How I got into the excavation business

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 19 ноя 2021
  • Tractor time with Tim channel
    / tractortimewithtim
    shop Dirt Perfect
    www.dirtperfect1.com/shop
    Facebook
    dirtperfect/...
    Instagram
    pCNzzDGKFL...
    Ariat links
    • Save 10% off your first order - ariat.dkkdet.net/c/2316545/69...
    • Dirt Perfect's Favorites - ariat.dkkdet.net/c/2316545/85...
    A little history on how I got started in the excavation business and tips I learned along the way.
    #howitstarted
    #lessonslearned
    #excavationbusiness
    #businesstips
    #growth
  • РазвлеченияРазвлечения

Комментарии • 541

  • @TractorTimewithTim
    @TractorTimewithTim 2 года назад +95

    Thanks for having me on. Enjoyed our time together! Congratulations on reaching 100,000 subs!

    • @arlingtonguy54
      @arlingtonguy54 2 года назад

      Glad I found you on this video. That was very helpful.

    • @DirtPerfect
      @DirtPerfect  2 года назад

      Welcome any time

    • @sonnyblazer5504
      @sonnyblazer5504 2 года назад +1

      Thank you also for BEING on and sharing. NEITHER of you guys had to do what you did by sharing. Hopefully, the combined experience will help MANY others in your path and adjust to the variables! Thanks!

  • @tyrankin2767
    @tyrankin2767 2 года назад +78

    I’m 14 and had 2 old junk mowers that hardly ran I fixed them up and got both of those for free sold them and bought a new zero turn now I am running 2 zeros turns and I want to go into excavation when the money allows👍🏻

    • @michaelmaker8169
      @michaelmaker8169 2 года назад +1

      What type of exavating? Landscaping or construction?
      Sounds like your learning to run a business and very well. Maybe you can find a local company to work for...gain experience knowledge of regulations and operations.
      God bless your off to a good start.
      Ps. Stanley "Dirt Monkey " has some good videos on how young people started their careers in business, check him out.

    • @Huntersprojects
      @Huntersprojects Год назад +1

      Same man I fix them and sell them I’m too cheap to buy a nice mower still use my craftsman that was free but I’ve got a trailer and have been doing mulch jobs but I want to do excavation I’m renting a Massey Ferguson 1429 with a loader a box blade tiller grading rake a brush hog and a snowblower I rent it from my grandfather with a trailer I also have a dump trailer I own bought it from my grandpa I’ve done a couple jobs tilling garden plots and grading driveways how has your business gone so far?

  • @blackdogexcavator21
    @blackdogexcavator21 2 года назад +48

    Good advice on starting small. An old African proverb says "only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet". Work within your means, work with someone in the same line of work in order to learn to operate the machines, to learn to bid jobs, and how to run a business. The most important advice I ever got was that if I was going to miss bid a job, err on the high side. I'd rather bid too high and not get a job than to bid too low and go bankrupt.

    • @stevenr8606
      @stevenr8606 2 года назад +6

      Always bid high. I did once, bid 2X's more thinking the job would pass. However, others bid 3X's more and I got the job. 😲 Oh well.
      NOTE: If you really don't want the job, DON'T BID!!

  • @wizzlefits
    @wizzlefits 2 года назад +7

    One thing I learned over the years. No matter how crappy a job is (I pumped septic tanks at one point) try to learn as much as possible and be the best you can be at it. Because all those "little things" you learn over time add up to make you an asset instead of an "employee".

  • @teebugg66
    @teebugg66 2 года назад +3

    I’ve built my business the same way, I still own old paid for equipment and don’t owe the bank anything on my 8 pieces of equipment. I even told people it might not be new but it’s paid for!

  • @DaleDirt
    @DaleDirt 10 месяцев назад +5

    Wow .... This is Gold . I have watched this a couple of times and learn more and more every time I watch it . The words of wisdom are very much appreciated and applied .

  • @hfraat25
    @hfraat25 2 года назад +17

    The ability to maintain repair saves a lot of money. Also makes you money too.

  • @robbinstruckinglandclearin786
    @robbinstruckinglandclearin786 2 года назад +14

    Started with a dump truck then a trailer and dozer then a trackhoe then a loader it’s took me 30 years to get it.thanks great video 👍

  • @kurtkuipers9473
    @kurtkuipers9473 2 года назад +2

    I have been scrapping for 31 years I have the original truck 1975 Scottsdale last year my birthday came around in October my dad passed away and I inherited some money so I bought a 1998 Silverado pickup truck for scrapping I have 45 stops every week to go to I have industrial stops I also been snow plowing for 25 years I'm 63 years old right now I feel great I have no problems I'm single I love my job

  • @glennwolfe1663
    @glennwolfe1663 2 года назад +29

    Mike, although I'm at a stage in life, were I'm pretty darn sure I won't be venturing into a new career, but I find yours and Tims advice very sound. Nubees listen to the voice of experience. Thanks for sharing👍😺🤗🐺

  • @stanwooddave9758
    @stanwooddave9758 2 года назад +1

    You WIN some, you LOSE some, and you take a BATH on some. You try your best to keep the BATH's to a minimum, your doing great!!! I'm telling you one and all, you will take a bath on a job, and boy do they sometimes HURT!!!!!!!! But do LEARN from them, and that's what will keep them to a minimum. Good luck to one & all.

  • @dcrog69
    @dcrog69 2 года назад +3

    Kinda surprised you didn't go the dump truck and tag a long trailer route instead of the semi early on.

  • @williamdegnan4718
    @williamdegnan4718 2 года назад +6

    Don't forget the rock clause! We don't have X-ray vision. If we run into differing site conditions (rock, a spring, anything requiring a soil correction, soil change deeper than anticipated, etc.) Will keep you informed but that work is billed on a time and materials basis and it will more than likely affect the schedule.

  • @billbyrnes9505
    @billbyrnes9505 2 года назад +2

    Great, great, great video. People just don't think of what's involved. If they know somebody in the business, or like me, watch the video's, " It LOOKS easy! WRONG!!!! You are going to make people think. One thing I might have missed in the video, hourly rate for a repair shop. Sticker shock. If you can't fix it your paying someone to fix it. NOT cheap. You mention warranty, that does not mean it's free. My first experience was with a motorcycle, warranty check up, oil change, valve adjustment. Eighty bucks! 1980. Barley had enough for the bike payment. Great video.

  • @corycourneyea6802
    @corycourneyea6802 2 года назад +8

    Working at the Mack dealership was an amazing advantage even just being able to overhear other conversations with customers gave you an appreciation of how to handle different situations. Things happen, being able to explain what happened or needs to be fixed can sure defuse a situation.

  • @anth956
    @anth956 2 года назад +2

    The way we do it is by the hour on bigger jobs and we have a set minimum. If it takes a hour we have a 2 hour minimum that’s including moving to the job because fuel isn’t cheap. And on bigger job we require half the money upfront and it work for 35 years

  • @precisionpropertymanagemen662
    @precisionpropertymanagemen662 Год назад

    The compact tractor with the right implements is the "swiss army knife" of the industry !!

  • @jbkbrand
    @jbkbrand 2 года назад +1

    I have PRAYED that you or Chris would do this very thing. I had the advantage of Dad and Grandpa. I got so sick of hearing learn to fix it first then you can learn to operate it. This is stuff you can’t teach in a classroom. IF THE TRUCK DON’T GO YOU DON’T GO! Please keep it coming.

  • @eaglerider1826
    @eaglerider1826 2 года назад +19

    Mike , I enjoyed this more than I thought I would at the beginning . Can you do another one on the people you work with ? How did you meet Jerry , Capt. Kleeman , Aaron and Matt . Did you ever have full time employees ?

    • @blueonblack3971
      @blueonblack3971 2 года назад +3

      I agree that would be very interesting.

    • @DirtPerfect
      @DirtPerfect  2 года назад +1

      Have a podcast on some of that on my other channel a few points form perfect

  • @erikgiggey4783
    @erikgiggey4783 2 года назад +3

    first, chris had good placement of his sticker in the 120.
    Tim and i are quite similar, i have been programming/developing software since i was a small child really started with my uncle teaching me how to make a computer from scratch. the one thing i have learned in my life is everyone can do what they desire, its all a matter of having the motivation to learn how. i guess my autistic brain obsesses and i just keep doing it until i get it right.
    my first time using an excavator was in the middle of winter my septic backed up and was plugged in the tank. i couldnt get anyone to come dig the top.
    so i rented a mini from our local center, the guy who delivered it was a friend so he gave me the advice, its a real life video game, i managed to clear the top of the tank with relative ease, the septic guy was like im gonna have to charge extra for all the dirt you got in there. well he pumped the tank there was 0 dirt in it. since that point i have went and cleared a few for other people. i dont want to run an excavator full time because i think i would grow to hate it like i do computers. ill stick to doing it when i can for the enjoyment of doing it. people like you, chris, capn, mr aj works and many others help me learn,
    My advice follows yours get with someone to learn from then ease your way in.

  • @scottyk8017
    @scottyk8017 2 года назад

    Thank you> Love the video!!!!

  • @garyradtke3252
    @garyradtke3252 2 года назад +1

    Many people don't understand the difference between estimate and quote and my view is to estimate a little higher than the actual goal and have it come in at or below the estimate and as you said it gives confidence to the customer about your honesty. I have seen too many times when an estimate is given low because the business is afraid of loosing the job, then try to explain to the customer why the bill is higher. Years ago I had a customer that got upset because the valve job ran cheaper than the the average price I gave him because he already had a check made out for the estimate price when he came to get his car. After a little back and forth I said "I can remake the bill to match your check if so desired" He wrote another check instead.

  • @scrotiemcboogerballs1981
    @scrotiemcboogerballs1981 2 года назад

    Thanks for sharing buddy

  • @amossnowdaharleyman9179
    @amossnowdaharleyman9179 2 года назад +1

    Your advice is spot on. I'm old and still work as an owner of a manufacturing facility. As a business owner there are things that you have to give up if success is your goal. If your main goal is toys and the time to go play with your friends you'll probably fail. The "owners" here on youtube who are always out playing or spending million+ on grainbins fail to mention that the income stream from youtube is what brings in the money. Any content from thier "business" is usually clickbait to keep the youtube money flowing.Start small,grow your skill set,expand your capabilities,limit number of employees,concentrate on being the best at your game. BE HONEST.

  • @elplata7224
    @elplata7224 2 года назад

    Great, thank you

  • @hendersonlandworks6158
    @hendersonlandworks6158 2 года назад

    Thank you sir!

  • @edwinlikeshistractor8521
    @edwinlikeshistractor8521 2 года назад

    Awesome perspective!

  • @jeremyrichardson1456
    @jeremyrichardson1456 2 года назад +1

    Great video Mike, thanks for the information

  • @vicstevens1186
    @vicstevens1186 2 года назад

    Excellent advice! Thank you Mike and Tim!

  • @6105jakeusmc
    @6105jakeusmc 2 года назад

    Great advice to heed

  • @johnquinn3899
    @johnquinn3899 2 года назад

    Great info for customers and contractors !!

  • @kevinkenyon7045
    @kevinkenyon7045 2 года назад

    Mike and Tim great video with great content, two different stories with great outcomes! Thanks for sharing! Kevin

  • @bobgrier3103
    @bobgrier3103 2 года назад +2

    Two men I respect; two men I admire. A video with invaluable advice. Now retired, I once ran a successful small business. It was far afield from excavating, machinery, etc. But the principles espoused here apply to ANY small biz stat-up. My way in was similar to Mike’s. I followed a similar path and it worked beautifully. Start small,work your way up, capitalize on your strengths, one note: I did well with not-to-exceed bids. I made a practice of coming in underbid until I learn how t estimate a job. No one ever objected to paying less. Thanks guys for a great video and invaluable advice.

  • @StephenKlena
    @StephenKlena 6 месяцев назад

    Thank you !

  • @yenerm114
    @yenerm114 2 года назад

    👍👍👌 good advice

  • @michaelmelvin6514
    @michaelmelvin6514 2 года назад +1

    My experience in the heating and air is A happy customer can get you 3 jobs, Where an unhappy one can cost you ten. Meaning unhappy people yell their feeling where happy people talk about them.

  • @kinagray8056
    @kinagray8056 2 года назад

    Great info! Mahalo for sharing! 🤙🌴

  • @robnewell6123
    @robnewell6123 2 года назад

    Thanks for the education DP and Tim - continued success

  • @frank4532
    @frank4532 2 года назад

    Great information Great video Thanks for sharing 👍 👏

  • @brandoncaldwell95
    @brandoncaldwell95 2 года назад +1

    I play the middle line of both of yall. Mechanically inclined, like older but cheaper for me to buy new due to my area. Difficult to bid as theres many in my area. I bought the equipment for my personal use typically help out neighbors all the time. A lot is free, a lot was just cover fuel. The bidding scares the heck out of me. The equipment i have is easy to transport with my 1 tin and 40ft. Just 2 pieces of equipment doesn't fit out the gate of my land and are challenging at 14ft wide lol. So, they hardly leave. Think here soon my neighbir wants me to level his yard which is 4 acres. That'll be fun after i get it through the gate. But thats a farming area for you. I battle my neigh ir up the road whi does custom baling. I did notice my field came out a lot better than his with me having worse ground.

  • @bertrutledge4546
    @bertrutledge4546 2 года назад

    Thanks for the insight. Also thanks to Tim for his insight. Good advice from both viewpoints.

  • @motor2of7
    @motor2of7 2 года назад +2

    Really appreciate this. Great information for anyone looking to start a business of any kind.

  • @MrManic52001
    @MrManic52001 2 года назад

    Wise words.

  • @steveleverett2644
    @steveleverett2644 4 месяца назад

    Great information❤

  • @sonnyblazer5504
    @sonnyblazer5504 2 года назад +3

    Thank you for the time! (SERIOUSLY!) You know, you didn't have to do this video but being YOU, what else could we expect but "honest help & advice" from someone with a RUclips channel called, "DIRT PERFECT"! I've been here since your start and have enjoyed seeing ALL your work. NOT just the jobsites but WORK on rebuilding your equipment, maintenance, comradery with your CREW/friends that are now our friends and the GREAT TRUST you've put behind everything you do and set out to do. YOU put a lot of hours in your presentations and WE put a lot of hours into viewing your efforts and enjoy you taking us all over the country to VENDORS and the heavy INVOLEMENT & BOND you form with them where we would NEVER get to go! INTEGRITY is KEY and that's YOU - the MAN, Father, Husband, Friend, Mechanic, No Fear of taking on challenge, Building, Talking, Playing in the DIRT and SO MUCH MORE! So YEAH, THANK YOU for SHARING "You"! Regards, buddy! Sonny

  • @expatsforums-dot-com
    @expatsforums-dot-com 2 года назад

    Best Video yet

  • @4Fecta
    @4Fecta 10 месяцев назад

    Great video. Thanks for sharing.

  • @daviddavis6855
    @daviddavis6855 2 года назад +1

    You know the one thing one forgot is , little big man you know that’s the backbone of the company. No all jokes aside it’s good to had guys like you have to make it even though they seem kinda of nuts some times they seem to be good guys. Love watching your videos keep it up.

  • @williamstentzsr.9568
    @williamstentzsr.9568 2 года назад

    Good info on starting a dirt business 👍👍👍

  • @hollandduck79
    @hollandduck79 2 года назад

    from the Netherlands thanks for the video DP

  • @wallacejeffery5786
    @wallacejeffery5786 Год назад

    Good advice, golden really.

  • @Bman2020
    @Bman2020 2 года назад

    Thanks for sharing your adventure Mike a big thing to do good on you Al from Nova Scotia Canada 🇨🇦

  • @justinweaver8787
    @justinweaver8787 2 года назад

    Good Tips and technique thank u sir.

  • @Lracer61
    @Lracer61 2 года назад

    Thanks for the video on this

  • @Phil_86
    @Phil_86 2 года назад +6

    Thanks DP for another great video. I'm not an excavator but what your teaching about how to start a business can apply to most construction start ups!!

  • @billbergquist4722
    @billbergquist4722 2 года назад

    Excellent info. Looking forward to seeing the new ripper on the 850J.

  • @darynhammons4981
    @darynhammons4981 2 года назад

    Great vid Dp and Tim thanks so much!!!

  • @user-ce2ye8gk9i
    @user-ce2ye8gk9i 3 месяца назад

    Yes It does make sense to me thanks Damon

  • @Yeti0044
    @Yeti0044 2 года назад

    You guys are awesome!

  • @bobjoncas2814
    @bobjoncas2814 2 года назад +1

    ..and the rest is history....lol... good one, keep safe and have a great weekend

  • @dansevern3291
    @dansevern3291 2 года назад

    100K! Congratulations!

  • @johnhunter273
    @johnhunter273 2 года назад

    Great info from both of you! Nicely done!

  • @CentralMississippiWhitetail
    @CentralMississippiWhitetail 2 года назад

    100k! congratulations

  • @gayle4804
    @gayle4804 2 года назад +1

    Very good, especially for people who want to start a new adventure

  • @adambradley7671
    @adambradley7671 2 года назад

    This was great to hear your story I'm in the same boat as Tim.

  • @SuperCOOLDAD1
    @SuperCOOLDAD1 2 года назад +1

    Very informative, Good video hopefully someone will learn from it! ✌🏻🇺🇸

  • @aecox1265
    @aecox1265 2 года назад

    Congratulations on the 100k subs. Others are learning what some of us have known for a while and that is awesome, all the best and looking forward to more.

  • @ianbirkmyre4622
    @ianbirkmyre4622 2 года назад

    Congratulations on reaching 100k subs Mike, another great video keep them coming

  • @justinmills8084
    @justinmills8084 2 года назад

    Excellent information 👌 thanks for sharing this information. 👍

  • @brianmurray1734
    @brianmurray1734 2 года назад

    Spot on Mike!

  • @terryrogers1025
    @terryrogers1025 2 года назад +6

    Operators are only as good as their desire and interest in operating the piece of equipment they are on and developing the skill set to operate that equipment to maximum potential without abusing it ( ie Jerry). Equipment, no matter the brand, is only as good as the maintenance program they are maintained with and the attention to the machine, as it’s operating, to the tell tale signs of a potential problem, (not a catastrophic breakdown). Above all is the honesty with customers , dealers, and employees ( if you own the business) , that In itself will take you a long ways to the goal one seeks. It takes years to build a relationship with customers and community, it only takes minutes to lose it , one bad decision, one wrong word or bad attitude will damage that relationship, and once it’s lost, you may never get it back. If you run a business, own it all, good and bad, life is life, it’s neither fair nor unfair, it just is , deal with it. You sir seem to do that well, and I am sure we don’t see all that goes on but, from my point of view, I don’t need to, because who you are, and what your company stands for,comes thru in these vids. Best to you and your family and company.

    • @lukeshurtleff9770
      @lukeshurtleff9770 2 года назад

      Well said. Especially about the operators desire to develop his skills

  • @btsllc9676
    @btsllc9676 2 года назад

    I really enjoyed the video. Great job on both your video and in the TTWT video.

  • @shirleyreynolds2090
    @shirleyreynolds2090 2 года назад

    Congratulations 100,000

  • @roydawson4882
    @roydawson4882 2 года назад

    Congratulations on 100k subscibers Mike, keep doing what you are and the next one hundred wont be far away,stay safe.

  • @gregm312
    @gregm312 2 года назад

    that was well informative . ty

  • @richardhedrick5601
    @richardhedrick5601 2 года назад

    Thanks that was great advise on starting a business

  • @bobbydawson7706
    @bobbydawson7706 2 года назад

    Loved it ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @marilynwarner5871
    @marilynwarner5871 2 года назад +1

    Congratulations on 100,000 subscribers!♥️

  • @martymclamb5750
    @martymclamb5750 2 года назад

    Great advice

  • @mischef18
    @mischef18 2 года назад

    Yep did enjoy bro and congrats on achieving 100k subs. Safe travels up your way

  • @iAvi8
    @iAvi8 2 года назад +4

    Great information! Thank you for taking the time to really talk about your journey. And congratulations on 100k!

  • @DavidB-Scotland
    @DavidB-Scotland 2 года назад +2

    Thank you for an interesting and informative video, and well done on getting to 100k subs!

  • @mc2000Gmc
    @mc2000Gmc 2 года назад

    Great show brother. Thanks for all the good advice

  • @alexlaughton8900
    @alexlaughton8900 2 года назад +1

    Congrats on 100,000 subscribers!

  • @jamiebragg8410
    @jamiebragg8410 2 года назад

    Great video!!

  • @rodneyskinner7741
    @rodneyskinner7741 2 года назад

    Great video Thanks Mike!❤️🙏🇺🇸

  • @oddtechman
    @oddtechman 2 года назад +6

    What an awesome side video! Many thanks for taking the time out and actually going ahead and doing this for us. It was a very honest insight. I'm self-employed myself and know the rigors of trying to price a job and yeah.. it's not fun lol. Congrats on your 100k subs! Don't forget to order your Silver Creator Award plaque from RUclips and please please do show us all when you get it through :)

  • @JohnyLatelyCome
    @JohnyLatelyCome 2 года назад

    Awesome information, thanks for sharing.

  • @aaronruhl6116
    @aaronruhl6116 Год назад +1

    I can't thank you enough for the details of equipment skills and out course our own skills. I can't get enough of your videos. I love the history of people. I honestly look up to you I'm a small excavation and grading owner!! I honestly love your skills you have a real eye for what you do!! You've actually given me a whole different outlook on jobs, bids ponds ex!!! Your really confident in yourself and your business!!!! I could go on and on I dropped all other followers and strictly watch dirt perfect. I can't thank you enough

  • @JSomerled
    @JSomerled 2 года назад

    I enjoy watching both your channel’s..I find it interesting that not only do the jobs pay,but using your experience for RUclips and have that pay a little as well is cool.

  • @joycefuller9177
    @joycefuller9177 2 года назад

    Good video and excellent advice.

  • @icefireroo
    @icefireroo Год назад

    Great video DP. Thanks for sharing

  • @markcranage2651
    @markcranage2651 2 года назад +3

    Congratulations on 100,000 subs. You have great content, the rewards will keep coming.

  • @ClaytonHartin
    @ClaytonHartin 2 года назад

    Congrats you hit 100k subs! Been watching you for years!

  • @jrbrumley9334
    @jrbrumley9334 2 года назад

    Great video, loaded with information that many need! Thanks for sharing!!! J.R.

  • @nedirtworks1255
    @nedirtworks1255 2 года назад

    Really good info here! Really liked the video

  • @richied6319
    @richied6319 Год назад

    Well done! If anyone has a problem applying this info to their situation, is a person "locked" in a concept and more than likely will never learn to be successful. One must be very flexible to do business with all kinds of characters (a person's inner content of character). Everyone approaches living differently and may even have "limited" moneys. Staying in business is hard work and one must pay attention to all the details. Building something great takes time.

  • @stephenlindsey9233
    @stephenlindsey9233 Год назад

    I love 💘 this video 📹! Very helpful

  • @gibsonlandscapeconstructio7984
    @gibsonlandscapeconstructio7984 2 года назад +2

    Very well said👌
    Congratulations on 100k subs Mike👍well deserved
    Great video DP👍

  • @dougackerman4182
    @dougackerman4182 2 года назад

    Great video Mike