Meet Rolkon Owner and Operator Rocky Herrmann and discover how planning, technical expertise and experienced people shape Rolkon’s approach to HDD and trenchless construction.
For Rocky Herrmann, successful underground infrastructure delivery begins with understanding the project before focusing on the machinery. It means asking the right questions, understanding the site and its constraints, assessing risk, planning the route and determining the most appropriate approach before work begins.
It is a philosophy shaped by a career that extends beyond trenchless construction.
From Transport Planning to Trenchless Construction
Rocky’s professional background spans transportation planning, urban design, technical analysis and complex infrastructure projects. This broader experience has shaped the way he approaches trenchless construction today: not simply as a drilling operation, but as one component of a much bigger infrastructure delivery process.
As Owner and Operator of Rolkon, Rocky remains closely involved in projects from the earliest stages of technical input and route planning through to execution, problem-solving and client relationships. That hands-on involvement has helped establish a planning-led approach across the business.
Every Site is Different
Underground infrastructure rarely comes with perfect information.
Existing services, ground conditions, access constraints, traffic, surrounding development and environmental considerations can all influence how a project should be approached.
For Rocky, successful delivery starts with recognising those variables rather than treating every bore in the same way. Planning, underground services scanning, route assessment and experienced crews all play a role in reducing uncertainty before drilling begins. It is an approach reflected in one of Rolkon’s core principles – Plan well. Drill smart. Finish strong.
More Than Machinery
While specialist equipment and technology are fundamental to trenchless construction, Rocky believes Rolkon’s real capability lies in its people.
“We’re not just a trenchless company. We’re a people company. We take on complex work not because it’s easy, but because our clients need it done right. Our job is to plan hard, drill smart, and always finish strong.”
That philosophy extends from the people planning and managing projects to the teams operating equipment and solving problems on site. It also underpins Rolkon’s commitment to developing skills and creating opportunities for people to progress within the business.
Great Infrastructure Starts with Great Planning
Today, Rolkon delivers Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and trenchless construction solutions for underground infrastructure projects across South Africa. But regardless of the scale or complexity of the project, the principle remains the same.
The drill may do the work below ground, but successful delivery starts well before it gets there.
