Installing fiber optic cables has traditionally involved multiple subcontractors, each handling specific tasks such as drilling, engineering, and maintenance. This fragmented approach, however, often leads to inefficiencies, driving up costs, causing delays, and resulting in inconsistencies in quality and communication.

An integrated team of experts capable of managing all project phases in-house—from permitting and engineering to real-time updates and data archiving—can offer faster, more affordable, and consistently high-quality outcomes. Yet, finding such a cohesive team, capable of handling even complex tasks like permitting and engineering, is rare but highly valuable.

Meet Terrazon Group (Terrazon), a veteran-owned business renowned for its comprehensive in-house capabilities—from design, engineering, and permitting to utility location, aerial and underground construction, horizontal directional boring, splicing, terminating, testing and fiber maintenance.

This breadth of expertise is supported by Terrazon’s strong culture of collaboration, which is central to its success. The leadership team brings over a century of combined experience, with many members having begun their careers in hands-on roles such as groundmen and laborers in utility construction. This practical background not only informs their strategic insight but also fosters a deep understanding of project execution. By identifying efficient, cost-effective routes and methods, they accelerate timelines without compromising quality. As a result, Terrazon attracts top talent who share a commitment to excellence, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.

Fluency in Advanced Tools

Terrazon is proficient in the latest technologies, using advanced software tools like Contractor Foreman, ArcGIS, CompanyCam, Autodesk, and Whip Around to optimize every phase of a project, enhancing transparency, accuracy, and speed. The company also employs data connectivity tools like the Verifier G-3, which provides sub-inch GPS coordinates, enabling real-time uploads of as-built information and reducing errors, thus ensuring data continuity across the project lifecycle. This approach minimizes downtime, enhances decision-making with accurate data, and maintains continuity across all phases.

“We can produce drawings 50 percent faster and at a significantly lower cost with in-house engineering and permitting than our competitors. This efficiency allows us to deliver exceptional value while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service,” says Tim Van Barriger, president of Terrazon Group.

From Map to Reality

Terrazon begins by gathering customer expectations, including timelines, budgets, proposed routes, and specific construction requirements. This initial step enables the company to perform due diligence and fully understand the customer’s goals.

“Our clients often come to us with locations marked on a map where they want to establish fiber optic connectivity. Our team brings the skill, insight, and foresight needed to turn that idea into reality on time and within budget,” Van Barriger explains.

Terrazon studies the specified locations and examines the project scope, archiving historical project data and identifying the best possible routes. Planning considers factors such as geological and environmental conditions, municipal regulations, seasonal constraints, and available workforce. Terrazon’s comprehensive market knowledge provides a database of conditions and restrictions for various locations.

Once the initial plan is conceptualized, the company presents it to the client for approval. Upon approval, it moves into the preliminary design and engineering phase, including fielding, CAD drafting, and permitting with relevant utilities and municipalities. Terrazon explores alternative construction methods like vibratory plowing or aerial installation to reduce costs, using GIS software like ArcGIS to gain a multi-dimensional view of the job site. This phase can take up to four weeks, depending on the size of the project. After securing permits, the company begins construction, handling all underground builds in-house. It then proceeds to fiber installation, with in-house fiber installers populating the ductwork, followed by fiber splicers who connect the cables.

“We thoroughly test the constructed system and handle all in-building ISP work before delivering a fully operational, turnkey system to our clients,” says Van Barriger.

Terrazon’s commitment extends beyond project completion, offering maintenance services with 24-hour support for troubleshooting, emergencies, and system upkeep. The company views educating customers on its construction techniques as part of its duty, empowering them to make informed decisions. By presenting multiple options, Terrazon enables customers to select solutions that best align with their needs and priorities.

Testaments to Terrazon’s Forward-Thinking and Budget Optimization

A recent project highlights Terrazon’s holistic approach to service delivery. For a new client, Terrazon managed a complex project involving a bore between two existing structures and a busy roadway. The conventional approach would have required opening multiple large pits in the roadway to install the conduit. Instead, Terrazon implemented a precision construction technique, allowing access through pre-existing openings in the structures, which eliminated the need for extensive roadwork, significantly reduced costs, and enhanced the municipality’s willingness to approve future installations.

In another case, Vero Networks has been working with Terrazon for several years now. They were initially tasked with a few relatively small projects in Illinois, which were executed in a timely fashion and on budget. This relationship has continued to grow, with multiple awards each year of varying size and scope and in multiple states. Here’s the commendation from Josh Nelson, Senior Director of Operations at Vero Networks, regarding their collaborating working with Terrazon.

“Terrazon’s commitment to excellence shows in every facet of the build process-aggressive and accurate responses to quote requests; efficient fielding, engineering and permit submissions with focused push for approvals; seamless transition from E&P to construction start; timely delivery of each project by well-equipped and properly trained crews. Terrazon provides additional support through value engineering our projects and regularly finding opportunities to lower cost and improve delivery intervals. I am a firm believer that you sign your name to everything you do. It is more than refreshing to see Terrazon put those words into action each day.”

Terrazon has also addressed a 20 percent budget shortfall, approximately $2.3 million, for a $12 million project. By using alternative methods—such as designing shorter paths, using plow versus bore techniques, and opting for aerial installations—the company successfully mitigated almost the entire budget gap.

Prioritizing Employee Safety at Every Phase

Safety in underground construction is a non-negotiable commitment for Terrazon. Mandatory monthly safety meetings are held at the company headquarters. During these meetings, Terrazon recognizes the ‘Crew of the Month,’ rewarding top-performing crew members with a $100 bonus and public acknowledgment. Terrazon also utilizes the safety meeting as a way to build camaraderie and company culture. Crews are provided with breakfast, informed of company updates, and given the opportunity to voice concerns or suggestions. Andrew Wright, Director of Safety, regularly updates the company’s safety standards and policies, reinforcing Terrazon’s commitment to safety.

To ensure compliance with safety standards, the team conducts a job safety analysis before starting any work. Team members photograph the job site before, during, and after each workday. They establish local emergency facilities and designated meeting points in case of an emergency and perform regular safety audits.

“We hire individuals who can take initiative, inspire others, and reduce the administrative burden that often complicates daily operations. Hiring for quality, character, and attitude helps minimize issues down the line, leading to better outcomes,” says Wright. “By selecting individuals who share our vision, we ensure that the entire team is aligned and moving in the same direction.”

Where Experience Meets Teamwork

Terrazon currently serves a significant portion of the Midwest and is exploring expansion into several southern states. This approach combines acquisitions, restructuring, and strategic organic growth. Terrazon is also refining its future strategy, reviewing software systems, communication methods, IT infrastructure, and departmental development to ensure growth that aligns with its mission to be a reliable partner for utility solutions.