Senior CEO & Original Founder
Elias F. Perez
Elias Perez Sr. - Original Founder, Senior Advisor, Chief General Manager, Senior CEO, Master of Soil, Champion of Caisson Drilling, Best Caisson Driller West of the Mississippi, Master of Dirt Disaster, King of Dirt Sting
Elias F. Perez: A Legend in Drilling and a Man of Faith?
Elias F. Perez, founder of Perez Drilling, isn’t just another name in the industry—he’s a living legend. Across Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming, his reputation as the best foundation caisson driller stands tall. With a lifetime of experience, unmatched skill, and a work ethic second to none, he has earned the deep respect of peers, competitors, and the countless crews he’s worked alongside.
The Early Years: A Foundation in Drilling
Elias’ journey into the drilling world began in the early 1970s when he moved to Longmont, Colorado, with his wife, Josie, and their family. Along the way, he tried working various jobs but found himself unfulfilled, constantly searching for a better opportunity. That moment came when his late, younger brother-in-law Guerremo Ybarra introduced him to the caisson industry—and the rest is history.
But he wasn’t alone—he came up in the trade alongside friends like Bud, Jon, and other seasoned drillers who helped shape the industry. His early years were spent learning the ropes with companies like LMS Drilling, Anderson Incorporated Drilling, Indoor Drilling Incorporated, Evergreen Drilling, and Mark Young. These companies gave him the foundation to master the craft, and it didn’t take long for Elias to stand out as a natural.
By 1982, armed with years of hands-on experience, he founded Perez Drilling, determined to build something of his own. His name quickly became synonymous with precision, reliability, and toughness—qualities that made him the go-to guy for the toughest drilling jobs.
A Legacy Built with the Best
Over the decades, Elias has drilled for nearly every major general contractor in Colorado, including GH Phipps, PCL Construction, Kiewit, Hensel Phelps, and many more. His expertise has helped lay the groundwork for some of the largest and most critical infrastructure projects in the region. He’s the guy contractors call when the job demands experience, problem-solving, and a steady hand.
Still Leading, Still Teaching
But Elias isn’t just about getting the job done—he’s about passing down the knowledge. To this day, he remains an active force in Perez Drilling, guiding the crews, working closely with the estimating team, and training the next generation of drillers. His presence on a job site is more than just leadership—it’s reassurance. When Elias is there, you know the job will be done right.
More Than a Driller—A Man of Faith
Beyond drilling, Elias has always had another calling: his faith. As a devoted pastor and tent evangelist, he’s spent his life not only drilling into the earth but also into the hearts of those he ministers to. Whether he’s behind a rig or behind a pulpit, his words carry the same weight as the steel he works with—strong, steady, and full of purpose.
A Legacy That Lives On
Elias’ legacy isn’t just in the countless foundations he’s drilled—it’s in the people he’s mentored, the respect he’s earned, and the faith he’s shared. He’s not just a pioneer in the industry; he’s the heartbeat of it—still leading, still teaching, and still setting the standard for what it means to be the best.
CEO | Director of Operations
I am Nate Perez, the new CEO of Perez Drilling Co., and I carry a legacy that runs deep beneath the soil of Colorado. Raised in the drilling industry under the watchful eye of my father — the legendary Elias Perez Sr. — I was taught that hard work, faith, and family are the foundation of everything that lasts.
With over 35 years of experience in customer service and sales, I’ve spent my life learning how to lead people, build trust, and deliver on promises. I’m also a devoted, born-again Christian — and that spiritual rebirth has reshaped how I live, how I lead, and how I serve. My faith isn’t just personal; it’s the compass that guides every decision I make in business.
At Perez Drilling Co., we’re launching a new era. We’re upgrading our equipment, embracing new technologies, and building something bigger than a business — we’re building a team, a culture, and a mission to one day lead the caisson drilling industry in innovation and safety.
But through it all, I never forget where we come from. The Perez name is written across the foundations of this state — poured in concrete, carved into rock, and built through decades of sacrifice. My dream is that one day, my father and our entire family are recognized for the generations of labor, grit, and love we’ve poured into building Colorado.
At Perez Drilling Co., we don’t just drill — we lay the groundwork for what matters. With faith, with strength, and with heart.
Nathan J. Perez
Stephanie Perkins
Accounts Payable & Human Resources
Stephanie Perkins is the newest addition to the Perez Drilling Co. team, stepping into her role with a strong background in customer service and a natural talent for numbers. As our Accounts Payable and HR lead, she brings a sharp eye for detail, a calm presence, and a genuine passion for supporting both our team and our business operations.
Stephanie’s dedication, positivity, and professionalism make her a key part of our growing company culture. She approaches every task with care and precision, ensuring that the behind-the-scenes essentials — from payroll to people — are handled with excellence.
Outside of work, Stephanie is a proud and devoted mother, and she brings that same nurturing energy into the workplace. She’s excited to be part of the Perez Drilling Co. family and looks forward to growing with a team rooted in faith, legacy, and purpose.
Adam Perez
Lead Estimator & Technology Innovator
Adam Perez is a second-generation driller, the middle son of Elias Perez Sr., and a man deeply rooted in faith, family, and tradition. With over 35 years of industry experience, Adam brings not only skill and knowledge, but a steady, loyal presence to Perez Drilling Co.
After running his own drilling company, Adam chose to return back, merging with his brother Nate Perez and working closely alongside his father, whom he has always admired and respected. His loyalty to his father runs deep, shaped by a lifetime of hard work, lessons learned, and shared values. For Adam, it’s not about titles — it’s about honoring where he comes from and helping build what’s next.
As Lead Estimator and Technology Innovator, Adam blends old-school wisdom with modern tools to provide the most accurate and honest estimates possible. His work is driven by purpose and precision, and he plays a key role in guiding Perez Drilling Co. into a new era.
Outside of work, Adam finds peace and joy in playing guitar and expressing himself through music. His faith in God grounds him, and his quiet strength is a reflection of both spiritual conviction and lived experience. For Adam, this work is more than a job — it’s a way to serve his family, his team, and the greater mission he believes in.
Ilda Ybarra