How I Got Started In Excavation

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Great video Thanks for sharing

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Thanks man!

[@edwardgarea7650]

I’ve seen this video before but want to comment. This is a really interesting video. Your back story is really interesting. If not for an F5 tornado, who knows? But I’m glad you chose the route you did. Your advice is excellent and you’re very candid about your own experience. What you do is important and it’s obvious you love what you’re doing. Thank you for your insight.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Thank you! I really appreciate that! That is true without the tornado I may be doing tings a little different. Appreciate you watching again

[@pjs5191]

Word of mouth is always the best advertising. Interesting story Brandon. Sounds a bit like my path I took to get to my own landscape business up and going.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Thanks man that’s what has worked the best for me

[@mrs.eliteearthworks]

You left out the part about how it’s important to have a supportive spouse. Preferably a FINANCIALLY supportive spouse with exceptional good looks and the QuickBooks skills of a ninja 😘

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Mrs. Elite Earthworks 🤣 your right how did I forget that part?! 🤦🏼‍♂️🤣

[@stuckboy22110]

Mrs. Elite Earthworks very good point! I couldn’t do it without my spouse!

[@ResidentialDirtWork]

38yrs old?!? Mrs Elite may be looking at a trade in soon

[@mrs.eliteearthworks]

Residential Dirt Work yes because I’m TOTALLY 29 😉😉😉

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Residential Dirt Work 🤣🤣 I could say some things here but I won’t 😁🤐

[@blackdogexcavator21]

I went to work for a guy in 1996 operating a skidsteer with a backhoe attachment. I worked for him for about 4 years doing everything from lot clean ups, to under pinning sinking houses. Our main workload was residential footers though. I bought a new tractor and a used miniexcavator and started my own business a while back. I enjoy what I do most days.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Blackdog Tractor/Excavator that’s really cool! I love hearing how you guys got started too and I totally get what you are saying about most days 🤣

[@dirtdauberexcavation1104]

Your the real deal,there’s plenty to go around for those that take care of business Thanks for sharing your story.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Dirt Dauber Excavation thanks man! I appreciate that!

[@dirtediggin]

I agree 100%. Start in the ditch and work your way up. I started in the ditch when I was 14 and just took whatever opportunity I was given to get in a machine. Eventually I was operating full time. The ditch teaches you the fundamentals of the job.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Dirt E Diggin you are correct! People hate working in the ditch but have no idea how important that job is.

[@toddreynolds8875]

Spot on with that comment. You can not appreciate or run a piece of excavation equipment. Unless. You ran the banjo first. For sure! I have probably around 25/ 30,000 hours just in an excavator. And i agree it starts by hand knowing that ground work

[@gordonbright7106]

Great advice Brandon word of mouth and good work ethic goes along ways. Trouble now just finding someone who will do what they say and wanting to work. Have a good one

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Gordon Bright thank you! It has done me well so far. Same to you have a good weekend

[@brianbaughan5683]

Enjoyed the video, it’s always interesting to hear how people get their start, I went straight into construction right out of high school and worked for contractors up until 3 years ago I got fed up with the bs working for someone else so I went out on my own, I enjoy the freedom of being my own boss but it’s a lot of responsibility taking care of a family,got to take the good with the bad

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Brian Baughan thank you! I enjoy hearing how people got started as well. That’s awesome you are on your own too and yes lots of responsibility. I tell people I really enjoy and wouldn’t have it any other way but it’s still stressful in a different since than working for someone

[@jcmathisiii6432]

Hey bud, I think you did a fine job explaining. Emphasizing the need to work your way is important. Thank you for what ya do.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Thanks man I appreciate that!

[@burningdinosaurs]

Great story man! Appreciate the info! Yeah, showing up and doing what you say is definitely one of the hard parts of making it work, but you also do excellent quality work, so that helps too! Thanks for the video!

[@eliteearthworksllc]

BurningDinosaurs thanks man! Figured it was about time to talk about how I got started lol! Thanks I appreciate that! I try to do the best job possible 👍🏻

[@TexasBestBarndominium]

Was just curious about how you got started here. Enjoyed hearing how you came along. I think we all have zigged and zagged on the journey. The main thing is you found something you enjoy doing enough that you want to share it with over 10k folks on a weekly basis. Wish you all the best man. Let me know if you are ever in DFW area!

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Texas Best Construction thank you! Yes I’ve always love equipment and dirt work it was something I’ve always wanted to do. And after watching Letsdig18 for 10 years I decided I would start my own channel just to show what I do on a day to basis with smaller machines. It’s been a blast so far and I’ve met a lot of great people and made life long friends from youtube. Cool we go to Dallas every now and then I’ll let you know sure. Thanks again

[@seanpierce7673]

The craziest machine I ran was an old guild. It had foot controls and a tstick between your legs and a hand on your right side for your bucket manuvers.. good old machine for a rubber tire one! ( kidney killers!)

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Ouch that would be a kidney killer. 😬 sounds rough man

[@toddreynolds8875]

Good video. Plus can tell you have an awesome work ethic. And take pride in your work.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Todd Reynolds thank you! I try I really enjoy what I do and look forward to challenges that come along with jobs. Thanks again buddy!

[@HiddenValleyHomestead]

So I sold my upholstery business and joined the union for operators and started out as an APPRENTICE at 38 yrs old. That's one way to get into it. Or you go to work for someone sweeping floors and start out doing everything you can to get your butt in a machine every chance you get. Either way the key is don't be a lazy slob who wants to sit on his ass all weekend drinking beer and watching football and expect someone's gonna call you with zero experience and plop you in a loader and go to work. Ain't gonna happen. Great video sir! Takes hard work, dedication and SACRIFICE to get where you wanna get! You're a fine example of an American patriot living the American dream to it's fullest! Keep.em.comin sir!

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Hidden Valley Homestead that’s cool! I totally spaced on mentioning the operators union we don’t have one here in Joplin. That’s a great way too thank you for mentioning that! And you are correct definitely can’t be lazy and yes you have to put in long hours! I appreciate the kind words too! Thanks again! 👍🏻

[@lakesideranch]

Great video Brandon, openly honest about your journey and your dreams. Much respect for your business sense and your operating skills. You could run a school for the next-gen operators and set them on the right track for success, based on your experience. Really cool to hear about your early days as you developed into a professional operator and business owner. 5 stars from here my friend. Work safe always. Doug@ the "ranch"

[@eliteearthworksllc]

lakesideranch thanks buddy! I don’t know about teaching people I feel I took the long drawn out approach lol! But I’m happy where I’m at now. I appreciate the comment and support you always give! Thanks Doug I really appreciate it!

[@eliteearthworksllc]

lakesideranch I could have talked for hours about how I got started but I tried to keep it short and sweet. My grandpa is the one I owe my work ethic too, I spent many a summers working for him running the tractor and his little international loader. He taught me the value of a dollar and honest hard work will always pay off. I listened to what he said but at the time I was 13 14 15 years old. It wasn’t until my late 20’s early 30’s it all really soaked in and I full appreciated everything he taught me

[@livingstonexcavation732]

I started construction when I was 18 I'm 37 now. I just had a ton of work dropped in my lap 7 months ago and decided I better figure out how to be my own boss fast. The paperwork hasn't been near as easy as running the dozer and excavator, however they are payed for and I have 4 years of work ahead of me. The last 18 years I ha e learned a lot from pipeline work to Concrete work to site development. Great video thanks for your time and thoughts

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Jeffery Livingston very cool! That’s great to hear and yes the paperwork seems to be the biggest pain and the least favorite part but it’s a necessary evil you have to do it to get your money lol! Thanks for watching and appreciate your comment

[@livingstonexcavation732]

@@eliteearthworksllc I did not add in there I do have a mentor in my life as well and he was my first boss in construction when I turned 18. Heck I just completed a job for him setting a wet well and a dump structure for the force feed line in less then 3 days

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Jeffery Livingston nice that’s great! People like really help and have a lot to offer

[@inthewoods7092]

Only 22 and got an abatement, demolition, deconstruction and excavation company going. Did landscaping for six months and became a former in 3 month. then went to abatement demo learned it all from my father. superintendent for 25+ years and now he sits back watches me work help whenever he want to. Also fun watching your videos I plan to start posting some soon!!!!!

[@eliteearthworksllc]

ismael g that’s awesome man! Best of luck to you! 👍🏻

[@ZR1Terror]

I have a plumbing company and I’m pretty successful with it. Just having lots of trouble finding skilled labor. I bought a Kubota U-25 to speed up my plumbing trenches and man I absolutely love using it. Makes me want to start an excavating company.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Nice! Yes it definitely tough to find people now days! Glad to hear things are going good

[@JohnSmith-dj5gf]

Great video! I’m retiring from federal service in a few years. Think I’ll buy a truck, mini ex, and a skid steer and do what I’ve always wanted to do: work for myself, work outside, and play in the dirt!

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Thank you! Ah cool well good luck I’m sure you will stay busy there’s a lot of work out there

[@Ziptietechnician]

I think a lot of dirt guys start with mowing. Thats how my company started. Your story sounds a lot like how ours is evolving. I dont think we will quit mowing. I will probably just sub all that out.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

It’s something that’s easier to get into when you’re younger age first starting out. Not quite as expensive as buying bigger equipment and a great way to build up a client base.

[@fulltiltgrading8366]

I know I have asked you before about a video like this and you said you had one. Well today I found it while watching Diggin life’s video were you didn’t answer his call lol 😂 I watch the whole thing and agree with your points on how to get into this. The ground up is the best way to be the best. Hope your continuing to get better bud. Take care 👊

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Thanks glad to hear you found it. Yeah that’s like the one time I couldn’t answer 🤣 thanks man I appreciate that

[@chadmiller4653]

Man, i messaged your facebook page about 4 or 5 months ago asking this. Your wife said she would pass the info along. In June i quit my welding job and went to work for a guy doing all the new residential dirt work for a local builder. In July he let me finish a yard by myself, before this i never had really done any operating and i done the yard and he said thought you never ran equipment. I said i hadnt ,i learned everything i thought i knew from watching KZbin, YOUR youtube at that. He couldnt believe it. Late July i started doing my own thing on the side on weekends renting equipment. In just two months working side jobs for myself only working a Saturday here and there 5 jobs to be exact ive made about 12k just in side jobs in 5 saturdays and still working regularly for my boss monday through friday. Just slowly getting my name out there and getting more jobs. Its been a life long dream for me to be my own boss and do this kind of work. Im 28 now. So thank you for your videos i watch them regularly and learn alot.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

chad miller that’s awesome! Sorry that’s my fault I think she showed me the text but I’m terrible at getting back to people especially over the summer. Great to hear you are well on your way to being your own boss and glad to hear you picked something up from these videos. It sounds like you are great! There’s not a better feeling than working for yourself! Best of luck!

[@HiddenValleyHomestead]

This is EXACTLY what I was going to say! Start working for someone that does it and get some experience first. A lot of guys start sweeping floors at a company and work their way up! Nice job sir! You're doing it the right way and putting the extra time in on the weekends to get where you need to get! So many lazy slobs wanna work 40 hrs and sit on their couch drinking beer all weekend. IT. TAKES. SACRIFICE!!!!!! LOVE.THIS.!!!

[@mrs.eliteearthworks]

chad miller I did pass your message along 😁

[@chadmiller4653]

@@mrs.eliteearthworks thank mrs elite had no doubts about it just pointing out i am one of the people he was talking about in this video of how to get started lol.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

chad miller well I appreciate you reaching out to let me know how things are working out 👍🏻

[@alwaysapplypressure2477]

We Appreciate You 💯 I'm trying to start my own business landscaping but excavation also more of that I'm interested thank you for the motivation keep up the content

[@eliteearthworksllc]

That’s awesome best of luck to you! 👊🏼

[@trevorpatt8294]

Great, very honest video. I started mowing too and kept building up to now I own a directional drilling company at age 30. Young guys need to gain experience by doing the hard work in the trenches, learning everything you can, and make relationships with the people you cross paths with. Operating the equipment is about 30% of owning a company like this. The rest is knowledge, experience, and customer relations.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Trevor Patt thank you! That is awesome man! You are right about the 30% there is so many other things involved. Appreciate the comment!

[@teelsexcavating]

Ya buddy put it out there, I speak for my self, but I love hearing people I look to, to tell there stories. Because we all have one.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

John, Teel’s Excavating & Johnny Snowplow Services thanks man I appreciate that! I’m the same way!

[@HiddenValleyHomestead]

And now after 15 yrs of running cranes and being on some of the biggest jobs in Southern CA I'm moving to Idaho and start my own tractor business like what you, Dirt Perfect and Andrew Camarata have done!!!

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Hidden Valley Homestead awesome congratulations and best of luck to you! Idaho is beautiful!

[@ResidentialDirtWork]

Serious life changing move!

[@toddreynolds8875]

I will sell yha all my shit. And deliver it to Idaho. Then head down to California to start my new crane operating job. Lol !

[@HiddenValleyHomestead]

@@toddreynolds8875 HA!! I'm actually looking for a 40hp Kubota to get started...... You CAN'T be serious about wanting to move here.........

[@toddreynolds8875]

@@HiddenValleyHomestead no. California is beautiful. But there politics have destroyed it , I was just busting your ass , up our way in the other political sewer northeast, Crane operator makes pretty good money. , but i dont blame you to want to do your own thing. , i own decent size excavation&concrete company. , toughest thing on your own is the cost of family health insurance

[@delcasaleexcavating9508]

Excellent advice Brandon ! I couldn't have said it any better....you hit on all the important things... I however in your case would recommend building a website... especially if you want to get your name out there.... internet exposure is key !! I had a brand new website built in the early spring of 2019 and the phone rings off the hook... I have more work than I can handle and pick and choose what I want to do...... can't go wrong ! But if you have alot of contacts then I would say hold off.... You're video brought back ALOT of really good memories of way back in highschool when I was getting started.... Thanks for sharing !!! Tom

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Del Casale Excavating thanks! I’ve thought about a website before but we have a Facebook page that seems to do good. I’m already booked beyond what I can handle so I try not to advertise too much lol! But yes that is a great idea for people trying to get their name out there. 👍🏻

[@Digginok]

Nice job explaining, i have went a bit different route than you, but a lot is similar. Work ethic is evident with you, customers can see that. If I could add one thing for your viewers, treat every “job” as an “opportunity”.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Digginok thank you! I like that Frank you are correct it is an opportunity! I really appreciate that comment! You definitely one of those mentors I look up too and hope to aspire to your level one day! Thanks again!

[@boitanoexcavation3564]

Only thing I would add to that is starts small get a piece of used equipment do smaller jobs if you’re going to learn as you go. Possibly do it as a second job on the weekends and evenings until you get more experience

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Boitano Excavation yes those are great points too don’t take on too much debt from the get go!

[@briangardiner1015]

Well put, I think everyone see's you and Chris running equipment and think it was given to you,but there is a lot behind the scenes to get to that point. There is no easy way to do it. I think there are two ways to learn. 1. Find someone and soak up everything you can,work in the trench. 2. Go into the union and go through the apprenticeship. There you will start checking grade and operating smaller equipment. I knew a new apprentice and they had him on a grade tractor grading between the new curb and gutter and the property lines. I have read how a lot of owners of some of the largest construction companies got to where they are and they all started at the bottom and worked their way up.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Brian Gardiner I think your right, people only see where we are today. Definitely a lot of work and sacrifice for sure. That’s another great way to start is operator union I didn’t even think of that, probably because we don’t have one here that I know of. Thanks again Brian I appreciate all the support!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

They don’t teach about “working your way up”, “getting your diploma in the school of hard knocks” or “hard work has its own reward”. Instead it’s, “get this degree and you WILL earn $100K”, “you are good, so wait until the right job finds you” or “manual labor is done by idiots”. Thus, you shouldn’t do something that doesn’t fit your dreams... and, until you find that, the government has a safety net to catch you. Brandon I applaud your tenacity, ambition and work ethic. That is one of the reasons I never miss a vid. And, I am glad that you’re finally starting to live your dream. Keep pecking away... and you’ll keep finding nuggets of wisdom that’ll carry you into a full realization. Now, I was curious just how ‘the right girl’ thing changed your course? For me, I gave up poker parties, nights out with the guys (and their next morning hangovers) and started mapping out a future once I met mine... 44 years ago. Without that, I would have had a much less successful and barren life. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

William Harris very true they do not teach that anymore which is sad because to me that’s still the best way to move up in a company and get ahead. Hard work and dedication will pay off! Thank you I appreciate the kind words! That’s how I was brought up and I hope I’m teach my son the same values. Yes meeting that right one you learn what’s important and are willing to make changes or give up a few things. Erin definitely help me to do that and she was the one that pushed me to get out on my own. She brought things to my attention I didn’t see working at my parents company and she has always been very supportive of everything I have wanted to do. I would not be where I am today without her! Thanks again I appreciate your support too and always commenting! 👍🏻

[@richardhayes7526]

In my town, 95% of it is showing up and answering the phone/returning the damn calls😂. It amazes me. Just about every job I get, the homeowner says, “you’re the first one to show up.” It’s music to my ears

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Yeah it’s crazy anymore there is more work than people willing to do it lol! Which can be a good thing

[@VintageFarm1086]

Thanks for sharing how go got started in your own business.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Monty Bussard you’re welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@bosshogg3548]

Love the hat how did you break the steering wheel

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Thanks!

[@southerndirt9589]

Awesome video you're right nobody wants to work anymore everybody want to check though around here the market is so flooded with mini excavators and skid steers it's hard to get it started the locals that have been in it for several years have started branching together and working together on jobs because the market is so flooded there's a lot of building going on here we kind of had the same thing in 2011 we had two big tornadoes come through my County that was kind of my starred into the dirt work had an old 450 John Deere Track Loader and a 410d John Deere backhoe both of them wore out had to work on a more than we run them

[@eliteearthworksllc]

southerndirt 95 thank you! Yeah I knew some places were like that so I would imagine being difficult to find work. You guys had the tornado pretty much a month before ours if I remember right. They were bad deals but good things came from them I believe. That’s how my old case 1840 was always had hoses blowing lol

[@southerndirt9589]

@@eliteearthworksllc yeah April 27th 2011 I woke up at 5 a.m. turn on the TV to the weatherman saying take cover now by 6:15 everything but my house was gone and then about 3 p.m. I was standing in a loader bucket cutting trees in the yard watching the EF5 come through Cullman

[@eliteearthworksllc]

southerndirt 95 I remember those. Ours was May 22 that was a crazy active year!

[@larryshedd5734]

Got my reminder on for tonight

[@groundtoglory]

Interesting take. We got started diggin because we were getting sued over a wet basement on a house flip. Sure seems like Adversity breeds opportunity a lot of the time. Like losing your stuff in a tornado...

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Geoff Dodge oh that’s not good. I agree with you it really does

[@CaptKirk1701]

When you figure out how to sit at home and money roll in, let me know lol, great video!

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Man With A Plan 🤣 will do man! It may be a while but I’ll see what I can do

[@ResidentialDirtWork]

Real estate rentals. I love the first of the month, and it don't matter if its cold or raining or both!

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Residential Dirt Work oh yes I would love to have a few of those!

[@markmortensen4341]

A lot of great advice. Since I'm an old fart I would tell you young people to take his advice and work for someone for experience so later on you can work for yourself. No greater feeling than being your own boss‼️ Do the ground work and pay attention and always be on time no matter who your working for‼️👍

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Mark Mortensen thank you! And that is some great advice I might add! 👍🏻

[@HankinsExcavating]

I got started the same way, except the tornado. About 80% of my work is returning customers. New customers call and basically ask when can you do it not how much and I may get back to you. If you do good honest work for reasonable price you'll always have work.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Ryan Hankins that’s great! Yes I wouldn’t recommend the tornado 🤣. You are correct if you are honest and do what you say you will do you will always have work. 👍🏻

[@larryshedd5734]

Brandon you going to Conexpo in Vegas I'm going never been it's on my bucket list.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Larry Shedd cool deal!

[@larryshedd5734]

@@eliteearthworksllc just bought 7 day ticket package for show in March. Never been to Vegas

[@garretsmith7773]

I'm in the market for a smooth roller compactor for prepping building pads. Can you provide any recommendations? I have a vibe plate and a jumping jack already

[@eliteearthworksllc]

I just bought a 54” pad foot roller it’s a Bomag and it’s been a game changer on building pads. I’d figure out the biggest one you could get for the various jobs you have. Big parking lots this one is a bit small but for small pads and driveways it’s great. So for me it’s a perfect all around size. Bomag and dynapac are great brands Hamm is good too. I’d check and make sure it vibrates and there isn’t a ton of play where pivots to turn. Good luck 😫

[@garretsmith7773]

@@eliteearthworksllc good suggestions. that's interesting you chose a pad footbfor building slabs. I was under the impression the smooth roller was preffered for pad prep.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

@@garretsmith7773 the pad foot is the best for compacting clay on pads and roads. The pads leave duvets that the next lift of clay can lock into. When you get to the final lift the smooth drum is better to seal the pad off

[@dcwshoreline5416]

🇨🇦Topsoil Screener in testing phase Sir! Want to have this down to you in early 2021

[@terrylutke]

One important theme he mentions is that people generally are becoming physical-work adverse. The opportunity is customers are willing to pay someone to do their dirty work for them (roofing, carpentry, siding, drywall, digging, concrete, etc). As a contractor, their dirty work becomes your tough and tumble work-a-day life. At the same time, growing any small dirty-job business is severely hampered by trying to hire/train/retain desirable employees.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

That is correct less people want to do this kind of work so it’s good right now for the ones that want too. Appreciate the comment

[@terrylutke]

@@eliteearthworksllc We've all heard stories about someone's father or grandpa who dug out his basement/septic with a shovel and wheelbarrow. That genetic 'strand' for mule-like work capacity has almost disappeared (for better or worse:).

[@clydeacor1911]

Hey Brandon I don't think anyone could've said it any better. And you're right just like any business it all depends on what your local economy is doing as far as business survival. And I think the whole country is experiencing what you are there good employees and companies willing to do the hard work and doing what needs done is becoming a thing of the past, I know it is here in the northwest where I'm at and definitely not as many people joining this part of the trades, more people are going to college and getting college degrees then finding out that they just wasted their time and money because nobody is hiring in their chosen field's because 100,000 people studied in one field and there's only 50,000 available jobs in that field.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Clyde Acor thank you I appreciate that! I agree with you 100% on that with the degree. And they don’t want to do this type of work so it’s great for guys like us that do. Thanks again buddy!

[@clydeacor1911]

@@eliteearthworksllc You betchya.

[@larryshedd5734]

Got wet line put on my Kenworth truck for lowboy trailer to move Gradall excavator. Ready to play in sandbox again. Job with State probably going to be over a year project. Rotator and buckets are being delivered next Thursday so I can have time to get little better with it. Don't have long motor on lowboy put PTO in and go. Not missing around with gas motor. Engage and go. Jumping in the shower now Larry

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Larry Shedd cool that will be handy!

[@RiverValleyAcres]

What do you think the pros and cons are for small scale residential work VS larger scale commercial work? I want to break out on my own soon. But I’ve never been on residential jobs so I’m not sure how I would even get started. I did however teach myself how to bid and have been looking at work for the state, dep and the dcnr. It takes a lot of money to make money so I’m planning on taking my annuity out once I hit 125k so I’m able to rent equipment, pay for materials, and labor.

[@janetolch8129]

It's how you started, and your passing it on to others and they can take the parts that may help them. We are all good at something it's just how we use it. I loved welding never started my own business, but did weekend jobs on my own, did a lot of car pairs, and iron work fencing and gates, so that's a good way to start, work on the weekends where no one else will and word soon gets around, do some small job's and don't charge especially if you are already on site and make a point to let the client know. Chris is doing that with his new machine but I don't think he will go out on his own. I enjoyed the video, I did ask you for some history things and you did it well, that's how you take advantage of spare time 😀 more please 🇬🇧🤓😃

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Jane Tolch that’s really cool! Welding is something I have never learned but would be helpful if I did. Thanks for the feedback I wasn’t sure how this video would go over but I may do some mire from time to time. Thanks again!

[@alwaysapplypressure2477]

Thank You 💯

[@adamkolm6711]

I have a dozer excavator track loader a hamer for my excavator a backhoe. I'm an experienced operator I do some jobs how am I gonna get going full time. I live on Ohio.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Just keep trying to get your name out there it will happen

[@sydneyshinshi]

Contacts and repeat happy customers with referrals make a business grow.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Michael Magill that is correct! Those referrals make all the difference. If people can hear from someone else they had a good experience that really helps!

[@TxTea713]

I’m in the process of taking over my fathers underground utility company been learning and operating since 12

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Txtea713 that’s awesome best of luck!

[@iwandeegenaars1552]

Nice video

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Thank you!

[@connerfleury7]

I am 19 yrs old and started my business when i was 18 and still in high school. How did you get to where you are now without really working for someone and learning that way. I know you said you have a mentor that helps you. But other than that what did you do to kind of take the edge off of not knowing certain things and not making costly mistakes? Did you read alot? Or just do it and figure it out on the fly? I used to have a mentor that worked for me that had 40 some odd yrs experience. Hes mostly the reason i got into this stuff. But i had to fire him because it was to much of a head ache to have him, to costly and was making way to many mistakes. Now im out on my own by myself and its scary. I worked for someone over the spring but other then that ive been out on my own. I use him as a mentor at times. What would you recommend i do to not get myself into costly bad situations? How do i keep progressing my business and diversify myself without having the experience and knowing alot of things. I want to make money and be successful but i also dont want my lack of experience and lack of knowledge to hold me back.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Moto Hellion that’s a tough one. It’s hard to learn a trade and not make a few mistakes, I just always took my time so I probably didn’t make as much money. But I would just work the site until I was happy with it. So it took me longer to spread a load of dirt than it does now. I didn’t read much and KZbin wasn’t around then I just got very familiar with the equipment and learned how much I can do with it in an hour. A lot of it just comes from experience. It’s going to be a struggle in the beginning because it is a learning curve. As long as you don’t go out and get a bunch of debt buying new equipment you should be fine. Rent what you need to or buy used for right now so your overhead is low. Use that stuff for awhile until you are getting more work and becoming more comfortable with pricing jobs. Then you can start upgrading equipment. I’ve been doing this over 20 years so just be patient it doesn’t happen over night. Just do what you say your going to do and do a good quality job and you will always have work. Hopefully that helps

[@JerichoRally]

It's actually quite simple - hard work.

[@connerfleury7]

@@eliteearthworksllc sorry just saw this now. Yes that helps thankyou. Good to know that im not the only out there figuring things out and with a huge learning curve. How did you learn to read prints? By figuring it out or did u do some sort of class? I have a blue print book ive been reading but it always helps to have someone who knows that there doing look over ur shoulder.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Moto Hellion I just learned by doing it. It still takes a min sometimes trying to go through the prints. That’s something I would like to learn better

[@BOR_official]

Do I need a contractors license?

[@eliteearthworksllc]

I have a sub contractors license

[@JasonWorksAlot]

Yeah but it’s way way wayyyyy harder to do that in Pennsylvania. Honestly I don’t even think you could put in a yard here. Yaknow what I’ll make you a bet. I bet you can make a beautiful yard in Pennsylvania. If you can I’ll give you 100$. Because I like you and I want you to learn and grow I’ll even let you try it out on my lawn. 😁😁😁 Gotta love the vicious cycle. It’s like buying your first pair of scissors... you need scissors to open the package. Thanks for sharing. Keep livin the dream.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

JasonWorksAlot 🤣🤣 I’ll take that bet buddy! Is the house all ready for me to stay in? And do I need to bring my own coochie? Can’t build the perfect yard with a Kubota 🤣.

[@JasonWorksAlot]

Elite Earthworks LLC well obviously it’s byoc - bring your own Coochie - who do you think I am?! Can’t just be supplying Coochies for people to ride and then be done with never to run again. I think that’s prostitution. Wait.. what were we talking about again?

[@eliteearthworksllc]

JasonWorksAlot ahhhhh it’s all the same JasonPimpsAlot 😁😎

[@DC-1]

JasonWorksAlot 😂😂

[@DC-1]

Elite Earthworks LLC now that was funny...Jasonpimpsalot 😂🤣 yur killing me smalls

[@joshjodsaas8139]

You accepting free help next summer?

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Josh Jodsaas maybe check with come spring time and I’ll see how things are going

[@jamesdees4604]

Good bio my friend

[@eliteearthworksllc]

james dees thank you! It made for a boring video but hopefully answered the question for some people lol

[@larryshedd5734]

Brandon your steering wheel looks bad. New Chevy

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Larry Shedd lol 2008 GMC yeah the leather is coming off and I don’t like the steering wheel covers

[@RobKeenan826]

@@eliteearthworksllc it's ok, Red Green would be proud of you.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Bleeds Ford Blue 🤣that’s right! That’s all that matters

[@larryshedd5734]

@@eliteearthworksllc Ford didn't need money from government. Don't know if others even paid hard working Americans back.

[@larryshedd5734]

@@eliteearthworksllc love my Ford F550

[@dcwshoreline5416]

💪💪💪💪💪

[@adamsalvione225]

Can you make 6 figures owning an excavation company?

[@eliteearthworksllc]

Yes

[@adamsalvione225]

@@eliteearthworksllc What age would be a good time to start an excavation company? If I start at 18. Is 22 possible?

[@SLCFarms]

I hate paperwork.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

SLC Farms yeah it’s the worst part of getting your money

[@3406Accert]

What's with the obvious lower than Chinese dollar store mentality electrical tape on the Non leather Full plastic steering wheel job ? Looks very unmanly and obviously scabbing out on the better things in life and I'll bet there's thousands of wrecked light duty half tons in the wrecking yards all around you with even the higher option denali or escalade wrecks with perfectly non Soiled up steering wheels just waiting to be sold to anyone smarter than cheap losses it's stickiness tape.

[@eliteearthworksllc]

🤣 now that was funny. You can come up with better insults than that, you’re better than that

[@clausb.2032]

eine autofahrt ist lustig, trallalla...