"Dan Blann the Survey Man" Opens Salem Office

Washington County has a new addition to its business community with the opening of an office for Foresight Land Surveying on the southeast corner of the Salem square. Daniel Blann, better known as “Dan Blann the Survey Man,” has been serving Washington County and surrounding areas for more than two decades, and this new location is a long-awaited step in making his services more accessible to local clients.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Blann.

Blann first started his surveying business in the fall of 2003 with a passion for land, history, and problem-solving. “I’ve always had love and appreciation of land my entire life,” he said. “I am a history enthusiast, I enjoy working outdoors, I like mathematics and problem solving. Land surveying has been the perfect career choice for me.” Over the years, he has worked on more than 5,000 projects across southern Indiana, with an estimated 1,000 of those in Washington County alone.

Surveying comes with its share of challenges, and Blann has seen his fair share of unusual cases, from property disputes to historical discoveries. “I refer to land surveying projects as adventures,” he said. “You just never know what you are going to see or get into.” Some of the more extreme experiences in his career include helping families resolve estates and disputes, uncovering title issues where homeowners unknowingly owned the wrong property, and even situations where homes were built across property lines. “I’ve even been shot at twice,” he recalled.

Blann’s new office in Salem represents years of growth and deep community ties. He credits early relationships, particularly with his late friend Ervin Day, for helping him establish a strong presence in Washington County. “That relationship opened a lot of doors for me when I started out,” he said. Now, with an ever-expanding client base in the county, the timing felt right to establish a local office. “I’m trying to make it easier for my existing clients as well as new clients to meet with us right here in Salem.”

For now, the Salem office will be open by appointment only, as much of the surveying work is done in the field. Those needing services can call (812) 358-4170 to schedule an appointment or visit www.foresightlandsurvey.com to request a quote.

As a family-run business, Foresight Land Surveying is truly a labor of love for Blann and his family. “My wife and I have been married for 26 years and started this business from a spare room in our house to what it is today,” he shared. His three sons are following in his footsteps, with the oldest already working full-time as a surveyor, the middle son pursuing a surveying degree, and the youngest still in high school with a potential future in the field.

Blann expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the community. “I want to thank all of the loyal customers that I’ve had in Washington County over the last 22 years,” he said. “Some of the very best people I’ve had the pleasure of working for have come from Washington County. Having an office location in Salem just feels right and it reminds me that it’s something that I should have done a long time ago.”