Excavation Growth Guide from 9 Years of Experience
As we kick off the new year, it's a perfect time for reflection, growth, and gearing up for the challenges ahead. In our latest video, I dive into the crucial lessons learned from 9 years in the excavation and utilities industry. While the last year brought its own set of challenges, it also gave me invaluable insights that I’m eager to share with fellow business owners and workers in the field.
Navigating Challenges and Making Adjustments in 2024
The start of 2024 was tough—work had dried up, and our company wasn’t yet big enough to tackle all the public work we wanted. At that time, survival mode kicked in, and we had to pivot. When work was hard to come by, we focused on the smaller, more manageable tasks while keeping an eye on the future. Then came a turning point: the tornado response. We helped out by taking in over 2,800 loads of brush, burning it with the local fire department. It was a humbling experience that taught us the importance of community service and staying grounded in our roots.
The Power of Digital Marketing in the Excavation Industry
By mid-2024, we hit the gas on something we’d been toying with for a while: digital marketing. The goal was simple—reach a wider audience and show what we can do in the field. By leveraging platforms like YouTube, we started creating more content that showcased our work, engaged the community, and opened doors to new opportunities. As of today, our channel boasts over 23,000 subscribers, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come in 2025.
Digital marketing is more than just a buzzword. It’s been a game changer for us, helping us secure contracts and projects by providing a visual representation of what we can do. The best part? It’s helped us connect with clients without the need for long, drawn-out sales pitches. When you can show your work through video, it speaks for itself.
Setting Goals and Budgeting for Success
As we look to 2025, one of the most critical lessons I've learned is the importance of setting clear goals and sticking to a budget. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day tasks, but if you don’t have a clear financial roadmap, you risk wasting resources and time.
In our company, we’ve started paying closer attention to our Profit & Loss (P&L) and balance sheets, analyzing every expense—whether it’s for equipment, materials, or labor. Understanding where your money goes and aligning it with your goals is vital for sustaining growth and ensuring that your team can execute projects smoothly.
When you’re budgeting, it’s not just about looking at numbers. It’s about understanding where you can cut costs and where you should invest more to grow. For instance, should you rent equipment or buy it outright? With the right contracts in place, rental can be a great option to keep overhead low while securing larger projects. But if you have consistent work that justifies the purchase, then buying equipment might be the best move.
Building a Stronger Team and Cultivating Culture
As the leader of a growing excavation business, one of my biggest challenges has been fostering a positive work culture. When your team is aligned with your goals and feels supported, everything else falls into place. This year, I’ve learned the importance of checking in with the guys in the field, getting their feedback, and making sure they feel heard. After all, they’re the backbone of the business, and if they’re not happy, nothing else will work.
We’ve worked hard to improve morale and ensure that the team feels valued. This year, we took a bold step—offering paid time off for Christmas and New Year’s. The decision wasn’t easy financially, but the smiles on the faces of the crew when they returned to work on January 2nd told me everything I needed to know. A healthy team is a productive team.
Looking Ahead to 2025: The Road to Growth
With a year of lessons behind us, we’re heading into 2025 with a stronger team, better marketing, and a clearer vision. But as always, the work never stops. We’ve got a backlog of projects lined up and a team ready to hit the ground running.
If you’re in the excavation or utilities industry, now’s the time to start preparing. Focus on what works, learn from what doesn’t, and never stop pushing forward. Whether it’s investing in marketing, strengthening your budgeting process, or making sure your team is aligned, every step you take today will set you up for success tomorrow.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about how we’ve grown. But I’m also looking forward to learning even more in 2025. The goal is simple: Do better, be better, and keep pushing the limits of what we can achieve.
So, here’s to a successful year ahead. Let’s make 2025 the year we truly step it up.
