Who we are
John Granberg, a native of Argyle, WI, and Robin and Kaye Gilbertson of Hollandale, WI, started J&R Underground in 1999 with a focus on directional boring.
Things began humbly with one employee, one-directional drill, and Kaye and Robin’s kitchen table as an office. As the business continued to grow, equipment and crews were added. A shop and office building were used on Robin and Kaye’s farm located between Hollandale and Barneveld.
Continued Growth
In the spring of 2008, the company had outgrown its office and shop space, and with the continued success of the company, it became clear a change would need to occur. In April of that year, the operation moved to its current location in the Village of Blanchardville. In October 2013, J&R Underground became a woman-owned business.
In February 2020, J&R Underground was acquired by Quanta Services and tucked under J&R’s long-time customer, M. J. Electric.
John, Robin, and Kaye’s vision has grown from a specialized construction company in 1999 that strictly met the directional boring needs of its clients into a full-service utility construction company.
Today, J&R’s experienced crews complete plowing, trenching, fiber blowing, and splicing operations. An emphasis is still placed on directional boring as the company currently owns and operates twenty-eight directional drilling machines. From the smallest drill rig, which is excellent for backyard work, to the largest rig, which can back ream a 24” hole, each machine is outfitted with professional workers to get the job done quickly and correctly. Drill crews are supported by mini-excavators that are appropriately sized for the project and vacuum excavators to safely locate facilities and manage drilling fluids.
John, Robin and Kaye have not forgotten that their roots are firmly planted in the local communities surrounding their business. We are proud that so many of our employees have been able to purchase or build homes in the area and raise their families, due in part to their employment at J&R Underground. We strive to support area fire departments, schools and other non-profit organizations with annual donations. Through this support of local community groups and the employment of a strong local workforce, J&R Underground strives to make a positive impact on its community and the surrounding area.
J&R Underground takes great pride in meeting its customer’s needs–not only with respect to the products that are installed but in meeting deadlines and keeping property owners happy.
J&R knows that if your customers are happy, that saves you time, expense, and headaches! Through the use of convenience boring to completing landscape restoration in a timely and professional manner to addressing every person on the job site with courtesy, our crews will impress you at every turn.
Looking ahead
With the resources, support, and affiliations of both Quanta Services and M. J. Electric, J&R Underground is poised to move smoothly into the future while maintaining the same philosophy, reputation, management, workforce, and commitment to customer care as we have since 1999.
J&R Underground helped us complete large line conversions, from overhead to underground lines.
Our crew and line foremen have commented that the J&R crews are professional, hardworking, and committed to quality. We think we have a “good thing going” and would like to continue working with the J&R gang!