From Internet Experiment to Industry Leader: Renee Martin of HDD Broker

Renee Martin Shares the Family Legacy on One Foot at a Time

In Episode 5 of the One Foot at a Time podcast, Renee Martin—General Manager of HDD Broker—joins us to tell the incredible story of how one of the most trusted names in used horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment came to be. What started as a family business idea has grown into a global marketplace that serves contractors across the trenchless technology industry.

At the center of that story is Renee’s late father, Ivan Lauzon, a pioneer in HDD with a vision for connecting contractors in a new way. But the journey didn’t stop with Ivan. As Renee explains in this episode, HDD Broker wouldn’t be what it is today without the major contributions of Bob Martin and Mike Lauzon, who were equally instrumental in shaping the company’s growth and reputation.

The Early Days: A Vision for the Future of HDD

The idea behind HDD Broker was bold and ahead of its time: create an online platform where HDD contractors could buy and sell used directional drilling rigs and support equipment quickly, securely, and globally. Ivan Lauzon saw where the industry was headed and Renee recognized the internet’s potential to change how contractors managed their fleets.

Alongside his daughter Renee, Ivan laid the foundation. Bob Martin—Renee’s husband—soon became an essential part of the team, helping build the operational backbone of the business while also providing vision and leadership. Mike Lauzon, Ivan’s son, brought his own expertise and energy to the table, helping scale the business and expand its impact.

Together, this small team of family and close collaborators built HDD Broker into what it is today: a trusted name in used trenchless equipment sales and a vital resource for contractors worldwide.

Building Trust in the Used HDD Equipment Market

Buying a used directional drill online was almost unthinkable at the time HDD Broker launched. Most contractors relied on local word-of-mouth, small equipment yards, or personal connections to source used rigs, mixing systems, reclaimers, and tooling. Convincing people to list or buy valuable equipment sight unseen required more than just a website—it took trust, consistency, and real industry knowledge.

That’s where Renee, Bob, Mike, and Ivan made their mark. They knew the equipment, understood the contractors, and built relationships that lasted. Over time, HDD Broker became synonymous with transparency, quality listings, and a strong service ethic that helped remove the guesswork from buying used trenchless equipment.

Today, HDD Broker offers a global network for contractors looking to buy or sell:

• Horizontal directional drills (Vermeer, Ditch Witch, American Augers, etc.)

• Mud mixing systems and reclaimers

• HDD tooling and downhole accessories

• Vacuum trucks and trailers

• Rock drilling equipment and more

Supporting HDD Contractors at Every Stage

One of HDD Broker’s biggest contributions to the horizontal directional drilling industry has been helping contractors adapt their equipment strategy as projects and business needs evolve. For many small and mid-size HDD companies, cash flow and fleet efficiency are critical. HDD Broker allows them to monetize idle equipment or find well-maintained used rigs at a lower cost.

In the podcast, Renee explains how they’ve worked with contractors of every size—from independent drillers running a single rig to major underground utility contractors handling multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects. Whether it’s a Vermeer D40x55 that needs to move fast or a full maxi-rig spread, HDD Broker provides solutions that save time and increase flexibility.

A Lasting Legacy in the HDD Industry

Renee’s father, Ivan Lauzon, had a tremendous influence on the industry. Ivan was more than just a founder—he was a trenchless pioneer who believed in the future of HDD and played a role in shaping how contractors approach equipment ownership and resale today.

In the episode, Renee reflects on what it meant to build this company with her father, and how she carries his vision forward in every decision she makes. HDD Broker is not just a business—it’s a family legacy rooted in innovation, integrity, and a deep respect for the men and women working in the field every day.

To learn more about Ivan Lauzon’s life and contributions to the HDD industry, you can read his obituary here.

Listen Now: Episode 5 of One Foot at a Time

If you work in the horizontal directional drilling world—or you’re just interested in how one bold idea reshaped an entire segment of the trenchless market—this episode is a must-listen.

Listen to Episode 5 now at drilrite.com/podcast or find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.