Customer Spotlight: Typhoon Excavation’s Alen Mapes on Building a Business, Team Loyalty, and a Face Full of Mud
At Iron-Vac Truck Sales, we love hearing stories from the field. Recently, our very own Hayden Evans (left) interviewed Alen Mapes (right), founder of Typhoon Excavation, to talk about his experience in the excavation and hydrovac industry.
17 Years of Hard Work
Typhoon Excavation has been in business for 17 years, and Alen attributes their success to one key motivator: freedom.
"The biggest thing is working for myself, having that kind of freedom, and providing a better life for my family," Alen shared. "Hard work paid off."
Why He Started Typhoon Excavation
Like many entrepreneurs in the industry, Alen was drawn to the idea of being his own boss and building something from the ground up. For him, the satisfaction goes beyond profits—it’s about people.
"Being able to have a business that provides for families—our crews have been with us for years. Some guys are really loyal."
That kind of team loyalty doesn’t come easy, and it speaks volumes about the work culture Alen has built.
No Boss (Except His Wife!)
When asked what he loves most about the business, Alen was quick to mention the joy of independence—with a bit of humor:
"I just love being able to not have a boss—other than my wife. But being able to do my own thing and enjoy the freedom of life."
A Cold Lesson in Hydrovac
Every pumper has that one unforgettable story, and for Alen, it happened in the early days:
"Back in 2008, during the winter, I was new to it. I opened up the back end of a hydrovac truck and unplugged it... and basically got a full face and body wash of mud. It was quite cold that day."
Call it a harsh welcome to the industry—or a rite of passage!
Serving the Bakken
Typhoon Excavation is based in Williston, North Dakota, right in the heart of the Bakken oil fields. With 12 hydrovac trucks and a vac truck supporting bore work, the company plays a major role in the region’s infrastructure support.
"We're up there in the middle of the oil field," Alen noted. "If you're in the area and need support, we're here."
A Business Built on Loyalty and Grit
We’re proud to work with hardworking businesses like Typhoon Excavation. Alen’s story is a reminder that the septic and excavation world is built on more than trucks and tools—it’s built on resilience, people, and a little mud.
Thanks again to Alen for sharing his story and for trusting Iron-Vac Truck Sales to support your growing fleet!
Check out our inventory HERE or contact us HERE today!
By Riley Reed