February 2026 – Meet Don Larson, President, WellView Services LLC
PERSONAL
What is your educational background? BS degree in Environmental Science – attended both Montana State University and Western Washington University
What drew you to work in the environmental sector? My family background is in farming – always enjoyed working on the family farm as a youngest in North Dakota. Farmers are stewards of the land.
What’s one interesting fact about you that most people don’t know? I graduated valedictorian of my high school and Magna Cum Laude of my college class – also a published author of a WWII family history story – Lucky’s Life: Letters Home from Lt. William R. Larson, USNR, a Beloved Son, Brother, and WWII Torpedo Bomber Fighter Pilot – Squadron VC 38
How do you balance your career and family?Firm believer in taking time off time for vacations and Holidays – life is too short. I enjoy scuba diving, sturgeon fishing, golfing, wake surfing, and I live on a floating home on the Columbia River.
ON BUSINESS
What drew you to your company initially? Established a limited-liability company in 2025 after 35 years in the environmental and geotechnical services markets. Company values lasting partnerships.
What are three words to describe your company? Dependable, innovative, and professional.
What is the favorite part about working for your company? This is my fifth start-up venture in my career. It has been rewarding to see each venture grow and be successful. Now at WellView Services, I am President and Owner, so more responsibilities but also greater rewards.
What has been your favorite project at your company? Through-out my 35 years of business, I have worked on thousands of projects. The largest and longest duration has been drilling services at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, in excess of $50M in project values. This has been an on-going project site for me personally since 2006 and continues to grow in value and size. It is the Superbowl of environment projects in the United States and will continue to require subcontracting services.
ON THE INDUSTRY
What has your involvement been with NEBC? I have been an active NEBC member since the mid-90’s – former NEBC trade-show committee member for the annual conference and have participated/exhibited at the annual Portland conference for 27 years.
What is the best professional advice you’ve received? Listen to your customers/clients, be fair and reasonable in negotiations, and take full responsibility of your actions. Business is about long-term relationships and doing work with your friends – don’t forget to enjoy the ride.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to work at your company or in the industry?There couldn’t be a better time to join the environmental industry – I’ve never seen it this busy in my career. Specialize in PFAS and help develop a remedial cure.
What trends do you see as a part of the industry? Currently, the focus seems to be on EV technologies, but most folks don’t realize the environmental impact of additional mining of rare minerals throughout the US and the World. Not to mention the immense issue of recycling all those batteries in the near future. Also, water supply and water rights will continue to be a limiting factor on growth in the Western US – hopefully the younger generation can help solve that problem too.