Customer Spotlight: A&B Well Drilling
From Plumbing Roots to a Thriving Drilling Business -
A&B Well Drilling’s new V-140X
A Conversation with Cody Bars, CEO of A&B Well Drilling
When Cody Barrs took over his family’s plumbing business in North Florida, he had no idea he’d eventually be leading one of the area’s fastest-growing well drilling operations too. Today, A&B Well Drilling is not only thriving—it’s a model for how to grow a business with integrity, grit, and the right equipment.
We sat down with Cody to hear more about how he made the leap into drilling, what it’s like running a family business, and why his team now runs two Versa-Drill V-140 rigs.
From a Family Business to a Broader Vision
VERSA-DRILL: Hi Cody. Can you tell me a little about your background—how did you get started?
Cody: My dad started the plumbing business in 1999. I graduated high school in 2004 and became the youngest person in Florida at the time to pass the state plumbing test. About six or seven years ago, my wife Whitney and I bought the business from my parents, and we’ve seen major growth since then.
VD: And now you’ve expanded into well drilling?
Cody: Yeah. We acquired the drilling business about a year and a half ago from a friend of mine, Bruce Parks. I’d known him for years and had been in talks with him about retiring. We finally came to an agreement, and I took over the business. We were lucky to keep a few of his original team members on board—including Norman, his driller of nearly 20 years. Norman still runs one of our rigs today.
Challenges in the Trades
VD: What are some of the biggest challenges you’re facing in this industry?
Cody: Honestly, finding good labor. In both the plumbing and drilling sides of the business. On the drilling side, CDL drivers are hard to find—especially ones who want to do more than just drive. The younger generation just isn’t entering the trades the way they used to. I go to water management meetings and I’m often the youngest guy in the room by 20 years.
VD: That’s something I hear over and over again from our customers.
Cody: Yep. Schools just aren’t doing enough with vocational training. Not everyone needs college. Some kids would thrive learning trades—and they’d leave school with a skill that sets them up for life. I didn’t go to college, and now I own three businesses. Work ethic matters.
The Importance of Showing Up
VD: You’re clearly hands-on in the business. How involved are you in the day-to-day of drilling?
Cody: I’m still in the field three days a week. I want my employees to see I’m not just a guy sitting in an office. That earns respect, and it sets the tone for how we operate. I believe no one is irreplaceable—everyone needs to pull their weight and do what’s right for the business.
Why Versa-Drill?
VD: Let’s talk drilling rigs—what made you choose Versa-Drill?
Cody: We now own two Versa-Drill V-140s. We originally had a rig from a competitor, but when we tried to order another one, the build date kept getting pushed back. We had rigs breaking down and a growing backlog. That’s when I found Marcus from Versa-Drill.
I told him my situation, and he got us a rig within 45 days—right before Thanksgiving. It was incredible. And when I finally got my deposit back from the competitor, I turned around and bought another rig from Marcus.
VD: What stood out to you about the equipment?
Cody: First off, the electronic-over-hydraulic control system is amazing. I’m a plumber, not a driller, but I was able to load the full carousel and operate the machine myself. That tells you how user-friendly it is.
The rigs are also reliable, and the Versa-Drill service team is top-notch. If something goes wrong, they walk us through it—even in the field. They’ve helped us bypass issues in real-time, answer after-hours calls, and they’re fast to ship parts or reimburse warranty items. It’s the kind of support that keeps your business moving.
What’s Next for A&B Well Drilling?
VD: What are your goals moving forward?
Cody: I’m actually getting my drilling license this September, which means we’ll no longer need to carry the previous owner's license. We’re also continuing to hire—always. Even if you don’t have an open role, you’ve got to be ready to bring in a great candidate when they show up.
Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve as other drilling businesses start to age out or shut down. Between our plumbing, drilling, and real estate businesses, we’re in it for the long haul.
A&B Well Drilling is a great example of what happens when you combine old-school work ethic with smart business decisions—and the right tools. With a strong team, clear vision, and dependable rigs, Cody Barrs and his team are on a fantastic path forward.
Learn more about the company at abwelldrillinginc.com.
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.