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All’s ‘well’ at Quinn’s Well Drilling business
From our weekly issue dated June 24, 2009
“Well, we drill wells well!” state Bob & Kitty Quinn of Quinn’s Well Drilling and Pump Service.
How did they get into all this well-drilling stuff?
In the early ’70s, the couple relocated to the Grants Pass area after he finished his military tour. With the goal of establishing a home, children and living happily every after, they were optimistic and excited about the prospect of what the future had to offer.
Kitty sent Bob into the world to seek his fortune and fame. With an optimistic attitude and enough lunch to get him through the day, Bob looked for work. With 18 percent local unemployment there wasn’t much available. He went to Paquin, a local well-drilling company, and asked about job openings. The response was the same as everywhere else: “No, but thanks for asking.”
Bob watched the huge drilling rig raise the tower, and realized he had found the job of his dreams. He would have to convince them to hire him. Focusing his employment hopes on Paquin, Bob went every morning and asked if they needed anything done. He was told, “No.”
On his own, without any compensation, he would straighten the office, clean the storage yard, cut the grass and in general, help them. One day, to Bob’s great pleasure, he received a different answer -- one of the employees would pay him to do some chores at their house. OK, it wasn’t full-time employment, but it was something positive to tell Kitty about.
Bob & Kitty held strong to the belief that everything would all work out for the best. The same day Paquin hired him, he also was hired by Southern Oregon Hospital. Working two jobs to make ends meet, Bob was thrilled to be earning a steady wage.
As time at Paquin’s went on, Bob was provided the opportunity to handle more challenging tasks. These added experiences and responsibilities increased his enchantment and intrigue with the drilling rig. He wanted his own drilling machine -- which weighs 60,000 pounds, costs a half million dollars and drills through hundreds of feet of solid rock.
He was given the chance to be the driller’s helper, working around the rig every day. For him, the experience was intoxicating.
While working as the driller’s helper, Bob gained the experience needed to qualify for the position of well driller. For whatever reason, the full-time well driller quit, and the position was offered to Bob, provided he could meet the apprenticeship requirements and pass the state well driller test to get his license.
Kitty’s contribution to helping Bob pass the test was huge. In the evenings she helped him study and asked him possible test questions. Their hard work paid off, as Bob passed.
When the owner of Paquin decided to sell the business, Bob & Kitty were first in line. They put up everything they owned. When the sale was final, seeing “Quinn’s Well Drilling Inc.” on the side of the drilling rig was immensely satisfying.
The business kept Bob working long days. Kitty devoted her efforts to managing the household, raising the family and taking care of Bob (Bob is a big job). When he was at a drill site, Kitty would pack dinner and the kids and take them to visit Dad. Without Kitty as his wife, friend and teammate, this story would definitely be different.
It seems logical to have a pump service business when you drill water wells. Quinn’s Pump Service would be a natural byproduct of the well-drilling business. However, there just wasn’t enough time, or enough of Bob & Kitty, to go around.
The opportunity arose in 1985 when their son, Robert, finished his military tour and showed an interest in starting a pump service business. Soon that business was establishing its own customer list.
The end result has been a growing business with a reputation for customer satisfaction and professional service.
Robert decided to further his education and went to college to get his degree in engineering. Today he has a successful career with a wonderful family of his own.
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In 1985 the Quinn’s eldest daughter, Kelly, joined the team and assumed some management duties. Bob was thrilled when Kelly showed a serious interest in actually drilling wells. She worked as a driller’s helper (not an easy job). After her apprenticeship, Kelly took the state well driller’s certification test and is now licensed.
She expanded her knowledge of water pump systems and was a valuable asset to the daily operations. After stepping away for a few years, Kelly is now working as Quinn’s bookkeeper.
The Quinn’s youngest daughter, Tami, joined the team in March 2001.
She has devoted an enormous amount of time to understanding the drilling and pump service business. Today she focuses on the pump business and is a significant part of the daily operations, thus taking a big share of the responsibility off Bob.
Bob & Kitty are deeply proud of what each of their children have contributed to the business; their efforts will always be appreciated by Mom and Dad.
With an eye on the future Bob has expanded Quinn’s Well Drilling and Pump Service to include water treatment.
To ensure excellent customer service he has hired a crew of professional and dedicated people. Now you’ll see Thad Lambert at drill sites and managing the drill business.
Bob is still as excited as he was all those years ago, when he first saw the drilling rig raise its tower. Kitty still takes care of children, but this time they are grandkids. Today you’ll find Bob & Kitty practicing for the full-time job of “retirement.”
Quinn’s Well Drilling and Pump Service can be contacted at 541-862-9355.
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