About ClearPath Directional Drilling Services
ClearPath Utility Solutions, LLC provides skilled personnel in Horizontal Directional Drilling Services.

ClearPath was founded in 2007 and its founders have been focused on the HDD industry since 1996. Rod Riley, a Senior Software Developer, and Maureen Riley, a Marketing Rep for AEP, recognized the possibilities of the emerging markets for the HDD Processes. In 2007 Mr. & Mrs. Riley branched off from the family business to start ClearPath Utility Solutions and focus more on HDD and building an experienced team to support the HDD Projects.

Our Mission is to always go the extra mile by providing quality service while ensuring no shortcuts are taken, customers' expectations are exceeded, smart risks are considered, and superior safety measures are implemented.

Our Vision is to be the leader in the utility construction industry by providing superior services with the most skilled and trusted team.

Meet the Owners

Rod and Maureen Riley started ClearPath Utility Solutions, LLC in 2007. They are the parents of Katherine (Blaine) Klaus, Michalia (Dillon) Shepherd, and Colton Riley. They have lived in Zanesville their entire lives and are proud members of Muskingum County. Maureen started her career in 1990 with AEP in the customer service/commercial marketing department. In 1997 she joined the family business overseeing Human Resources and Safety Departments. Maureen holds a BA in Speech Communications and Sociology from Muskingum University. Maureen is a current Board Member for Guernsey Muskingum Electric Coop and a member of the Zanesville Day Rotary.

Rod grew up in the underground utility business that his father started building in 1968. Shortly after college Rod left the business to pursue a career in the software development industry. It was during this time that Rod became intrigued by the emerging HDD technology, that his family was exploring, and was asked to assist in a part-time advisory role in the business in 1996. That same year Rod helped to procure the business’s first HDD rig, thus becoming one of the first in Ohio to utilize this technology. Rod left his senior software developer position in 2000 to join the family business full-time. Expanding on the companies HDD expertise the company purchased their first rock drill in 2001. As the lead operator and business manager, Rod found that his niche lay in the more challenging rock and large diameter projects. In 2007 Rod in partnership with his wife Maureen launched ClearPath Utility Solutions, LLC. His role as President has allowed him to lead their team with a focus on providing their customers with smart trenchless solutions while utilizing cutting edge technology with total commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the team and associates.

Rod-Maureen-Riley-ClearPath-Utility-Solutions
ClearPath Utility Solutions, LLC was founded on September 7, 2007, as a joint venture between Maureen Riley and her female business partner.

September 2007

ClearPath Utility Solutions, LLC was founded on September 7, 2007, as a joint venture between Maureen Riley and her female business partner.

They came together to utilize their backgrounds to form a Horizontal Directional Drilling Company led by women entrepreneurs to meet the growing demands in the Oil & Gas market. They venture began with one HDD rig an office in Maureen’s home and a team of 3 employees, one of those being Maureen’s husband Rod.

In 2011 the company entered its 4th year in business and was moving into a phase of reaching a more specialized niche in the market place.

2011

In 2011 the company entered its 4th year in business and was moving into a phase of reaching a more specialized niche in the market place.

This niche was in larger diameter rock bores, which ClearPath had become a recognized leader. It was determined that the main focus would be obtaining the equipment to meet their clients needs. It was at this point that Maureen’s husband Rod purchased the minority shares of ClearPath. Rod secured 49% interest in the business on June 29th, 2011 and Maureen maintained the majority 51% ownership. Their goal was to build ClearPath together and include their 3 children.

As ClearPath continued to grow the lack of office space and equipment storage became a potential roadblock.

February 2012

As ClearPath continued to grow the lack of office space and equipment storage became a potential roadblock.

On February 1, 2012 ClearPath invested in their current headquarters in Zanesville, Ohio.

The first large rig investment was also made in 2012.

2012

The first large rig investment was also made in 2012.

They purchased a Vermeer 60,000,00 pound Horizontal Directional Drill and in 2014 ClearPath purchased two larger 100,000,00 pound HDD rigs. These allowed the Company to continue its growth and they saw the need for expansion of the team. These investments led to ClearPath being recognized by the Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce for its contributions to the economic growth and development of the community. The (Awards for Community and Economic Success) have been bestowed upon ClearPath a total of three times, in 2014, 2015 and 2017.

ClearPath celebrated its 12th year in business in 2019 and aside from the downshift in the market in 2016, has emerged to face the changing climate.

2019

ClearPath celebrated its 12th year in business in 2019 and aside from the downshift in the market in 2016, has emerged to face the changing climate.

The company credits its continued evolution to its team alignment and implementation of systems in September of 2017. And as Maureen states "It was a significant investment and a huge leap of faith but by hiring a business coach we have set ClearPath on a defined course based on goals. This is not only significant for our children but for those who make up the whole ClearPath family! And our team is our family… we are the ClearPath Group… and our cornerstones of core values are our guide to each action and decision we make."

ClearPath was awarded the Regional Business Excellence Award for Economic Success in 2018 by Action Coach, Heather Yakes. ClearPath was awarded this for obtaining 275% profit growth in 2018 as compared to 2017.

The goals that ClearPaths’ leadership team have established for the next 3 years have a vision in mind for both economic and employment expansion.

2020 & Beyond

The goals that ClearPaths’ leadership team have established for the next 3 years have a vision in mind for both economic and employment expansion.

This growth is being accomplished through the acquisition of a company that would allow for diversification into the telecommunications Industry and expansion geographically thus meeting a goal on their 5 year plan. ClearPath earned Diverse Business Certification through the Womens Business Enterprise National Council in October 2019 thereby achieving another goal on its road to leaving a legacy.

The Midwest's Premiere Drilling & Boring Company