Learning Through Every Mistake: Justin Herring’s Journey to the 2026 SCAPWA Backhoe Rodeo Championship 

The best equipment operators aren’t defined by never making mistakes. They’re defined by how they respond to them. 

For Justin Herring, a heavy equipment operator with Horry County Public Works, that mindset has shaped both his career and his success in competition. This year, Herring earned the title of 2026 South Carolina APWA Equipment Rodeo State Champion, adding another accomplishment to five years of competing in equipment rodeos. 

As a proud sponsor of this year’s rodeo, Blanchard Machinery was honored to provide the equipment used throughout the competition and celebrate operators who demonstrate the skill, precision, and professionalism that keep communities moving every day. 

Herring’s interest in heavy equipment began long before he entered his first competition. 

“I started out working on the farm,” he said. “That’s where I realized I liked working on equipment.” 

Today, he puts those skills to work serving Horry County through Public Works, where he finds purpose in improving the community he calls home. 

“I like being able to make the community better and serve the community,” Herring said. 

Five years ago, Herring decided to test his abilities by entering his first equipment rodeo. His competitive nature initially drew him to the events, but he quickly found they also challenged him to sharpen his skills and become a better operator. 

“I love being competitive and learning new tricks and skills from these kinds of events,” he said. 

That commitment to improvement has earned him wins at the Horry County Equipment Rodeo and the APWA Region III Equipment Rodeo. After competing at the national competition in Chicago last year, Herring returned with even more determination to continue improving. 

For Herring, becoming a better operator starts with embracing mistakes rather than fearing them. 

“What makes a great equipment operator is making mistakes and learning from them,” he said. “Own up to your mistakes and learn from them. That’s what makes you better.” 

He says competing has also made him more meticulous in the cab, teaching him to operate equipment with even greater care and precision. 

Winning this year’s state championship carries special meaning because it reflects the progress he’s made over the years. 

“It means a lot because I’ve been able to watch myself grow,” Herring said. “And it makes my county look good.” 

When asked what advice he would offer someone beginning a career operating heavy equipment, Herring returned to the lesson that has guided him throughout his career. 

“Don’t let mistakes hold you back from your full potential,” he said. “I made mistakes when I started, but I learned from them.” 

Looking back, Herring says his proudest accomplishment isn’t simply winning competitions. It’s seeing how much he has grown and recognizing what he’s capable of accomplishing through persistence and continuous improvement. 

He’s already looking foward to his next challenge. 

“I’ll be back to win again next year,” Herring said.