The Upfront Difference:
35+ Years of Local Mastery
At Well Drilling isn’t just about machinery it’s about knowing what’s 400 feet under the North Carolina soil before you even break ground. Led by Master Well Contractor Felton Jacobs, Upfront Well Company combines three decades of hands-on experience in the NC Piedmont with a modern, process-driven approach.
We don't believe in guesswork. Whether we are diagnosing a complex electrical pump failure or drilling a high-yield residential well, our mission is to provide transparency, integrity, and championship-level service to every neighbor we serve.
The Upfront Standard
Radical Transparency
We believe the well industry has been confusing for too long. At Upfront, we strip away the technical jargon and hidden fees. Whether it’s an emergency repair or a new installation, you get clear quotations, honest timelines, and a team that keeps you fully informed from the first drill to the final clean-up.
Multi-Disciplinary Expertise…
A reliable well system requires more than just a driller. Our crew brings a high-performance edge to every site, with combined mastery in drilling, electrical systems, welding, and engine repair. This "all-in-house" expertise allows us to troubleshoot complex failures that leave other companies scratching their heads.
…And Geological Precision
While technology has evolved, success in the NC Piedmont still requires an "artisan's touch" and deep geological wisdom. We don't just drill holes; we navigate the specific crystalline granite and water tables of our region. We combine Felton’s 35+ years of "dirt knowledge" with modern diagnostics to ensure your well is a lifelong asset.
WHO WE ARE
We adhere to loyalty for our customers and each other.
Felton Jacobs
In 1989, when Felton Jacobs first started working in the well industry, the Raleigh and Franklin County landscapes looked a lot different. But one thing hasn’t changed: the tough crystalline granite beneath our feet. Over the last three and a half decades, Felton has drilled through thousands of feet of that rock, providing clean, reliable water to families across the Triangle.
Why Felton Founded Upfront Well Company
After years in the industry, Felton noticed a trend: well drilling was becoming more about "volume" and less about the "customer." He saw homeowners getting hit with hidden fees and confusing technical jargon.
He founded Upfront Well Company on a simple, old-school principle: Total Transparency. > "We named the company 'Upfront' because that’s exactly how we do business. Whether we’re troubleshooting a pump at 7:00 AM or drilling a new residential well, I’m going to give you the honest truth about what you need and what it’s going to cost. No games, no fluff." — Felton Jacobs
Master-Level Expertise You Can Trust
In North Carolina, not all well contractors are created equal. Felton holds a Level A Certification, the state's highest designation for well construction. This means he is qualified for the most complex drilling projects, from high-pressure air-rotary drilling in hard rock to sophisticated filtration diagnostics.
When you call Upfront, you aren't getting a revolving door of technicians. You’re getting Felton’s 35+ years of local wisdom on every job site. He knows the water tables in Louisburg, the rock formations in Wake Forest, and the specific pump challenges in Raleigh.
Outside the Well
When he’s not behind the controls of the drilling rig, Felton is a proud member of the Franklin County community. He’s a believer in doing things right the first time and treats every customer’s property like it was his own.
Championship Precision & Process-Driven Leadership
James V. Taggart
As the CEO of Upfront Well Company, Jim brings a unique blend of high-level business strategy and technical precision to the North Carolina well-drilling industry. With a background rooted in complex systems and competitive excellence, Jim’s mission is to ensure that Upfront Well Company delivers a "Fortune 500" level of service to every backyard in the Triangle.
A Foundation in Technology and Ethics
Jim holds dual degrees in Computer Science and Business from The Ohio State University, providing him with a rare perspective on how technology and data can improve traditional trades. Before entering the well industry, Jim was a pioneer in healthcare logistics. In 2002, he founded Physicians Pharmacy Alliance (now AdhereRX), a company built on the idea that better processes lead to better patient outcomes.
Under his leadership, the company grew into a regional powerhouse before its sale to private equity in 2011. His commitment to the community was recognized in 2008 when he received the Triangle Business Journal Healthcare Hero Award—a testament to his focus on integrity and service.
The Science of Performance: From the Track to the Rig
Beyond the boardroom, Jim spent years mastering the mechanics of high-performance machinery as a professional sports car racer. Competing with legendary brands like Lotus and Porsche in the Pirelli World Challenge, Jim learned that success is measured in fractions of a second and absolute mechanical reliability.
His career highlights include:
2011 SCCA National Rookie of the Year
2013 Pirelli World Challenge Rookie of the Year (GTS)
Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona Competitor (2014)
Track Record Holder at VIR, Sebring, Road Atlanta, and Barber Motorsports.
Why This Matters for Your Well
What does racing a Porsche at 180mph have to do with your water well? Everything. Jim applies that same "no-fail" mentality to Upfront Well Company. He oversees the operations, technology, and equipment standards that allow Felton Jacobs and our drilling teams to work with unmatched precision. By combining Felton’s 35 years of "dirt knowledge" with Jim’s high-performance operational standards, Upfront Well Company provides a level of professionalism that is rare in the well-drilling industry.
The “Expert Authority”
Master-level expertise. Total transparency. From deep-rock drilling to emergency pump repairs, we provide the precision and honesty your property deserves. At Upfront Well Company, we keep the Triangle flowing.