Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/353300
mowers, smooth drum rollers, trac- tors and a UTV. Changing it up Adding services during the recession was a common remedy for many contractors. But Thiel and Mueller turned these add-ons into a thriving part of their business. Not only do they offer landscap- ing, excavation, concrete work and snow removal services, but they also expanded their list of services to in- clude playgrounds for schools, pools, selling hard goods such as rocks, hauling materials for railroad compa- nies and installing an athletic facility for a local high school. Their work at Osceola High School in 2013 ended up being their largest job to date: a $3.2 million project. "You have 3,000 customers when you work for a school," Mueller says, re- ferring to the city's voters. Before the project began, Mueller made phone calls to gauge public opinion on the project. It gave them encouragement that the referendum would pass and they bid on the project. Most of their employees live within a 15-mile radius so J&S is committed to the community, the school system and all of the organizations in the area. Their business is also one of the few construction companies left in their area – but they've done a lot more than just survive. Since 2006, they've experienced a 360-percent growth. "By having a broader base of services, we run a turnkey busi- ness," Thiel says. "We're a one-stop shop. Clients can just turn to us for everything." While offering a variety of ser- vices can set a business apart from the competition, Mueller and Thiel say it's important to not overextend themselves. Instead, they focus on fi nding new services that are just an extension of their current expertise. August 2014 | EquipmentWorld.com 38 contractor of the year | continued The contractors keep their equipment in a heated airport hanger so it's ready to go at any time. They have 75 snow re- moval customers, including the business park, hospital, nursing home and airport. Sitework foreman Matt Adam meeting with Jesse Smith, the general contractor.