DRILL DOWN AND DRINK UP

FAMILY TRADITION

In 1968 Jack Brackett created a legacy when he started Brackett & Son’s Water Wells in New Harbor, Maine. Jack was a family man and working with family was part of his long career as a well driller.  His Son-in-law, Kevin worked side by side with him on his T4 Ingresol-Rand and as Kevin moved on to other career opportunities, Jack’s youngest son Gary proudly stepped into that role.  Kevin learned the secrets of this trade during his 8 years operating the rig, traveling up and down the coast of Maine, even drilling on an island here and there. Years later and the family tradition will continue.

CATASTROPHE

Sometimes life throws in unexpected hardships to push you into a new direction and that is what happened. Brett’s first passion was lobstering. At the age of 6 he got his first traps following in his grandfather, Jack’s footsteps ( his first passion was lobstering too.) Brett built a successful business lobstering, shrimping and Pogie fishing. After 30+ years of lobstering, catastrophe struck in June of 2025 on Brett’s lobster boat, “F/V No Excuses”. What started as an early (very, early) morning of fishing for Pogies (bait fish) with his crew and at the time 12 year old twin boys, Bow and Garrett turned into a very serious situation in the blink of an eye. The engine made an odd sound and then it engulfed in flames. Thankfully they were close to their home harbor and fellow fisherman sprang into action to safely get Brett, his crew and boys back to the dock where the local fire department awaited. Thankfully no one was seriously injured. That was the day Kevin, Brett’s father said…”Time to buy an Ingresol-Rand T4 Well Driller!”.

BIG DREAMS

What started as an off hand comment planted a seed in Brett’s mind. A seed of change, followed by a lot of “What ifs.” After a few months back on the water lobstering, it was clear that change was on the horizon. After much research, deliberation and conversation with others in the industry near and far, Brett decided it was time to take a leap of faith and work on starting a new company. He presented the idea to his father who had the experience and expertise to get his State of Maine Well Drilling and Pump Installation licenses and the rest is history! Now Verney Well Drilling is a big dream that has come to fruition. Where Brett can continue his family's legacy while raising the next generation of well drillers.