Welcoming Melvin “Johnny” Henson to Bermex

Welcoming Melvin “Johnny” Henson to Bermex

We’re excited to welcome Melvin “Johnny” Henson to Bermex as a damage prevention specialist based in Ohio. With more than 20 years of experience in utility safety, field operations, and quality control, Henson brings a deep passion for safe digging practices and a long-standing commitment to elevating the utility locating profession.

Henson’s career began in 1997 when a friend encouraged him to “be an engineer” for a telecommunications project — a role he embraced despite having no engineering background. He quickly excelled, engineering telecom routes across Tennessee, Georgia, Louisiana, Ohio, Michigan, and beyond before moving into underground utility locating in 2002. What’s kept him in the field for more than two decades? The freedom of being outdoors, the ability to take ownership of his work, and a schedule that once allowed him to put his kids on the bus and coach baseball for 19 years, including founding an affordable travel program for underprivileged youth.

Across Ohio, Henson is a well-known advocate for communication, accountability, and safety. He serves on the OHIO811 Underground Damage Prevention Council and Operations Committee, co-chairs the 48-Hour and Large Project Committees, and contributes to several others, including Education, White Lining, and Exemptions. He also co-chairs the Tri-C Curriculum Advisory Board and participates in damage prevention councils statewide.

Henson is deeply engaged in upcoming changes to the state’s 48-hour notification law, set to take effect in early 2026. He’s also a vocal advocate for greater recognition of utility locators and is dedicated to enhancing technician safety — from proper PPE to safe vehicle positioning to encouraging family buy-in at home.

Please join us in welcoming Henson to the Bermex team!