Trenchless Training Association
Presenters
Justin Taylor
Vice President of Engineering
Mr. Taylor has a proven track record in delivering highly specialized, expert engineering and design services in the trenchless industry throughout North America, including for several large, high profile projects such as the Keystone/Keystone XL Pipelines, TMEP Kinder Morgan Pipeline, and the Wink to Webster Pipeline.
Mr. Taylor received his degree in Engineering from the University of Alberta in 2007. During the rapid growth of CCI, which employs over 150 employees and has 5 offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Cochrane, Houston and Vancouver, Mr. Taylor has managed the overall quality of the engineering services of CCI, and has overseen the development of the CCI engineering team in both Canada and the United States. Mr. Taylor’s work commitment to the provision of quality engineering services for CCI’s clients is evident with the continuing education he has received including the Business Leadership for Technical Professionals program at the University of Alberta School of Business, as well his contributions to industry technical societies such as the North American Society of Trenchless Technology (NASTT), of which he is currently a board member for the Texas & Oklahoma chapter.
Neil Smith
Managing Director
Mr. Smith graduated, with honors, with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Manchester in 1983. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Neil brings, to CCI & Associates and its clients, 30 years’ HDD experience in complex, long and large diameter Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) crossings using steel, HDPE and FPVC pipe, at environmentally sensitive sites, in rural and congested urban areas, for shore landings and offshore in open waters. He has been instrumental in enabling the advancement of trenchless technology to benefit the industry and enable optimum project solutions.
Neil has over 30 years’ experience in leading international HDD contracting companies. Before assuming executive management roles, he gained experience in the HDD sector as project engineer, site manager, project manager and general manager. Neil’s accomplishments include building world class companies, delivering many challenging and significant projects (several recognized with industry awards) and the development of niche businesses in marine based HDD crossings (shore approaches and water-to-water crossings).
Neil has won multiple awards for his work with trenchless technology groups. In years past, he has been active in trade specific professional organizations and served as the President of the Directional Crossing Contractors Association.
Dave Dupuis
President
Co-Founder of the CCI Group of Companies, Mr. Dupuis has a proven track record as a successful entrepreneur. The group of companies that Mr. Dupuis co-oversees include CCI Engineering, a recipient of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 6 year running, that employs over 150 employees and has 6 offices in Calgray, Edmonton, Cochrane, Houston and Vancouver. This highly specialized service company has worked on several large, high profile projects in Canada including Keystone Pipeline, Energy East Pipeline and the TMX Kinder Morgan Pipeline. CCI Rentals includes a wide variety of rental equipment that supplies the Oil and Gas pipeline industry as well as the municipal infrastructure industry. CCI Ventures comprises the real estate holding that includes several commercial buildings in Edmonton, Cochrane and Stony Plain, Alberta. Mr. Dupuis is personally an owner and significant shareholder in several rental properties including a large commercial property development in New Brunswick. Mr. Dupuis’s keen business sense has allowed the group of companies to continue to achieve significant growth since 2004.
Mr. Dupuis received his diploma in Land Survey in 1997 and quickly moved to Alberta to begin his career as an entrepreneur. During the rapid growth of the CCI group of companies, Mr. Dupuis has managed several mergers and acquisitions, as well as the overall strategy of the company and several company transforming implementations. Mr. Dupuis’s commitment to his entrepreneurial pursuit is evident with the continuing education he has received including the Executive Management Leadership program at University of Alberta and his 6 year participation of a CEO Group Forum that encompasses entrepreneurs from several different organizations that meet monthly to discuss business strategy, learning and issues.
Travis McCartney
Chief Operating Officer
Travis McCartney began his career with one of the largest HDD Contractors in 2002. After working his way through the ranks Travis became a steering hand with one of the top service companies in the industry, where Travis successfully completed over 80,000 meters of pilot hole guidance including multiple intersects. This experience helped drive Travis to become one of the industry’s top steering hands. From there Travis continued as a consultant helping complete and design technical crossings across North America with 100% success rate.
Travis joined CCI Inc. In 2011 as Construction and Business Development Manager. His role encompassed a wide range of skills, which included building relationships with both new and existing clients, creating proposals, conceptual design and working with field crews to determine appropriate route selection. Travis looked after projects as the Project Manager and was responsible for crews from start to project completion.
In 2016, Travis became General Manager of CCI Inc. and his family relocated to Houston, Texas to open up CCI Inc’s US office. Travis is responsible for overseeing CCI & Associates Inc. daily operations while ensuring overall business operations flow smoothly and efficiently. He has created and implemented effective business development and marketing plans, and works closely with all departments to maintain quality standards. Travis continues to play an integral role in the success of CCI & Associates Inc. US operations.