them, they were just clean, compact, and user-friendly. One of the biggest advantages is that any driller can easily replace parts on-site without needing a specialized mechanic. Plus, the bright red paint—that's our color!

CS: That definitely helps with branding! Do you have a favorite feature of the rigs?

CD: The power. No matter what formation we're drilling through, the VERSA-DRILL handles it. Most of our wells are 80 to 130 feet deep, but we sometimes go down to 400 feet, and the rig really shows its strength past 200 feet.

Outstanding Service and Reliability

CS: How has your experience been with VERSA-DRILL’s service team?

CD: By far the best. If I call by 1 or 2 o’clock, I’ll have the part the next day. They always have parts in stock. I don’t even have to call—I can just text Marcus, and he makes sure I get what I need.

CS: That’s amazing! Any standout moments where VERSA-DRILL really delivered?

CD: Our first Versa-Drill rig ran from 1997 to 2016 with just routine maintenance. When we were ready to upgrade, they drove a rig all the way up from Indianapolis for us to look at. The moment I saw it, I knew we were keeping it. Last summer, I needed another rig. I called Marcus in July, and he guaranteed I’d have it by September 1st. It was done two days early.

CS: That’s fantastic. It sounds like VERSA-DRILL has been a strong partner for your business.

CD: Absolutely. If you're in the market for a drilling rig, you don't need to look past Indianapolis.

With a business built on resilience, quality, and family values, Denton and Sons Water Wells continues to thrive. And with Versa-Drill rigs in their fleet, they’re well-equipped to keep delivering top-tier service for generations to come.

Check out our full line of water well drilling rigs to see which drill rig is right for you. Reach out to us today to learn more.