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Our Journey:  From Sooner Roots to Orange Power Group

The story of Orange Power Group begins in 1959, when Russ Sadler founded Sooner Equipment Company in Oklahoma City. It was the first Ditch Witch dealership in the world, pioneering a new way to bring cutting-edge underground construction solutions directly to contractors and municipalities. When Russ’s health declined in the early 1970s, a young salesman from the Ditch Witch factory named John Bridwell saw an opportunity. Working under Ed Malzahn, the founder of Ditch Witch, John recognized the potential in distribution and approached Russ about acquiring Sooner Equipment. The transition was seamless — and historic.  By 1975, John’s son, Gary Bridwell, joined the business and helped usher in a new era of growth and customer-centered service. Together, they formally established Ditch Witch of Oklahoma, strengthening their local presence and operational capabilities. 
Two decades later, in 2000, Gary expanded the family business into Arkansas, launching full-service operations in both Little Rock and Springdale.In 2003, Gary’s son, Dru Bridwell, joined the company, becoming the third generation to serve the underground construction industry. Gary’s other son, Cody Bridwell, continues to support the family business as a silent partner.
In 2016, the Bridwell family formed Orange Power Group, LLC following the acquisition of Ditch Witch of the Rockies. This strategic move created a unified powerhouse in the Midwest and Mountain West regions — now spanning eight full-service dealerships across seven states.
From the foundation laid by Sooner Equipment to the modern-day OPG, the Bridwell family has built more than a business — they've built a legacy of service, innovation, and trust.
Today, Orange Power Group is a unified network of dealerships that combines the regional strength and trusted reputations of three well-established Ditch Witch brands. Ditch Witch of Oklahoma proudly serves customers from its locations in Oklahoma City, OK, and Tulsa, OK, delivering expert sales, service, rentals, and parts support to the Sooner State. Ditch Witch of Arkansas, with locations in Little Rock, AR, and Springdale, AR, is a go-to resource for contractors across the Natural State, offering industry-leading equipment and customer care. Ditch Witch of the Rockies operates from Brighton, CO; Salt Lake City, UT; Nampa, ID; and Pocatello, ID—serving the rugged and diverse terrain of the Mountain West, with additional coverage in parts of Wyoming and Nevada. Together, these eight full-service dealerships form the backbone of Orange Power Group’s commitment to delivering excellence in underground construction solutions.

 

 

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