CalContractor - 2023 Compact Equipment Edition

ROUGHSTOCK CONSTRUCTION, INC.

SEXTON ENGINEERING, INC.

DeROLLO PIPELINE

PRECISION EXCAVATING 1, INC.

CONCRETE SERVICES

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THE EARLY YEARS

Ken Sexton grew up in Yuba City and graduated from Yuba City High School in 1981. His parents worked in the food service industry, and initially, Sexton pursued a degree in food service management. However, fate had other plans. At the age of 18, he decided to leave college and moved to Las Vegas, where his brother worked as a foreman at Western States Contracting. For the next five years, Sexton worked as a laborer in the Local 872 Laborers Union for Western States Contracting, and C&S Construction,

Beneath the Surface: The Construction Journey of Ken Sexton and Sexton Engineering, Inc.

working on the I-95 from Las Vegas to Henderson.

In 1991, Sexton was back in California and accepted a job working for Blois Construction out of Oxnard. Sexton was again working as a laborer and would travel 72 miles, one way, every workday. By this time, Sexton was married to his wonderful wife, Bunnie, and they had started a family that would soon include three sons and a daughter. So, after five years of long hours and lengthy commutes, Sexton decided that he needed to make a change and do something that allowed

him to spend more time with his growing family. “I quit the Union in 1993 to give the food service industry a chance. I started a food concession business at Cachuma Lake in Santa Barbara County that included bicycle rentals and a miniature golf course,” says Sexton. “We worked with a captive audience at Cachuma Lake, and business was fast paced from Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, after around four years, I found out that dealing with the large crowds and other daily hassles were just not my cup of tea, and quite frankly, it just about killed me.”

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor / Photos by Sexton Engineering, Inc.

Left: Father and son team of Ken and Kris Sexton, Sexton Engineering, Inc.

SEXTON ENGINEERING, INC. BECOMES A FATHER & SON TEAM

Sexton was just 34 years old in 1997 when he decided to sell his food service business. He knew that he was too young to retire, so he decided to return to his true passion of working in the construction industry. Together with a partner, Sexton started CBK Engineering, and he performed underground utility work until 2005 when the decision was made to dissolve the business. “I wanted to be on my own doing the work I loved and had done since the beginning, underground utility construction. So, I started Sexton Engineering in 2005 to primarily work in the Santa Ynez area, which seems to have an business atmosphere that remains healthy and busy despite economic downturns,” continues Sexton. “I realized that I jumped out of bed

each morning, eager to get out there to excavate and install water, sewer, storm drain, septic tank systems, and other underground utilities. I love construction work, and so in July of 2019, I was thrilled to have my second oldest son, Kris, join me in the company. He moved from Woodland Hills, where he was working as an electrician, and is now the Vice President here at Sexton Engineering. We are officially a father and son company, and I am already setting things in motion for Kris to take over operations when I retire in around five years.”

UNDERGROUND UTILITY WORK ON SINGLE-FAMILY CUSTOM HOMES IS ITS BREAD AND BUTTER

Sexton explains that his company maintains an A contractor’s license and primarily performs underground utility work for new,

high-end, and single-family residences. A typical project would include the excavation and installation of both wet and dry utilities, along with other support grading and excavating duties. “We have been working on a single residence project since 2018 and will remain onsite until completion in 2025,” says Sexton. “This is a 26,000-squarefoot new home build project on a 1,200-acre parcel of land. We are installing all of the utilities on this job, including 9,000 linear feet of PG&E line and 26,000 linear feet of communication line to include fiber optics.” Before this project began, Sexton Engineering was on another similar job for a 22,000-square-foot custom home. His company performed all of the grading, road, and underground installation work. “I commit to one project at a time, no matter how long the contract may be. This

Right: Sexton Engineering’s Yanmar SV100-2A 21,550 lb. (10-ton class), 72 HP mini excavator from Volvo Construction Equipment & Services.

Left: Father and son team operating their Yanmar ViO55-6A 12,247 lb. (5.5-ton class), 47.6 HP mini excavator.

does not always work out great for the other general contractors that have relied on us over the years, but our contracts are rarely this long in duration,” says Sexton. “We also work for municipalities and other agencies like the Santa Ynez Water District and on other public works projects.”

SEXTON ENGINEERING, INC.’S EQUIPMENT FLEET AND YANMAR EXCAVATORS

Ken Sexton is now 60 and wants to retire in five years. A big part of his succession plan is making sure that his company’s equipment fleet is fully upgraded. Sexton’s fleet currently consists of a Cat 430F2 backhoe loader, a Cat 289D3 compact track loader, a Cat 228 rubber tire skid steer loader, as well as water trucks, dump trucks, and work trucks. Regarding compact excavators, Sexton Engineering relies on Yanmar to handle its grading and excavating responsibilities. “I purchased a Yanmar SV100 excavator in 2007 and recently sold the unit to make room for

our brand-new 2023 Yanmar SV100-2A excavator. We also sold our 2007 ViO45 compact excavator and purchased a new 2022 Yanmar ViO55-6A compact excavator to take its place,” says Sexton. “We want to work with only the best equipment here at Sexton Engineering, but we are also constantly watching our bottom line and are always looking for the best bang for our buck. Yanmar provides us with industry-leading power, performance, durability, and top resale value. Pound for pound, I have found that it is equal to or better than other leading manufacturers when considering lifting capacity or breakout force. Our Yanmar excavators stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any other major brand at what I would consider a much lower price point. We saved tens of thousands of dollars on both units and could not be happier with the performance and support we receive from Volvo Construction Equipment & Services out of Bakersfield.”

Sexton is the primary operator on every underground utility project,

and he points to the quick-connect feature on his Yanmar excavators as a reason for the company’s high daily production. “We can change buckets and other attachments with ease from the comfort of our Yanmar cabs, and that has made our lives much easier on these high-production jobsites. With the Yanmar, we can also reverse the buckets and dig backward. This is an incredible feature that is handy when digging existing waterlines and other utilities in tight spaces,” continues Sexton. “We go with Quick Attach and have purchased several of their attachments. I like the fact that Yanmar comes plumbed and ready for auxiliary equipment and attachments. Whether I am going with Quick Attach, or American Compaction, they all match up perfectly with our Yanmar excavators. Additionally, our new Yanmar excavators offer more cab room and comfort than our 2007 units. The visibility and ergonomic comfort are appreciated by myself and our other operators.”

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Right: Ken and Kris Sexton with their Cat 430F2 backhoe loader.

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WORKING WITH VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

Sexton’s Yanmar SV100-2A and ViO55-65 excavators are currently being utilized on the 26,000-square-foot custom home project in Santa Ynez. “We are using our Yanmar’s to grade and construct a bike path around a 22-acre foot pond that is about 2,500 feet in diameter. The machines are doing a great job digging out the bike path, recompacting the subgrade, installing base material and decomposed granite, and installing a steel border around the entire area,” says Sexton. “We use these Yanmar excavators every day, and we need a dealer that can support us if there is ever an issue. We are very fortunate to have Frank Valente as our sales representative from Volvo Construction Equipment & Services,” continues Sexton. “Frank came over from Bakersfield to meet with me and my son and has been there for us every step of the way. He just called me again the other day to see how everything was going and if I needed anything.

It is comforting to know that we have Volvo Construction Equipment & Services support if and when it is needed.”

CONCLUSION

Sexton makes it clear that he is doing what he loves and wants to make sure that his son, Kris, has all the tools to keep the company going strong for many years to come. “My goal is to get my son educated in all aspects of this business, from public relations to bidding, to running the jobs,” says Sexton. “I just feel that it is so important to put your heart and soul into whatever is important to you in life. Whether it is raising a family, cooking a meal, or installing thousands of feet of underground utilities. If you do something that you love and always deliver the best possible product, you will be successful in this business. The satisfaction of a job well done and being asked back is what this work is all about.”

Beyond construction lies another world of fun, work, and accomplishments for Ken Sexton and his wife, Bunnie. Ken owns

and races a 2008 Mustang complete road racetrack car, and he and his wife are both avid, advanced open water scuba divers. Ken and Bunnie also own and maintain Shepherd Ranch, a 40-acre facility that offers an International Three-Day Eventer. Shepherd Ranch hosts two recognized ISEA events annually with two large dressage courts and two large jumping arenas, along with a 40-acre cross-country course. “My wife, Bunnie, is an internationally recognized horse rider that also helped run the Santa Ynez Pony Club here on the ranch for 42 years. My free time is spent working on the ranch, where we board horses and offer a 3-day event facility with 40 acres of permanent pasture,” concludes Sexton. “Our greatest love and achievement, however, are our four wonderful grown children that range from 40 to 28 years in age. Life continues to be an adventure, and I can’t wait to see what the next few decades have in store for our family and Sexton Engineering.” Cc

Left: Ken Sexton, Robert Messina (operator) and Kris Sexton posing next to the company’s Cat 289D3 compact track loader from Quinn Cat.

Seizing Opportunities: The Remarkable and Inspiring Story of Hunter Ducoty and Roughstock Construction, Inc.

Most people have heard the phrase, “youth is wasted on the young.” The saying seems to imply that some people may not fully grasp the significance of their vitality, energy, and opportunities during their youth. They might squander time, take unnecessary risks, or not fully appreciate their potential to learn, explore, and build a strong foundation for their future. Well, the story you are about to read is NOT about such a person. This is a story about a young man who has seized opportunities and made the most out of his time and chances.

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor /

THE BEGINNING – GAINING INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Hunter Ducoty’s grandfather, Jim Chappell, inspired Ducoty to go into the construction business. Ducoty says that he learned and developed his strong work ethic from watching and working with his grandfather. Chappell was a general contractor, and his company focused primarily on interior commercial and residential construction. Although Ducoty did spend some time working with his grandfather on job sites, he never got to see the other side of the business where contractors

move dirt, pour concrete, or pave asphalt.

Ducoty has known Cody Fleischer since he was an infant, and it was in Fleischer’s backyard that he gained his first experience with heavy machinery, namely operating a backhoe loader. Fleischer is a general contractor out of Escalon, and he helped hook up Ducoty with his first construction gig with a local contractor out of Sonora. Ducoty had just turned 18 in 2017 when he began working as a laborer. The work was primarily for government contracts on military bases,

Photos provided by Roughstock Construction

Above: Left: Hunter Ducoty, Owner/President, Roughstock Construction shown here with his new Case CX37C mini excavator from Sonsray Machinery.

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managing forests, and clearing federal vegetation areas. Ducoty grew up and lived in Sonora, but his work took him to places like Salt Lake City, Utah, Fallon, Nevada and Parker, Arizona, where he spent ten months away from home. He also worked remotely for a shorter period of time at the Spicer Reservoir in Sierra, Nevada and on State Route 108 near Modesto.

Although young and green, Ducoty learned fast and soon made as much as $50 an hour for his labor. Things would change, however, after just one year on the job; Ducoty’s father, who was fighting cancer, was taking a turn for the worse. “I wanted to spend as much time as I could with my father, and that meant working closer to home. So, I quit my job and went to work for another local contractor, Lovett Excavating, where I could work locally and be home at night with my dad,” says Ducoty. “I took a 50 percent pay cut, but my time at Lovett and the experience, education, and relationships that I developed there would prove to be invaluable to me just a few years later.”

Ducoty remembers the day he met Steve Lovett of Lovett Excavating in 2018 and was given a sort of baptism-by-fire interview in the field. “Steve dropped me off at a construction site with a dozer and an excavator and told me to clear all the brush in the area and cut a building pad. I had a small amount of excavator experience but had never run a dozer in my life,” says Ducoty. “Steve came back later that day, and I had already finished the job. I worked for Steve as a laborer, operator, and then foreman, running small crews and doing grading, excavating, and asphalt work. I learned a lot and enjoyed my time at Lovett, but in 2020, I was offered a chance to go work for my friend, Cody Fleischer, who got me started in this business.”

According to Ducoty, working for Fleischer was also very eventful and fulfilling. “Cody had a ton of work for me during the time I spent working for him. I cut a bunch of house pads, blasted solid rock, and did both asphalt and concrete paving projects. By this time in my short but busy career, I had operated just about every machine you could possibly find on a job

site,” continues Ducoty. “The only thing that was missing was the big paychecks, and I have to say that I missed that money. I decided to join the Operating Engineers Local Union 3 out of Stockton to further my knowledge and boost those paychecks a bit. I worked primarily for three major contractors for the next six months but grew tired of working Saturdays, Sundays, and enduring the four to five-hour commutes daily. I also missed my family and my girlfriend, Faith, and this is when I began thinking seriously about starting my own construction company.”

TAKING THE PLUNGE

The tipping point for Ducoty came when he and Faith went on vacation to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in 2021. “We were just sitting there in our hotel room and talking about my job and how I felt the time had come to start my own company. Without hesitation, my girlfriend, Faith, encouraged me to ‘just go for it.’ So, on the way home from Las Vegas, we stopped at a trailer dealership, and I purchased a tilt-deck trailer and towed it

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Above: Roughstock Construction using a Case CX145D SR excavator, rented from Sonsray Rentals, to excavate into a hillside to supply 300 yards of material to the top for the construction of a building pad in Valley Springs.

Above: Case CX145D SR, rented from Sonsray Machinery, excavating for house pad fill dirt in Valley Springs.

Left: When a job calls for bigger equipment or a machine that Roughstock Construction does not have in their fleet, Hunter Ducoty turns to Sonsray Rentals. Case CX 145D SR is shown here excavating into a rocky hillside to cut a pad for a 24’ x 48’ shop pad and prepare for the construction of a 1,000 square-foot parking area.

home,” remembers Ducoty. “The next day, I called my friend Cody and asked him to hook me up with his sales representative from Sonsray (Danny Silva). Danny gave me a great deal on a brandnew Case CX37C mini excavator and delivered it to me within a week. I immediately started taking on smaller odd jobs here and there for family and friends. After waiting months, I finally got my contractor’s license papers back, successfully passed the test, and was awarded an A general engineering contractor’s license. It has been non-stop busy ever since, and I am so grateful to everyone who hired me, helped me, and encouraged me along the way.”

Roughstock Construction, Inc. would be the name of Ducoty’s new construction enterprise. “I am now back to doing primarily residential work. I am a people person, which is my strong suit, and I enjoy working with people. I know I am only 23 years old, but I have an unquenchable drive and five years of experience under my belt. I also have had the privilege of being mentored by some of the nicest, smartest, and most talented people in the business,” continues Ducoty. “Right now, I am focusing on concrete projects, asphalt driveway paving and repair, and a lot of grading, excavating an land clearing work. Every day is different. One day we are doing a

retaining or stem wall job; the next, we may be on a house foundation or paving project.”

Ducoty says that his company primarily works in Calaveras County, and the furthest he will venture out is about one hour away from home. He currently has three additional employees and makes it clear that everyone is a laborer, and everyone has the chance to be an operator. “I am the primary operator and I am on every job site, every day. Most of my guys are young. I want them to learn and am willing to teach them. If we are ahead on a job and have some extra time, I encourage them to hop on a machine to gain that hands-on experience.”

Above Left: Hunter Ducoty using a skip loader to grade top layer base rock during house pad construction.

GETTING THE JOB DONE WITH CASE EQUIPMENT FROM SONSRAY MACHINERY

It did not take long before Ducoty had enough work and backlog to merit purchasing his first piece of construction equipment. “When I worked for my friend Cody, he purchased a new mid-sized Case excavator from Sonsray Machinery. It seemed like someone from Sonsray was always there for his company. No matter what the situation or time of day or night, we had an open line to Sonsray. I would text Danny or call him, and he would be on the site no later than the next day. So, my firsthand experience with Sonsray was nothing but good,” explains Ducoty. “I ended up purchasing a 2023 Case CX37C mini excavator in 2022, and that machine outperforms any other excavator of its size that I have ever operated. I mean, any and every brand. As my company grew, I was soon able to add a new Case DV26E tandem roller and several new attachments for my Case excavator.”

Roughstock Construction, Inc. has several machines in their young fleet, and what they don’t have, they rent from Sonsray Rentals. Roughstock has rented machines as large as a Case CX

145 excavator for larger scale projects. They also rent dump trucks, dozers, and other machines as needed. In addition to the Case CX37C mini excavator, Ducoty also owns a Case DV26E vibratory tandem roller, a Kubota skid steer loader, a masticator head, a tow behind sweeper, paving machine, a tar and chip seal trailer, and several trailers including a Big Tex 25 tandem dually trailer, gooseneck dump trailer and a flat deck trailer. “We will purchase more Case machines from Sonsray as our company continues to grow, and owning makes more sense than renting. If I could magically add a machine right now to our fleet, I think it would be a Case dozer. I turn down a lot of jobs because I don’t own a dozer,” says Ducoty. “I also deal with Danny over at Sonsray for parts, machine selection, or other technical help. I also work with Ronnie Holaday at the Sonsray Stockton facility. Ronnie helps with service and performance issues, as well as help with attachments. He lives right here in Valley Springs and drops parts off right at my house.”

Ducoty confesses that he is now working double the hours he used to work for other construction firms. “I am growing the company

and building toward the future, and it requires a lot of hard work and determination,” concludes Ducoty. “As far as my state of mind and where I am at right now in my life, I couldn’t be happier.”

“Youth is wasted on the young.” This phrase should remind people, regardless of their age, to make the most of their time and opportunities. It should remind everyone to embrace learning and self-improvement and to live life with purpose and intention. Each stage of life has unique advantages and challenges, and the key may be finding balance and fulfillment in every phase. For Hunter Ducoty, he seems to have found happiness and purpose in owning and operating Roughstock Construction, Inc. Perhaps it is not your age, but more about when you first realize that hard work and determination pay dividends. For Ducoty, he learned that early at the young age of just 18 years old. We will be sure to follow up on this young man in a few years to see what the next phase of his journey will bring. For more information on Roughstock Construction, please visit www.roughstockconstruction.com or call their Valley Springs headquarters at (209) 694-6939. Cc

Above: Roughstock Construction, Inc., towing their Case CX37C mini excavator and Case DV26E vibratory tandem roller to the next job site.

Daryll Dacosta and Precision Excavating 1, Inc. –

A Foundation Rooted in a Family Legacy of Operated Equipment Rental

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor

by Brian Hoover, CMS, LLC

Daryll Dacosta (Dacosta) stands out as another example of a passionate entrepreneur who was inspired by his family’s involvement in the construction industry. His connection with the construction industry and heavy equipment began during high school when he worked for his grandfather’s rental equipment company, which primarily served underground utility contractors. It was then that Dacosta developed an interest in one day having his own construction business where he could operate equipment and carry on the legacy started by his grandfather.

True to his ambitions, Dacosta joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12, where he faithfully operated a long list of heavy construction machinery for 18 years. Dacosta worked for several well-known firms, including Security Paving, Miller Blades, and other respected names in the business. In 2020, after nearly 20 years in the business, Dacosta went home to his wife and announced that he had enough of

working for other people and that he felt like the time had come to go out on his own. “You know, I am only 40 years old, and I felt like if I didn’t make a move back in 2020, I may never do it. So, I jumped in with both feet and never looked back.”

Empowered with boldness and conviction, Dacosta walked into his local John Deere dealership (RDO Equipment Co.) and purchased a brand-new John Deere 17G compact excavator right off of their showroom floor in Riverside. Nine months later, Dacosta purchased a brand-new John Deere 26G compact excavator, followed shortly

by the addition of a new Cat 242D3 skid steer loader with a grinder and sweeper from Quinn Cat in Riverside. The company also owns a Terex 840R backhoe loader that Dacosta may soon be selling so that he can add a new Cat 430 backhoe to the fleet.

Dacosta is now the owner and president of Precision Excavating 1, Inc., and most of his jobs are performed on an operated equipment rental contract for companies like Clark and Sons Contracting Corporation, Chamberlain Backhoe Service, United Backhoe Service, and other similar companies. “We

Photos

Left: Daryll Dacosta, President/ Owner, Precision Excavating 1, Inc.

are still doing rental projects while we work toward securing our C12 license. Most of our work includes excavating, grading, backfilling, augering, and concrete breaking work,” says Dacosta. “I started out on my own, but now have my 20-year-old son, Trevor, in training to help us move to the next level. The best part of having your own company is that it is not just a paycheck anymore, and it is you that benefits from all the hard work. I am not saying that it was easy, and you need to have money put away and all your ducks in a row. Having said that, I wish I would have

done this a long time ago. I want to thank my wife, Kersten, who has been my greatest supporter. This company would not be where it is today without her help and encouragement.”

Precision Excavating 1, Inc. recently completed a grading job in Riverside for Clark and Sons where Dacosta utilized his John Deere 17G compact excavator to perform work on curb and gutter, sidewalks, and ADA ramps. The company is now on a job project in Ontario for Clark and Sons where they are removing existing curb and gutter and doing some general grading

work. Additionally, Precision Excavating 1 just wrapped up a job for United Backhoe Service in Ontario, where they again primarily utilized their John Deere 17G compact excavator. From simple augering jobs to complicated multiday projects utilizing multiple pieces of equipment, Precision Excavating 1 can be found working all over Southern California. From Riverside County to Orange and San Diego County, and occasionally Los Angeles County, its services are being recognized and regularly called upon. “Chamberlain Backhoe Service (CBS) took me under their

Left and Above: Daryll Dacosta using his John Deere 17G compact excavator to dig utilities in Rialto for Chamberlain Backhoe Service.

wing and helped me get started, and I will always remember and appreciate their confidence in me and Precision Excavating 1,” says Dacosta. “We are on a job right now for CBS where we are doing curb & gutter, augering holes, and trenching for footings and electrical and plumbing. I also want to thank and recognize Clark and Sons and United Backhoe Service for believing in me and my company. They have all played a pivotal role by offering my company opportunities, work, and mentorship. I could not have gotten out of the gate without the support of these companies, and I am forever grateful.”

With over three years of operation under his belt, Dacosta’s company has become a trusted name in Southern California. For Dacosta, business relationships extend beyond transactions. Daryll emphasizes the importance of friendships in developing fruitful partnerships, as exemplified by his sales representative, Adrian Cortez from RDO Equipment Co. “Adrian Cortez is my representative from RDO Equipment Co. and we have become good friends, and that goes a long way in a trusting business relationship. Our John

Deere excavators are amazing machines. Don’t underestimate these smaller units. They offer unbelievable power and production with pilot controls and great comfort,” says Dacosta. “I also want to recognize my representative from Quinn Cat, Joseph Muñoz. He was there for me with an incredible, fully loaded Cat 242D3 skid steer loader. I mean this thing has heat, air conditioning, and even heated seats. It is like driving a top-of-theline pickup truck with amazing comfort and power. We regularly use it for grinding asphalt, sweeping, loading, backfilling, augering, and grading.”

Dacosta is very aware of the role of technology in enhancing operations. He plans to invest in a full GPS unit with a 360-degree swivel feature, enabling more precise and efficient work out in the field. “Along with adding additional machines, I plan to also add three to five more employees, both in-house and out in the field as operators. My vision also revolves around empowering my son, Trevor, who is on his way to becoming an established professional in the industry,” continues Dacosta. “I am also

contemplating venturing into Las Vegas, a booming and underserved market right now. But I remain steadfast in my commitment to maintaining customer satisfaction and ensuring that I am always fully equipped with both people power and equipment for every job.”

Sadly, Dacosta’s grandfather passed away last year, leaving behind a profound impact on both Daryll and his family. But he will always have him by his side in spirit, knowing that if not for his vision, perhaps there would be no Precision Excavating 1 today. Daryll Dacosta’s entrepreneurial journey from a union worker to a successful owner-operator is an inspiration to aspiring business owners in the construction equipment rental industry. His commitment to maintaining family legacy, nurturing relationships, embracing technology, and providing topnotch services has laid a strong foundation for his company’s growth. With his eye on the future, Dacosta’s unwavering dedication and passion are sure to propel him toward continued success. For more information on Precision Excavating 1, please contact Daryll Dacosta at 909-223-4635. Cc

Left: Dacosta using his Cat 242D3 skid steer to backfill trench line in Rialto.

Above: Precision Excavating 1, Inc., uses their Ford F-350 pickup and gooseneck trailer to deliver equipment to the jobsite.

The Journey of DeRollo PipelineFrom Humble Beginnings to Thriving Success

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor /

A LONG HISTORY OF EXPERIENCE

In 2018, Jose and Carmen Rolon embarked on a remarkable journey, founding DeRollo Pipeline, a company specializing in site utilities for cities, municipalities, and various military and government facilities. Deciding to start your own successful venture in the civil engineering construction industry requires combining technical expertise with strong project management skills and a dedication to providing top-notch customer service. From securing permits and licenses to investing in specialized equipment and hiring the right skilled operators and laborers, there is a lot to consider.

For Jose and Carmen Rolon, the planning that went into their decision was years in the making.

Jose Rolon’s father was a Class B general building contractor who performed track development work in Southern California. Jose (Rolon) remembers working for his father as far back as elementary school

when he would spend weekends and summers cleaning up job sites and performing any “gofer” work his dad required. “I worked hard as a kid from 1990 to 2000, and after high school, I thought that I had had enough of construction labor. I wanted to work in an office with air conditioning and other indoor comforts, and I was willing to do any sort of entry-level work for that opportunity,” says Rolon. “I landed a job for a laboratory supply company from 2000 to 2006. I ended up in accounts payable and receivables and learned many other general accounting disciplines. Although I was just looking for an office job, this experience would prove to be invaluable to our future business enterprise.”

Rolon decided that he missed the general engineering construction business, but he still liked the idea of working in an office atmosphere. He remembers applying for a purchasing agent job at Blois Construction in Oxnard,

but after carefully reviewing his resume, the hiring manager seemed to show more interest in his construction experience. “I was hired, and they started training me as a project engineer, and I eventually became an estimator and finally a project manager.”

Before moving on from the company in 2010, Rolon gained enormous experience working as a project manager on some of the company’s largest and most complex projects. “I received quite an education at Blois Construction, working on pump stations, canals, pipelines, and even a rare 48-inch brine line project,” continues Rolon. “I was laid off in 2010, along with other employees, due to what was then referred to as the Great Recession. Thankfully, I landed a job soon after with L.H. Woods and Sons, where I worked as a project manager until they sold to JF Shea in 2016. This led me to Bali Construction, where I worked in bidding and project management for the new San Diego division.”

Above: Jose and Carmen Rolon, Owners, DeRollo Pipeline.

Photos by DeRollo Pipeline

JOSE AND CARMEN START A NEW ADVENTURE

Rolon had worked hard since he was a kid, and although he greatly appreciated every opportunity he was ever afforded, he also yearned for the chance to see what he and his wife, Carmen, could do on their own. “I had developed my skills through years of experience and felt very confident in my overall abilities. Carmen and I just felt this push to venture out and be in charge of our own destiny,” says Rolon. “I no longer wanted to help fulfill someone else’s dream or vision, and with Carmen’s help, I wanted to do something we could keep for our own.”

Like any smart entrepreneur, the Rolons created a business plan and assessed all aspects of starting their own construction enterprise. “Our plan really began around three years before we actually went out on our own. We carefully reviewed our financials and began building

our war chest. We mapped out our plan from one to five years, right down to the impact this business partnership would have on our marriage,” says Rolon. “Carmen and I arranged a weekly Saturday morning coffee session dedicated to reviewing all of the variables and stressors and how they might impact our family. We even laid out our safety program because in this business, there is nothing more important than safety on the job site.”

According to Rolon, another big part of their vision was to consider the quality of life that each of his employees would experience while working for DeRollo Pipeline. “From my past experience, I know that it is hard on a team member and their family if they have to stay out of town or return home late from a job each day. Because of this, Carmen and I were determined to focus solely on San Diego and South Orange County,” continues Rolon.

“A job is about more than good pay and benefits. It is also about emotional balance and stability, and we put that high on the list to ensure everyone is home with their families every night.”

SMART, SUSTAINABLE WORK

When DeRollo Pipeline began in 2018, they almost immediately picked up a heavy workload. They would focus on public works projects as a non-union company paying the prevailing wage rate. “We have been fortunate to remain busy and competitive since our inception in 2018 as we work almost exclusively on public works site utility projects for the City of San Diego, the City of Oceanside, Camp Pendleton, the VA Hospital, and other government entities,” says Rolon. “Our site utility work includes all wet utilities, including new service laterals, fire, water, and other utilities from the street into new projects.”

Above: Case CX37C compact excavator, rented from Sonsray Rentals, digging trench on a jobsite.

Right: DeRollo Pipeline using their SR270B skid steer loader, rented from Sonsray Rentals, to grind asphalt.

DeRollo Pipeline is currently working on the Oceanside Fire Station 1 Project as a subcontractor to Cox Construction. Their crew is performing all the onsite and offsite utility work, including the storm drain. The project started last fall and is scheduled for completion by the end of this summer. The company is also currently on the Pacific Highlands Ranch Library Project for the City of San Diego, where they are performing onsite and offsite utilities, including water, sewer, fire, and storm drain. “We try to take on one job at a time and bounce to other projects as phasings require. That has worked out well so far, but occasionally we have to split our crews to satisfy all our client’s ongoing needs,” continues Rolon. “We hope and plan to double our capacity within the next year while remaining mindful of growing in a manageable and sustainable fashion.”

A PARTNER LIKE SONSRAY RENTALS MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Rolon says that he and Carmen had planned from the beginning to rely on renting over owning equipment. “Renting just makes more economic sense right now and is much less stressful on our cash flow. Owning equipment is much more than just a monthly payment. You have to think about transportation and the trucks and trailers involved. Then there is maintenance and even hiring a part-time mechanic or paying for service as the dealership,” explains Rolon. “We need to focus on production, growth, and an overall laser focus on our client and the work that needs to get done. It is a slippery slope where you can become an equipment mover, a mechanic, and a storage yard when all you really need to concentrate on is the job at hand.”

DeRollo Pipeline started out in 2018, trying out a few local rental companies to see if there was a good fit and if they made a good partner. “We primarily rent compact equipment like mini excavators, skid steer loaders, and backhoes. Our wheelhouse is almost always equipment below 20,000 pounds, with half of that being 10,000 pounds and below,” says Rolon. “Richard Vasquez from Sonsray Rentals reached out to us on social media. He commented on one of our Instagram posts, ‘We have competitive pricing, and we are aggressively developing rental customers in the San Diego area. Please consider giving us an opportunity.’ We gave Sonsray Rentals a chance and are so glad Richard reached out to us. 95 percent of everything we rent is now from Sonsray Rentals. Richard Vasquez

Above and Right: Case 580 Super N backhoe, from Sonsray Rentals, unloading pipe and excavating trench for DeRollo Pipeline.

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is our representative, and he is a very important partner within our organization. I feel indebted to Richard because he always keeps us up and running.”

When DeRollo Pipeline works on a project with lots of space to move around, they rent Case 580 Super N backhoes from Sonsray Rentals. The Case CX37 mini excavator is also a staple on DeRollo Pipeline projects, and when things get tight on a job, DeRollo rents a Case CX 17 compact excavator. “Sonsray Rentals has everything we need to include both track and rubber-tire skid steer loaders. I have used a lot of other brands over the years, but Case is what we put our trust in. Case has all the power and comfort we need. They are never underpowered and are extremely reliable machines,” continues Rolon. “At the end of the day, it is really about the attention and service you get from your equipment partner, and Sonsray has never let us down.”

Rolon points out that the time may soon be approaching for him and Carmen to start thinking about purchasing that first machine. “We are just starting to get to the point where Sonsray will help with an equipment analysis to determine what we have spent on rentals and when it might make sense to purchase certain compact machines,” says Rolon. “It comes down to hours of use to date and calculating maintenance, repair, and transportation costs. When the price to rent exceeds the price of full ownership, that is when we will pull the trigger. Just speculating, but I think that first machine would probably be a Case CX37 compact excavator.”

A FIVE-YEAR PLAN

Jose and Carmen have a five-year plan where they expect and are planning for more growth. “Currently, 100 percent of our work is for Class B general contractors. We have to qualify to start bidding as a general

contractor for public agencies. We have an A license and the work we are doing for the City of San Diego is counting toward our experience requirements required to bid directly. This is a big deal for our young company, and we are aggressively pursuing this next level of achievement and growth,” concludes Rolon. “This is a true family business, and beyond my wife, Carmen, and me, we also have our daughter, Jordana, who is helping Carmen out with the accounting and administrative work while she is attending college. We also have a 24-year-old son, Mark, who is working in healthcare. It is all about family. Both our family and every one of our team members’ families. Everyone needs to be healthy and happy to do their best work; that is what we are all about at DeRollo Pipeline.” For more information on DeRollo Pipeline, please visit www.derollopipeline.com or call their Carlsbad headquarters at (760) 623-8725. Cc

Above: DeRollo Pipeline using a Case CX17C compact excavator from Sonsray to excavate in tight spaces.

Right: Rented Case CX37C from Sonsray Rentals using a compaction wheel on completed trenching project.

Excel Concrete Services - Building Upon a Strong Foundation with the Power of LiuGong Machinery

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Starting a civil general engineering construction business is not something that is done overnight. There is almost always a backstory that reflects many years of working diligently for other companies while learning the intricacies of the business before anyone even thinks about going out on their own. It was no different for Noel Torres, who went to work for a concrete demolition company out of Anaheim during summers and after graduating from high school. For Torres, it was just a job and a paycheck as he began working as a dispatcher in 1996. Eventually, Torres’ hard work began to get noticed, and he was asked to work closer with the VP of operations to learn more about the daily crew activities and how he could help expedite the process.

Along with the new responsibilities came a new appreciation for working in the demolition construction business. “I really started to enjoy my work as I began my new position as a liaison for the superintendents and crews out in the field. We were doing everything from abatement

and remediation to full demolition on projects that included hospitals, schools, and utilities like Southern California Edison,” says Torres. “I worked for this company until a new operations manager was hired, and he made some changes that included letting me go. However, I wasn’t gone long, as the new manager was himself replaced, and I was asked back and gladly returned.”

NOEL AND ERIC TORRES GO INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER

Torres explains that not long after returning to work for the demolition company in Anaheim,

he began the thought process of starting his own construction company. “I did not want ever again to be put into a position where someone had control over my destiny and whether or not I was gainfully employed. So, I set up a meeting with my brother, Eric, who was also working for the same demolition company in Anaheim,” explains Torres. “After careful consideration, we decided to leave our steady job in 2005 and take the risk of starting our own concrete and masonry company. We stayed busy performing residential interlocking paver and masonry work that included walls

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor / Photos by Kerry Hoover, CMS, LLC

Left: Noel Torres, Owner, Excel Concrete Services pictured in front of his new LiuGong 385B skid steer loader purchased from Warrior Machinery.

and veneers. Eventually, we added poured-in-place walls, pool decks, and copings, and concrete flatwork. Eric and I worked well as partners for several years until business began to slow to the point where we knew the time was coming for yet another change in our career paths.”

EXCEL CONCRETE SERVICES

The Great Recession of 2008 was hard on almost every contractor and lasted longer than many expected. During this period, Torres began taking on side demolition projects with his excavator, skid steer, and attachments. “Work was very slow at the time, and there was just not enough to support both of our families,” says Torres. “We made the difficult decision to go our separate ways in 2017, and that is when I started Excel Concrete Services.”

Torres decided that his new company, Excel Concrete Services, would go in a different direction, focusing more on commercial and industrial concrete projects for developers, home builders, and private entities. “I decided to up my game to include more structural concrete, curb and gutter, concrete cutting, and ADA upgrades. However, I was also continuing to

offer interlocking pavers, masonry, and demolition work, with the addition of grading, excavation, and compaction services,” says Torres. “The work I was taking on was different in that I was now bidding on jobs that were based on plans and job invitations. I acquired my C-8 concrete contractor’s license and contacted companies, asking to be put on their invitation-to-bid list. These are commercial, structural concrete projects where you may only land one out of 100 projects that you bid on. I had entered an extremely competitive market, but I quickly found that once you get a job and deliver an exceptional finished product on time, you often become a preferred bidder, and life gets a bit easier.”

One job led to another, and today, Excel Concrete Services crews can be found working on shopping center projects, new car

dealerships, distribution centers, schools, housing projects, and industrial complexes throughout Southern California. “I have a long list of high-quality, loyal clients that keep me busy. I am also very loyal to them and will go wherever they need me,” says Torres. “We have concrete crews and masonry crews and a great office staff that keeps everything running smoothly. This includes my wife, Barbara, who manages all the administration and accounting work. I don’t know what I would do without her and the rest of our exceptional team members.”

LIUGONG AND WARRIOR MACHINERY - THE EQUIPMENT MAKES IT POSSIBLE

Excel Concrete Services relies on a well-rounded fleet of machines to keep their jobs moving forward and on schedule. The primary machines in the fleet consist of

Above: Excel Concrete Services utilizing their LiuGong 9035E compact excavator on the jobsite.

Right: Pouring the foundation for a new Raising Cane’s location in Whittier.

mini-excavators and skid steer loaders, but they also have rollers, attachments, dump trucks, and bobtail trailers. “Every job we take on requires the use of a miniexcavator and a skid steer loader. We were recently in the market for another mini-excavator and skid steer, but with inflation, the prices have skyrocketed, and I was looking for relief. I decided to do my homework and look at all the brands in the marketplace,” says Torres. “After reviewing several options, a grading contractor friend of mine referred me to Warrior Machinery, which sells LiuGong equipment. He had just purchased a new mini-excavator and was very impressed with both the machine and the dealership. So, I called Warrior Machinery and made an appointment to go in and meet with my sales representative, John Biltz, at their Rialto facility.”

According to Torres, the LiuGong machines had great reviews, but he wanted to try one firsthand to see if it would fit his needs. “I was looking specifically at the LiuGong 9035E (zero-tail swing, 8,510 lb.)

compact excavator. I realized immediately that it was powered by a Yanmar (24.4 hp) Tier 4 Final diesel engine that offers quick and powerful performance. I also noticed that the machine came standard with a thumb on the bucket. It was just a very sturdy, versatile, and comfortable machine, so I decided to buy it right there at Warrior Machinery,” says Torres. “I have run every brand imaginable in my almost 30 years of experience, and LiuGong stands head-to-head with anything out there. Beyond the amazing features and performance, we also saved around 25% on the LiuGong 9035E compact excavator when compared to other industry-standard machines. We are so pleased with our new LiuGong compact excavator that we decided to recently purchase a brand new LiuGong 385B skid steer loader (Tier 4 Final Yanmar 72 hp diesel engine), and we saved closer to 30% on this purchase in comparison to other leading makes and models. LiuGong just makes more sense for our company’s overall equipment needs.”

Torres points out that it was not just the machines that sold him on going with LiuGong. “We purchased two LiuGong machines within four months, and the attention we received from John Biltz and everyone at Warrior Machinery was just exceptional. I was also happy and surprised to see that both of my LiuGong units came with a 3-year/4,000-hour full machine warranty,” continues Torres. “I noticed a Warrior Machinery truck driving in my neighborhood but was unsure what the company sold. I later discovered that John was my neighbor who lived the next street over, and we have developed a great relationship. He delivered both machines right to my door and has been there for our company every step of the way. We hope to add another 15,000 to 18,000-pound excavator to our fleet soon, and I know Warrior Machinery will be there for me when that time comes.”

For more information on Excel Concrete Services, please visit www.excelconcreteservices.com or call their Riverside headquarters at (951) 840-6030.” Cc

Above: Noel Torres, Owner, Excel Concrete Services with team.

Right: Noel Torres, Owner, Excel Concrete Services and John Biltz, Warrior Machinery.

Performance Features: System

• Oscillating Bogie Style, B1 Smooth Poly Pad Track System

• Low Profile-SCR & Exhaust for Enhanced Visibility

• Actuator Driven Hood Lift to Aid in Maintenance

• 125 HP (93 kw) Kubota Tier 4 Final Diesel Engine

• Electric Screed Heat, 14.4 KW Belt-Driven Generator

• Dual Electronic Steering

• Toggle Switch Functional Controls

• Automatic RPM Control System

• Large Access Service Doors

• Operator’s Choice of High or Low Deck Configuration