By Ashley Buckingham

Direct Force Maintenance

Juggling Family, Rodeo and Mining

By Ashley Buckingham

Nevada News Group

Casey Barton is known as a business owner, family man and rodeo athlete. Casey was born and raised in Elko, Nevada and recently moved back in the area to raise a family of his own. Casey and wife, Shelby, have been life partners since high school. Together they have two sons, Bryton and Cashton, and another baby on the way.

The Barton family lives a conservative lifestyle that keeps them very busy. They own 10 acres that they utilize by breeding, raising butchering beef and swine, breeding and milking goats, and a large garden to rely on to grow and preserve all of their own food. The boys also have chickens and sell the eggs to save money for their own hobbies. Riding horses and spending time outdoors is something that brings this family closer together.

Direct Force Maintenance (DFM) has been in operation since 2012. The company originally started for a smaller purpose of providing labor services to the mining industry. Casey started as a laborer mechanic with the company when it was first established. In the past 10 years, DFM has expanded its services to provide start to finish project completion at the mines. The company has traveled to Utah, Arizona and all over Nevada providing top quality

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services and has grown to having 12-15 employees on call. In the past 10 years Casey states that “I have also grown and learned an incredible amount which is why in 2017 I started buying into the company”.

In 2020, Casey became the owner of Direct Force Maintenance. Casey’s goal since becoming owner has been to provide for more families aside from the mine. He encourages DFM employees to chase their dreams as well. “I strive everyday to be a leader for the employees of Direct Force. I have taken a different approach than most in this business which is promoting family and ensuring my employees are appreciated and cared for,” Casey expressed.

Direct Force Maintenance is always hiring. Casey shared, “If I feel that the person is the right fit, I will never turn someone away who is motivated to work, strives to learn and has a great attitude.” Many of the people hired by Direct Force Maintenance start by knowing very little about the mining industry to become lead men, who then teach others who are just beginning. “We are such a strong team because we have some very dedicated employees that have been with the company for many years and several others who are in it for long term commitment,’’ said Casey. Direct Force Maintenance completes some extremely dirty, hard and trying jobs. As an owner Casey would rather turn down a job than overwork his employees and risk their safety or more time away from their loved ones.

For many years Casey had to put rodeo, hunting and some of his other beloved hobbies to the side to build up the company. “I was on the road for several years living out of hotel rooms and having a couple of days off a month. I did this to provide for my family in the best way I knew how and it paid off in the long run.”

One of the changes Casey was able to incorporate since becoming an owner is that employees are able to come home to their families most nights and aren’t living on the road. “I can thank my wonderful team for that and the relationships we have built with all of the local mines that keep us busy,” says Casey.

One of the biggest challenges for Casey since becoming an owner has been separating work from home. “It can be difficult some days to be present at home and keep up with our busy lifestyle. I am lucky to say I married the most understanding, energetic woman who keeps our family afloat most days. She has sacrificed so much for my dreams”.

About a year ago Casey started getting involved with rodeo again, competing at the local team ropings and traveling to nearby states. “I was raised on a horse and I feel complete when I make it a priority in my life. My boys have been raised similarly to myself and we spend most of the summer weekends traveling to junior rodeos. There is nothing better than watching my boys compete and start making goals for their future as well.” Casey could only hope one day that his children will want to be involved with the company too.

One of the quotes Casey tries to live by is, “If you want to live like no one else, then you have to live like no one else.” Casey has spent several years missing various holiday gatherings, special events and feeling disconnected from friends and family. Success doesn’t happen overnight and you have to work for it. There are no hand outs, easy paths to take or instant gratifications that come with building a business.

Casey chose at 18 not to attend college which people thought he would later regret down the road. Casey was a straight A student all throughout school and was always considered a “good student.”

Casey shared, “I want people to know you don’t need a degree to be successful. I own an accomplished, secured a business at 30 years old and my dreams aren’t stopping there. Whatever you choose to do in life, do it 100%. If you want to flip burgers, make the best burgers ever. You want to go rodeo, win the national finals. Nothing should be stopping you from being the best version of yourself. Figure out your best skills and qualities, find a profession that only makes you a better person and help others do the same and you will have a very fulfilling life.”

Some of Casey’s proudest moments as owner is whenever he is able to support a small business or give back for a good cause. Direct Force has been able to support many fundraisers and auction benefits, endorse several rodeo associations like Steele Productions, BB Bulls, Winnemucca Bronc Bash, Caleb Hendrix on his professional rodeo journey, countless junior rodeos along with the Winnemucca and Elko County FFA and 4H clubs. DFM are also big supporters of Winnemucca and Elko little league baseball and the Ruby Mountain Clay Breakers shooting team. DFM also uses local small businesses for all of their merchandise including hats, shirts or other Direct Force Maintenance apparel. “Giving back to various local organizations is such an incredible feeling and only makes our connections stronger in the community,” stated Casey.

The Barton family has become an icon for inspiration in Northern Nevada. Both young boys, Bryton and Cashton, are kind and humble rodeo competitors. Shelby Barton, Casey’s wife, also utilizes her Social Worker degree to give back to Nevada communities.

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