EARTHWORKS Grading & Contracting, LLC
6556 George Walton Drive, Harlem, GA 30814
Started business in May 2018.
As a full-service commercial and residential site excavating contractor, EARTHWORKS utilizes its own fleet of earth moving equipment. We can move mass grading projects or a small driveway with equally professional results. Whether you have a small lot of land or several hundred acres, you can count on our land clearing professionals for all your property development needs. We also mobilize dump trucks to haul out or haul in aggregates for any commercial and residential site work projects in the Augusta area.
What inspired you to start your own business?
This has always been a dream of my husband and dad. My dad owned a business called Earthworks when I was growing up and after he passed away, my husband and I decided that the name was fitting and would be a tiny tribute to my dad. Another reason we decided to open our own company is that our son has a mild learning disability and we wanted to ensure that when he grows up, he would have a place to work and provide for his future family.
What inspires your work and what sets you apart from everyone else?
Our inspiration comes from being able to provide for our family. We are able to profit from our hard work and be able to actually see the fruits of our labors.
What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
My husband has been in the construction industry for over 18 years. He has worked for three different construction companies in our area and has built relationships with local companies that have been a HUGE asset in helping our business to grow.
What has been your biggest success to date?
When we started this business, we had one dump truck that was over 30 years old and had to rent equipment for clearing and grading jobs. We are now at 4 dump trucks, a mini excavator, trackhoe, and a skidsteer.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Our biggest challenge has been to be able to find reliable and dependable employees. We now have a good crew of employees and drivers.
Which small businesses are you inspired by?
Garnto Southern Construction and Prather Construction.
If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?
I would have done this soooo much sooner. I am a habitual overthinker and sat on this plan for several years before putting it into action. I didn’t believe that we would never get the financing we needed to be able to buy a dependable dump truck and didn’t have a lot of faith in myself. Then one day, I decided to just do it. The worst thing they could say is “no”. I have been banking with Queensborough since I was 19 and figured I would go talk to someone in the commercial lending department. Nick was so helpful and I got a response back within a day and was able to buy a MUCH newer dump truck and this truly started us on the path of success.
What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start their own business?
Make sure that what you are wanting to pursue makes money sense, have a little faith in your ability and surround yourself with people who inspire you to be all you can be.