Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/933470
learned a lot about choosing our customers to make things run a whole lot smoother. We have always had commitment to deliver quality service, trust and dedication to our customers, and have learned along the way you should be able to expect the same from them." Equipment utilization also became a priority. "We rent a lot of equip- ment, all of our bigger stuff, and even some of the small stuff," Kerry says. "We'll add equipment, but it's one or two pieces a year. We have to look at how much work it's go- ing to take to pay off that piece of equipment before we buy it." Wife and partner Kerry's wife, Belinda, has worked in the business in various roles throughout the years and stepped in full time in 2013. During the recession, the two of them forged a plan to diversify and strengthen the company and survive the recession intact. A lot of that plan had to do with their workers. "We refer to them as Team KAT," says Belinda. "We mail them a weekly newsletter and do open- ended meetings and surveys for their feedback. We offer healthcare benefits and bonus incentive pro- grams not usually seen in a company our size. We try to create a feeling of ownership and pride." Recognition also plays a big part in the company. The employee of the month is selected by fellow employ- ees, and the employee of the year is voted on by the staff. The HR efforts have paid off in terms of the loyalty and longevity of many of the company's work- ers. "We've had some people with us for 20 years plus," Belinda says. Recently, KAT was awarded Best Small Employer by Work Force So- lutions of Texas for the South-East Texas Region. Kerry and Belinda agree that Gen- eration X and baby boomers are a reliable demographic for the compa- ny and have something to teach. "We have also seen an influx of people who tried to retire at 62 or 65 who must rejoin the workforce to supple- ment their Social Security income, and they have become some of our best and most reliable employees. I really have to compliment those guys," says Belinda. "Some of the older guys, if they know somebody is taking care of them, they're going to dig in and stay awhile," says Kerry. "We have a team of drivers comprised of men and women who are committed to our vision and service. At the end of the day, we want long-term employees." As with many companies in Texas, KAT Excavating loses people January 2018 | EquipmentWorld.com 50 contractor of the year finalist | continued Hurricane Harvey brought waist-high floodwaters to KAT's yard and offices. The Trests' son, Chris, worked his way up in the company and is running jobs himself.