CalContractor - 2022 Heavy Equipment Operator

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COASTLINE

4252 Saco Road

Long Beach, CA (Headquarters)

6188 N. Paramount Blvd.

Long Beach, CA 90805

Phone (562) 272-7400

Fax (562) 272-7414

Phone (661) 399-3600

Fax (661) 399-8782

Jerome, ID

26 East 300 South Jerome, ID 83338

Phone (208) 324-2900

Fax (208) 324-3212

Oxnard, CA

1930 East Lockwood Stree t Oxnard, CA 93036

Phone (805) 485-2106

Fax (805) 485-7963

McCall, ID

13886 Highway 55 McCall, ID 83638

Phone (208) 634-3903

Fax (208) 634-3108

Santa Ana, CA 3216 Westminster Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92703

Phone (714) 265-5500

Fax (714) 265-5505

Meridian, ID 2000 East Overland Road Meridian, ID 83642

Phone (208) 888-3337

Fax (208) 888-3088

Santa Maria, CA 1950 Roemer Place Santa Maria, CA 93454

Phone (805) 922-8329

Fax (805) 922-4582

Elko, NV

645 Romeo Way Elko, NV 89801

Phone (775) 777-7070

Fax (775) 777-8070

Sylmar, CA 12435 Foothill Blvd. Sylmar, CA 91342

Phone (818) 890-3353

Fax (818) 890-5013

Las Vegas, NV 3540 North 5th Stree t N. Las Vegas, NV 89032

Phone (702) 399-2700

Fax (702) 399-2772

Bakersfield 9150 Golden State Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661.387.6090

Corona 22099 Knabe Rd. Corona, CA 92883 951.277.7620

Fresno 4501 E. Volvo Ave. Fresno, CA 93725 559.834.4420

Lakeside 12345 Mapleview St. Lakeside, CA 92040 619.441.3690

Redding 4963 Mountain Lakes Blvd. Redding, CA 96003 279.201.4869

Sacramento 8594 Fruitridge Rd. Sacramento, CA 95826 916.504.2300

San Leandro

1944 Marina Blvd. San Leandro, CA 94577 510.357.9131

Turlock 1275 Venture Ln. Turlock, CA 95380 209.410.6710

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Silverio Palacios of Savala Equipment Rentals Celebrates 48 Years In the Construction Industry and 37 Years In The Seat

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor / Photos provided by Savala Equipment Rentals

Silverio Palacios (Palacios) has had a good long run as a heavy equipment operator and now plans to hang up his hard hat at the end of this year. "I have worked in the general engineering construction industry for 48 years and operated heavy equipment for 37 years. I think it is time to retire and spend some time with my wife, Kim," says Palacios. "I have so many great memories in this rewarding field of work, and I am truly thankful for everything Savala Equipment Rentals has done for me these past 25 years."

Palacios's father was the owner of a construction business that specialized in building manholes. As a kid, Palacios would go to work with his father during the weekends and on summer break. "One of my earliest projects with my father was on the job in Palos Verdes where the contractor was digging trench with a cable shovel," says Palacios. "It is amazing how much things have changed with today's hydraulic machines equipped with cabs, air conditioning, GPS, pilot controls and other incredible technology. Before, we had to endure scorching heat and sometimes nearly freezing temperatures with the older-style machines. That has changed for the better, and production has also increased dramatically over the years."

After high school and at 18, Palacios went to work for his father, pouring concrete and constructing sewer manholes. Although he was a laborer, he also occasionally jumped on a machine. He decided

Top Right: Silverio Palacios, Savala Equipment Rentals operator for over 25 years.

Above: Palacios operates a Cat 450E backhoe at the Port of Los Angeles in 2010.

to join the International Union of Operating Engineers and became a member at just 20 years old. "Working for my father provided me with a great opportunity to see all the different sizes and types of equipment and the things they could accomplish. However, I felt like my income and options were limited in the family business, so I went to work as a laborer for John T. Malloy in 1980. By 1984, I was moved up to operating a backhoe, trenching for sewer lines, storm drains and water lines on public works projects."

Palacios spent 14 years with John T. Malloy while working for another contractor in between for a short time. Then, he moved on to work for a couple of other construction firms as his skills continued to demand better opportunities. "The last company I worked for in 1995 was closing their doors and a colleague referred

me to Savala Equipment Rentals," says Palacios. "I thought I was temporarily joining Savala while looking for another job with a large construction company. However, I found a home with Savala, and now 25 years later, I am still here and have enjoyed every moment."

Palacios started working for Savala as a backhoe operator and eventually added excavators, wheel loaders and some dozer work for Savala's customers. According to Palacios, throughout his 25 years with Savala, he has worked most of his time for Griffith Company. Tom Handwerk serves Griffith Company as the General Superintendent for the Underground Division, and he holds Palacios in high regard. "Sil has worked for Griffith Company for more than 20 years. I always request him on my jobs if he's available, and most of the time, it will be a long-term project. Sil is always on time and willing to work extra hours and

even on weekends to get the job done," says Handwerk. "The most important rule on any project is safety, and Sil has always kept that as his number one priority. He is willing to assist in any way needed to complete projects safely, so everyone goes home to their family at night. He always has a great attitude and is a team player. He takes direction well and keeps the operations running smoothly. It has been a pleasure to work with Sil all these years!"

Palacios points out that Savala Equipment Rentals maintains various makes and models of heavy construction equipment and he likes operating them all. "I have always enjoyed mixing it up and spending my time on a variety of machines. My bread and butter, however, has been on a backhoe, trenching for dry utilities and installing sewer, water and storm drain," says Palacios. "Some of

Above: Palacios uses a CAT 450 backhoe at the United Hanger at LAX for Griffith Co.

Left: Palacios ran both Volvo ECR305CL machines at LAX on the Thomas Bradley International Terminal Project in 2013.

the most challenging jobs over the years have included steep slope work, digging deep trenches, and setting trench boxes and shields. Not just physically performing these tasks but doing it all safely and without incident. That is what really matters."

Regarding challenging projects and coming up with solutions, Palacios has long been the operator that people go to for answers. Sean Savala is the President of Savala Equipment Rentals and has long relied on Palacios for solutions on the most demanding projects. "Silverio has worked for Savala Equipment Rentals for over 25 years and has been very instrumental in our growth in the equipment rental industry," says Savala. "Silverio is a master of his trade. He operates several machines, possesses the utmost professionalism, and is always available to review and discuss complicated jobs."

Overcoming obstacles or challenges on a jobsite has never been a burden to Palacios. "I enjoy

working with other people and figuring out solutions to complicated equipment scenarios," says Palacios. "Time and experience teach you so many things. So much has changed since I started 48 years ago. We would set grade by hand by manually measuring down the slope to figure out the angles. Now we have GPS and incredible software and technology that does it all at the touch of a button. I think this has made things better and safer."

According to Palacios, all of your combined experiences make you a better heavy equipment operator at the end of the day. "I started as a laborer laying pipe, setting jacks and hand digging utilities. I did this for the first 10 years, and I think that experience made me a better heavy equipment operator," continues Palacios. "Being on the ground showed me what to look for and anticipate once I got into the seat. I have seen frustration in the field when a contractor tries to explain something to an uninformed

operator. Issues like digging around utilities. There is a lot you learn about as a laborer that you carry on with you as an operator. That is my bit of advice to the new generation. Do it right and take it one step at a time."

Palacios is currently on a job for Atkinson Construction in Highland, where he is demoing concrete with a backhoe and breaker. "I am down to the last few jobs in my long and rewarding career. I want to thank everyone who has been so nice and supportive over so many years," concludes Palacios. "I especially want to thank everyone at Savala. I have been so fortunate to work for a company that treats all of its employees like family. It has been a good run, and it is almost time to start the next chapter in my life. I will always cherish my time and experiences as a heavy equipment operator." Cc

Above: Palacios utilizes a Komatsu PC360CL on a water pipeline project in Perris earlier this year.

Steve Newman Achieves Life-Long Dream of Operating Heavy Equipment and Continues

Family Legacy of Excellence and Exceptional Customer Service Through Newman Equipment Rental, Inc.

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor / Photos provided by Newman Equipment Rental

If you ask Steve Newman (Newman) about his career choice, he will tell you that he has always been all about heavy construction equipment and the desire to get into that seat and behind those controls. "My earliest memories are being at the yard with my dad, grandpa and uncle and in my heart, I always knew I would be a heavy equipment operator. I wanted to be a backhoe operator like my dad, grandpa and uncle," says Newman. I started working in my uncle's yard when I was 12 and in the seventh grade. If I wasn't playing football or baseball, I was there during the weekends, summers or spring break."

Newman had worked as a laborer on jobsites from the age of 14 but was supposed to attend college after graduating high school in 2002. "I got a girlfriend and when September rolled around, and I was still working at the shop, my uncle asked me what I was still doing there. I told him I was postponing college for a bit and taking a year off. The economy

was slow then, and things were not great in the equipment rental business. My uncle looked me in the eye and told me I had to go. He said, do something else. You don't want to be here," says Newman. "So, I moved out on my own, started attending college, and got a job at Sportsmart as a ski and snowboard technician."

Newman lasted around a year in school before deciding that college would not be a part of his plan. "I was helping out a customer at Sportsmart when I was

Above: Steve Newman standing proudly in front of one of his Cat 430F2s.

approached by a gentleman who said he thought I seemed to be a very conscientious hard worker. He immediately asked if I would be interested in becoming an electrician. I said, 'you know what? My plan is not to work here; I really want to be in construction someday. So yeah, I'll do it'," Newman explains. Newman confesses that he didn't even know what a wire nut was at the time, but he began working right after the holidays. "The man gave me $100 for a pair of work boots and tools and sent me out to the field. I picked it up quickly, but after six months, they informed me it was time to get certified. That is when I knew I did not want to be an electrician and that my heart was still set on being a backhoe operator."

Herbert Newman, Steve Newman's grandfather, lived on the river in Needles. After leaving the electrician job, Newman visited his grandfather to ask for some advice. "My grandpa had this Case 580K backhoe, and he knew how much I wanted to be an operator. So we fired up the old backhoe, and he told me to start digging a trench. I had run backhoes and other equipment in the past, but

only to load, unload or move them around. So this was my first time putting the bucket in the dirt, and I immediately started digging a bottomless hole," says Newman. "My grandpa yelled, 'whoa, whoa, whoa!' He wondered why every time he taught someone to run a backhoe, they immediately started digging the deepest hole they could. He patiently explained that I needed to practice digging down a foot or two and then carry grade. I did pretty good for the next few hours until the backhoe broke down."

Young Newman spent the next few weeks with his grandfather before returning to his uncle's rental equipment business to hopefully go to work. His grandfather had been a rental operator since the 1950s, and Newman highly respected him as a person and operator. "My grandpa had run a backhoe since the 1950s, so I asked him what the most important thing was about being a great heavy rental equipment operator. I asked him if I had to go fast or do a perfect job,"says Newman. "I remember his answer was, 'son, you have to learn to do both!' That stuck with me from that day forward as I knew what I had to

do to keep customers happy and coming back for more."

After leaving his grandfather's house, Newman's uncle put him to work operating a backhoe on a non-union project. From there, Newman joined the Local 12 International Union of Operating Engineers and journeyed out to become a union heavy equipment operator in 2005 at 21. Now it was time for Newman to dig deep and start paying his dues, learning as much as he could from the other veteran, experienced operators.

Newman continued to operate a backhoe for the family rental equipment business for the next 12 years before deciding to go on his own in 2017. He had several discussions with his wife, Nancy and brother, Nicholas, before all three decided to go into business together and start Newman Equipment Rental, Inc. Nancy Newman serves as the company president, while Steve and Nicholas are both vice presidents in the corporation.

The three partners, Nancy, Nicholas and Steve, purchased a Cat 259D2 compact track loader and a Cat 430F2 backhoe to launch their new business. They immediately

Above Left: A young Steven ready to take his grandfather's skip loader out for a spin.

Above Right: Newman's boys (Landon, Logan, and Layton) in 2017 with the company's first Cat 259D2 skid steer.

took on a one-year project where they performed pipeline trenching and waterline and sewer excavation.

The next big job that sustained their fledgling company was a grading job at LAX. From there, Newman Equipment Rental moved to SOFI Stadium, where they performed most of the subgrade and base grade for all the sidewalks adjacent to the new stadium. The Newman brothers had spent years working hard, and they developed a reputation for being exceptional operators. "We had a long list of customers, but I had mostly only operated a backhoe in the past. I did get some great training on skip loaders from Rick Martindill, but I knew I would need to perfect my skills on all the other equipment," says Newman. "We are now proficient at operating all machines, including our two Cat track loaders, a John Deere 50G compact excavator, two Cat 430F2 backhoes, and an ASV RT30 compact track loader. We also provide large excavator and skip loader services upon request."

Headquartered in Fullerton and after more than five years in business, Newman Equipment Rental, Inc. serves all of Southern California from Oxnard to San Diego, into the Inland Empire and over to Victorville. "We now have four full-time operators, and I know how hard each one works daily. Finding good, reliable operators

is challenging as most have a job because business is good right now. We always look for that special person, but we do not pirate them from other companies," says Newman. "We hope that they will hear about how we treat our operators like family and see what great work we do every day for our customers. That is how we have grown thus far, and if they are a hard worker and want to come work for us, our door is always open."

Newman points out that every day is different, and it never gets boring in his line of work. "Take tomorrow for instance. We will be out on a demo and grading job for a streetcar project in Santa Ana. Additionally, we will have a compact track loader working in Victorville doing sidewalk grade and another in Hermosa Beach, backfilling footings at the bottom of a 45-foot deep shoring pit. Then, we will also have a backhoe and operator out working for All American Asphalt," says Newman. "That is just tomorrow, and then it all can change the next day. Pretty common for our operators to be grading sidewalks one day and potholing a high-pressure gas line the next. That is the fun of this business."

Becoming a heavy equipment operator is not for everyone. Still, Newman clarifies that if an individual is willing to be persistent and put in the time, the sky is the limit.

"The younger generation is used to immediate gratification and things moving fast. They see that new shiny truck that a 20-year veteran operator has and think they can have that right away," says Newman. "To be an operator, you must be willing to start from the bottom and on the ground as a laborer. You have to know that your career will not take off overnight. Put in your time. Be patient and know your end goal. We make a great living and it is gratifying, but it does take time."

Steve Newman and his wife, Nancy, are equal partners with Nicholas Newman and they all work well together to continue the success and growth of Newman Equipment Rental, Inc. Steve and Nancy have been married for 16 years, and they have three boys, 10, 12 and 15 years of age. Who knows what the future holds, but perhaps one day, one or all of his boys will continue the family legacy. One thing is for sure; Steve Newman will continue to work as hard as he can to grow his company and be the best heavy equipment operator possible. That is just the way his grandfather would want it to be. For more information on Newman Equipment Rental, please visit their facebook and instagram pages at @newmanequipment. Cc

Left: Newman utilizing his Cat 430F2 backhoe with auger attachment as he drills ballard holes at a rail yard facility.

Accurate, Productive, Smooth Operation Skills

Make Josh Congdon One of Graniterock’s Most Trusted Heavy Equipment Operators

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor / Photos provided by Graniterock

Every story is different, and the reason why individuals become a heavy equipment operator varies. However, there always seems to be that common denominator that many share.

Growing up with a parent or family member in the construction business is the most common factor. Another primary reason seems to be some sort of exposure to heavy machinery at a young age. For Josh Congdon, it was the latter.

Josh Congdon (Congdon) works as a heavy equipment operator for Graniterock and first became interested in heavy equipment as a boy growing up in a park ranger residence. “My dad was a park ranger, and I grew up in a ranger residence on open space land. One of our family friends was a general engineering contractor, and one of his ongoing jobs was maintaining some of the dirt and gravel roadways within the park,” explains Congdon. “I enjoyed watching the motor grader go up and down our road, and with permission from my mother, our friend would take me on a ride-along from time to time. I remember being interested in the controls and the position of the machine on the roadway. I was around 8 to 10 years old, but it

Above: Congdon went from high school to working in construction as a laborer and running equipment. He joined Operating Engineers Local 3 in 2003 and has been a trusted Graniterock operator since 2015.

impacted me so much that I went to work for our family friend after graduating high school. I was doing labor work and ran equipment on some of the odds and ends type projects, and it all served as another steppingstone to eventually become a full-time operator.”

Congdon decided to take his interest in construction and heavy equipment to the next level. He was talking to a friend who knew of a company that was having difficulty finding dedicated, hardworking individuals to run equipment. “In 2003, I met with Stevens Creek Quarry’s construction division, and they asked me to join them for a few weeks to see if I was a good fit. I really liked the company, so I joined the Operating Engineers Local 3 and started my heavy equipment operator career in earnest,” says Congdon. “I admit I was a bit intimidated by the big scrapers and the yardage of dirt being moved. It seemed that the older, seasoned veterans were not interested in helping the young bucks, but I did what I was told and learned through experience. It took a few years before I became more proficient and started enjoying my work. The company made some changes within its

Josh and I have been working together for six years. We’ve built runways, highways, football fields, and currently a levee. With each project we build together I’m more and more convinced that there’s no one else out there as good as Josh Congdon. He’s the Rainman of tractors and moving dirt. His knowledge is invaluable and the passion for his craft is contagious. He makes others strive to be better. Having someone like Josh to bounce ideas off of is crucial to the planning of each job. On a personal note, Josh and I have really developed a friendship over these last few years. I know I can rely on him personally and professionally. Work is a lot better when you get to do it with your friend.”

- Jeremy Dennis / Superintendent - Graniterock

construction division in 2010, and I was moved to operating equipment at the quarry. I loved working for Stevens Creek but started getting bored, so I began looking for that next opportunity.”

In an effort to feed that need to get back in the dirt and be a part of building something, Congdon cold called Graniterock in 2015. “Graniterock gave me an opportunity to prove myself, and that is all that I needed. I remember my first big job was at Apple Park in Cupertino, where they were building what they called the “spaceship” campus due to its circular design. I was running

an excavator and digging footings and basements at the massive campus where we all worked many hours, on very tight schedules and tolerances,” says Congdon. According to Congdon, it was here that Graniterock saw his potential and that he was capable of putting out a great deal of production and had a good attitude. “They saw that I was pretty good on an excavator, so they started providing me with more opportunities.”

Congdon was ready for the challenging projects as he continued to hone his skills toward being more detail oriented and always giving his all on a project.

Right: Congdon expects to be working at the massive dirt-moving operation with the GraniterockDeSilva Gates joint venture at Alviso Levee into 2025.

One of those more challenging projects included working on the Highway 129 project. “We were charged with moving 200,000 yards of dirt on the Highway 129 realignment project. This job helped me to further establish my abilities and early reputation. Again, they saw that I could get it done, so I kept progressing to where I am proud to be one of Graniterock’s most trusted operators. That means a lot to me, and I enjoy working on these challenging excavation projects that require a bit more finesse and experience.”

According to Congdon, being a heavy equipment operator requires a lifelong commitment, and your day is always full of challenges. “In this business, you are up very early, and sometimes you must work late. The commutes can be grueling, but you get used to the hours and the drive times,” says Congdon. “It is all worth it when you get into that cab each day doing what you love and do best. When you are in the zone, operating a piece of heavy machinery is almost as if it is an extension of your body. You build a rhythm, and the day goes by quickly. In addition, commuting to different jobsites is made easier because it allows you to see a variety of wonderful communities and meet many good, interesting people.”

Congdon acknowledges that there are many choices of where a heavy equipment operator can work. The owner-operator has a backhoe, truck, and trailer and prefers to specialize and call his own shots. Then, there is the operator who likes to work for a small firm, while another enjoys the rental company approach. “I like working at Graniterock because I enjoy operating various machines and working on many different projects. The opportunities are endless as long as you are being productive and giving your best,” says Congdon. “Things never get boring, and every day can be a different experience on a different machine. I have even seen operators at Graniterock move into project management and estimating. It is all about setting and reaching new goals and remaining challenged and satisfied. I want to start taking on other jobs I don’t normally do, like demolition and other specialties that can broaden my horizon and abilities.”

Because Congdon has been given so many opportunities from companies like Graniterock, he always does what he can to help out that operator just starting their new career. “I know from experience that it takes some time to feel comfortable. You can learn something from anybody if you are willing to listen and learn. So, I make

myself available and offer advice. I am an open book, and they know they can talk to me, and it feels good to be respected enough to be asked questions out here in the field,” says Congdon. “I just ask that they stay focused and soak up all the information and advice they can each day. Try it out, even if you don’t agree at first. Because the fun starts when you become more proficient, which furthers your career opportunities.”

Golden Gate Constructors is a joint venture between Graniterock and DeSilva Gates, which is currently working on a levee project in the San Francisco Bay area for the Army Corps of Engineers. Congdon has been working on that project for the past five months and will be on the job through most of 2025. “I generally run a Cat 336 excavator and a Cat 330 long reach excavator to excavate and load out mud and dirt for export. It’s a big job, and I will be out here for several more years, concludes Congdon. “Operating heavy equipment is an excellent career choice, and although there might be a shortage of operators right now, there does not seem to be any shortage of work. So I advise anyone interested to try it and see where it might lead.” Cc

Right: Congdon is excavating a trench for utilities on a compact excavator at California State University Monterey Bay.

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Veteran Heavy Equipment OperatorRichard Morgan - Keeps the Scrapers Moving for Sukut Construction

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor

As a child, many of us grew up playing with a toy excavator, wheel loader, or maybe a Tonka dump truck. For some, that experience took the next step and ended up being an inspiration for a lifetime career in construction. Richard Morgan (Morgan) is a heavy equipment operator working for Sukut Construction. He grew up with his best friend, who lived next door. His friend’s father worked as an equipment operator for Nelson & Belding, and the two boys were given the opportunity to see heavy construction equipment operated up close and personal. Both kids decided early on that they also wanted to operate heavy equipment, and followed that dream after graduating high

Above: Heavy equipment operator, Richard Morgan, recently celebrated his 20th year with Sukut Construction.

school in 1987. After joining the International Union of Operating Engineers, Morgan and his lifelong friend joined Nelson & Belding, initially working in the

apprenticeship program where they were trained in everything from safety to grade checking and, of course, operating heavy construction equipment.

Photos provided by Sukut Construction and CMS

“I remember the first project I worked on as an operator. It was a massive 1,500-pad housing project at La Paz Road and Moulton Parkway in Laguna Hills. I spent the entire first year on the ground as a laborer, where I did everything from placing sandbags, putting pipe in the ground, or moving water tanks around. After a year, there was a new job opening in the Union

apprenticeship program, so I began working as an operator and was given an opportunity to run a Cat 651 scraper. That was a big day for me,” says Morgan. “I was an apprentice and had to earn my stripes with the other operators. It was a bit of an initiation, and they did not make it easy on me. I ran into a bank and even smashed a bumper. I was on the 651 for around four hours before the boss

put me back on the ground. It took a week or two to figure it all out and get more comfortable.”

Morgan went on to operate other machines like a Cat 824 compactor and then on to a push Cat, eventually working his way up to running a dozer. He continued to work for Nelson & Belding until the owner decided to retire and sell all of the assets.

“Quite a few of us went on to

Above: Morgan runs the Cat D5T at the RMV PA-3.2B, 3.3, 3.4 Rough Grading and Storm Drain Improvements Project for RMV Realty in Rancho Mission Viejo.

Below: Morgan running a Cat D9T dozer at the Trampas Canyon Dam and Reservoir project

Above: Morgan operating a push Cat behind a scraper on one of Sukut’s grading projects in 2006.

Above: Morgan operating a brand new Cat D9T on theTrampas Canyon Dam and Reservoir project in San JuanCapistrano in 2018. The dozer was dedicated to Morganby Sukut Construction after 16 years of service with thecompany.

work for Sukut Construction after Nelson & Belding decided to cease operations,” says Morgan. “This past August marked 20 years working for Sukut Construction. I was on a Cat 834 compactor the first few months at Sukut before moving to a dozer where I have been ever since.” Today, Morgan primarily operates dozers from a Cat D8 to a D10. “I’m currently running a Cat D5 dozer for finish grade work on a rough grading and storm drain improvement project in Rancho Mission Viejo.”

Working with the spread and keeping the scrapers moving is what Morgan does best. “My job is to keep scrapers moving in the cut, and I take great pride in my work. I am on a big job now where I am primarily working on a spread with the scrapers. When the mass grading is complete, I jump on a smaller dozer for finish grade work, cutting a back slope or benching a fill,” says Morgan. “Sukut keeps me very busy, and they are a great company that puts safety at the forefront. If you come out here

thinking that you have it all figured out, that is a recipe for a very bad day or even an accident. You have to keep your head on a swivel and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Sukut presses that point with consistent safety meetings that keep your mind always thinking safety first.”

Morgan enjoys being outside, working in the dirt every day. “Just like when I was a kid, I remain engaged and fascinated by this heavy construction equipment. My day starts early at 4:30 a.m. when I get up to shower and get ready for work,” says Morgan. “We usually start moving dirt by 6:30 a.m. and consistently work 10-hour days.”

Morgan makes it clear that his line of work is very rewarding, but it also requires tremendous passion and dedication. “Operating heavy equipment is an excellent career choice. My advice to young people considering a career as a construction equipment operator would be never to assume you know anything. Instead, ask questions and listen to those older,

experienced veterans who have been at it for many years. Then, go along with the program as we all did, and you will be fine.”

Josh Reed serves as the grading foreman for Sukut Construction, and he is Morgan’s direct supervisor. “Morgan is an outstanding dozer operator, along with many other operators that work here at Sukut. Whether running a big dozer working with scrapers or running a smaller dozer doing finish, he’s an all-around good dozer operator keeping the production up.”

Morgan has been operating heavy construction equipment for 33 years. He has paid his dues and now finds time for domestic and international travel with his wife, Deana. “I love playing golf and would like to maybe find a postretirement job on a golf course someday. Deana and I also try to get to Hawaii each year and travel to different countries,” concludes Morgan. “It has been a good run, and I still have a lot of work ahead of me.” Cc

Above: Morgan running a Cat D10N on a roadconstruction project in San Diego in 2008.

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CRANE AND RIGGING

Brewer Crane & Rigging’s Rusty Hukee is the Personification of What Hard Work, Desire and Determination Can Accomplish

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor / Photos provided by Brewer Crane and Rigging

In 2010, Rusty Hukee worked in a local shop in San Diego selling surfboards and snowboards. It was a decent job considering he was only 20 years old. However, his circumstances changed when he discovered that he would soon be a father and would need significantly more resources to care for his new family. “I knew I needed to find a new career path, and I saw that Brewer Crane & Rigging (Brewer Crane) out of Lakeside was hiring a yard person,” says Hukee. “It was a low-level job that did not require previous experience. So they hired me on, and I started doing everything from sweeping the shop to delivering fuel and picking up parts. In my mind, I thought a crane was something that swung wrecking balls into buildings for demolition. I had no idea they were used to lift so many different heavy items, and becoming a crane operator was not even on my radar at that time.”

Hukee was still just 20 years of age when he started working at Brewer Crane in 2011. Around 6-months into the job, Hukee became more familiar with the inner

workings of the crane industry. “I could see that the crane rental industry was something I was interested in, and so I decided to get my Class A commerical driver’s license and took the next step to become an oiler,” says Hukee. According to Hukee, an oiler is essentially a crane operator’s right-hand. “I assisted in transporting cranes and driving a variety of trucks and trailers to haul crane components to and from the job sites,” says Hukee. “I was also responsible for assisting the operator in assembling and disassembling the cranes and performing rigging and signaling duties.”

Hukee was officially an oiler for a little more than a year before deciding that he wanted to move to the next level of becoming a crane operator. “I used the oiler position as an opportunity to gain the experience and skillset required to become an operator. If you do your job to the fullest and take care of that operator, they will, in turn, provide you with on-the-job crane operator training and seat time,” says Hukee. “I developed an

excellent relationship with my operator, Stu Aunger, who had a wealth of experience and was primarily operating a Gove 275-ton mobile crane at the time. Once in the seat, I began to see the big picture and a side of the industry that I had never experienced before and that motivated me.”

Fortunately for Hukee, he obtained study guides, practice test materials, and crane manuals and charts from friends and coworkers who were already certified and licensed. Hukee completely immersed himself in the available study materials before taking the operator’s certification test, which he was able to pass with flying colors. So, in 2013, at just 22 years old, Hukee officially became a certified and licensed crane operator. “I remember my first pick as a certified crane operator. It was

Right: Brewer Crane Operator, Rusty Hukee, in front of a Grove GMK6400, which is the crane he primarily operates.

at a Target store where we were replacing a rooftop air conditioner,” says Hukee. “I was nervous but ended up getting the job done safely and brought the crane back to the yard in one piece.”

Brewer Crane is a taxi crane rental service, so Hukee found himself on a different type of job and lift almost every day. “In the truck crane rental industry, operator schedules are at the mercy of dispatch. We typically get our dispatch schedules by around 4:00 p.m the day prior and find out where we are going the following morning. So our day could start out as a four-hour minimum running a small crane and ascend into a very long 15-hour-day as other jobs present themselves,” says Hukee. “It is a very fluid schedule as we are a 24/7, 365-day crane rental company that works days, nights and weekends.”

Today, Hukee has moved on to primarily operating a Grove GMK6400 450-ton all-terrain crane. His official title is Crane Operator/ Field Supervisor, but for now, he spends much of his time using the 450-ton Grove to erect and

dismantle tower cranes and hoists, another line of business at Brewer Crane. “Developers and large general contractors use tower cranes to build high-rise structures in urban areas. We provide tower cranes, erection and dismantling services, tower crane operation services, along with routine maintenance and inspection,” says Hukee. “I made a move to the Grove GMK6400 around four years ago. It is a massive crane that is transported with the boom over the rear in a dolly. It has a total vehicle length of around 80 feet. We drive these units to and from jobsites, but they are followed by as many as 14 to 15 semi trucks to dress it out fully.”

Brent Garcia is President of Brewer Crane and is proud to have operators like Hukee working for his company. “Hukee's experience here at Brewer Crane exemplifies something that has been lost in so many industries. It’s akin to the realization of the American Dream,” says Garcia. “When he came on board as our yard hand, he had absolutely no knowledge of cranes

Left: When cranes become part of your life, of course you use a crane to propose to your future wife. Rusty and Jalissa, December 2013.

Above: The Grove GMK6400 has 197' of main boom, 259' of luffing jib, a mega-wing attachment, and 297,000 lbs of counterweight. This crane is capable of a wide variety of lifts and applications - shown here flying a cooling tower to the roof of a residential building in downtown San Diego.

or the crane industry. But over the last decade with a lot, and I mean a lot, of hard work, he has ascended from the ‘yard guy’ to operating the largest crane in our fleet.”

When discussing career opportunities at Brewer Crane with new or perspective employees, Brent says he’ll frequently point to Hukee. “You see that guy there? He’s proof that the sky really is the limit,” says Garcia. “It’s only a matter of how much hard work and perseverance you put into it, and maybe a little luck too.”

Regardless of his past successes, Brent says he thinks there’s more growth yet in store for Hukee. “He’s always working on improving himself, and he’s taking on more responsibilities all the time,” says Garcia. “I have a strong sense he’s among the next

generation of leadership here at the Company.”

When Hukee is not running the 450-ton all-terrain crane, he performs his supervisor responsibilities in-office and out in the field. Some of these operations-side duties include participating in hiring and training processes. “I love the teaching aspect of my job here at Brewer Crane. It helps me give back while enabling me to continue to expand upon my own growth and potential in the industry,” says Hukee. “I feel I owe it to the next generation to pass along my knowledge and experience. I want to be a part of providing the same type of opportunities and training that Brewer Crane offered me over a decade ago. Brewer Crane has greatly supported me in my career path over the years without any speed bumps along the way. I was

able to move up quickly due to the tools and opportunities made available to me. All they asked was that I put forth the effort, learn and grow from those opportunities. I am extremely grateful for everything Brewer Crane has done for me and my family.”

Hukee clarifies that being a crane operator is not without its challenges. “This is more of a mental profession than a physical labor job. There is a great deal of critical thinking and how you approach each challenge will ultimately decide how safely and efficiently you complete a project,” continues Hukee. “The crane world is one of the more dangerous professions, full of calculated risks that must be adequately mitigated. At Brewer Crane, we do everything we can to eliminate that risk by capitalizing on as much training as possible

and maintaining all communication lines. There is always that balance between efficiency and safety, and safety always comes first.”

Rusty Hukee is now 32 years old and acknowledges that his motivation to succeed comes 100% from his desire to provide his wife, Jalissa and two children (Mason, 11 and Harlow, 9) with a better life. “I love what I do and I am thankful that my profession allows me to provide for my wife and children,” concludes Hukee. “As time goes on and our company continues to grow, I would like to move more into operations management, estimating, and bidding. I want to train others to do what I do and be a part of their lifelong journey and continue to contribute to the overall success of Brewer Crane & Rigging.” Cc

Brewer Crane is one of the top providers of tower cranes in Southern California. As operator of the Company's Grove GMK6400, Hukee has ample experience erecting and dismantling tower cranes. (Above left) Hukee in the seat of the 450-ton Grove erecting a tower crane at the site of a future Apple building in San Diego. (Above middle) Hukee attaching the jib of a tower crane on a residential tower in central San Diego. (Above right) Hukee flying repair components up to a tower crane in Long Beach.

Coming Up the Hard Way and Getting Stronger Every Day

By Brian Hoover, Senior Editor / Photos provided by Roche Excavating, Inc.

There is nothing wrong with inheriting something your family started, but something special about creating your own business from scratch. Like the Billie Holiday song says, “God bless the child that’s got his own.” Dave Roche (Roche) was fortunate to be born to academic parents that graduated from USC and were both professors. Therefore, it was expected that Roche would follow the same path by going to college, where he once was interested in becoming a marine biologist. However, life rarely goes as planned and for Roche, it all changed after his father shared a simple story with him over dinner. “My dad shared an experience with me back when I was an impressionable teenager about a man he saw operating a backhoe while working on campus. My dad was so impressed with this man and what an artist he was on a backhoe,” says Roche. “He described it so that it resonated with me and remained in my mind as something I might want to do someday.”

A year later, when Roche was just 16, he found a job working for an equipment rental company in Corona. This was his introduction to construction equipment and the various makes and models available then. From there, Roche moved on to the next step in his career metamorphosis as he began working for a demolition company by the name of Power Breaking, and then for an operated backhoe rental company, Newman Backhoe Service. These were his first

experiences operating heavy construction machinery, but he knew that to advance, he would need to join the union. So, he became a member of the Local 12 International Union of Operating Engineers. As a union member, Roche began working for several well-known contractors operating everything from scrapers and dozers to wheel loaders and excavators. “One constant theme I kept hearing from so many of these union operators was how they wished they had their own thing and were working for themselves,” says Roche. “That stuck with me, and after not having any work for a few weeks in 1988, I decided to

take control of my destiny and go out on my own.”

Emboldened by his firm decision to start his own company, Roche walked into Case Power & Equipment with little cash and a 1971 pickup truck to his name. “I did not have enough money to put down and also had not established enough credit, and they wouldn’t sell me a backhoe. So I asked if I could do a lease/purchase on a backhoe instead. They agreed, and I drove it out of there that day,” says Roche. “I also literally drove my new Case backhoe from job to job. I did not yet have a trailer, so I drove the backhoe on the streets to get from one job to the next. I was still

Dave Roche of Roche Excavating, Inc. –

Above: David Roche, Owner, Roche Excavating, Inc.

living in a rented bedroom and was doing what I had to do to succeed. It was all just part of starting a business on a shoestring, and I was having fun doing it. I eventually earned enough to purchase a small gas dump truck and a Zieman trailer. Now it was time to get the work and start growing.”

Roche was now a legitimate owner-operator as he started getting work from brokers like American Backhoe Service. As time passed, Roche was hired by several other contractors as one job led to the next. Necessity soon drove more equipment purchases, as Roche added a Cat 953 track loader, a Cat 920 wheel loader, a John Deere skip loader, and a Peterbilt semi-truck and trailer. “I had the machines I needed but was still doing all the work alone. It was an interesting time where I could pull up on one of those dirt spreads and run every piece of machinery out there,” says Roche. “I ran scrapers on million-yard jobs, blades, and slope boards as a union employee for a long list of contractors. I had a lot of energy

and confidence from being raised by two great parents who taught me that I could do whatever I set my mind to.”

Roche’s next step in the evolution of his company was to get his A license. “I studied like crazy and was so nervous when I arrived in San Diego to take my test. I got a 93% and only three people out of 35 passed that day,” says Roche. “That was a big day and I remember running around the building because I was so relieved and excited. I was now able to start taking on larger demolition, grading, and underground demolition projects, and my company started to take off.”

The company grew to new and higher levels with a dozen employees, 15 tractors, a building and a yard and record revenues in 2000. “We are a much smaller company today, and I believe that is a more sustainable situation. The operators I have today, Andrew, Sergio and Benito, are some of the

best in the business and I am very proud to have them working here. I am also fortunate to have Tim working as our truck driver and Dawn as our office administrator,” says Roche. “We now specialize in total site development, including demolition, earthwork, utilities, site grading, land clearing, and excavating services, including custom home subterranean work.”

Roche Excavating, Inc. is currently on four projects, including a custom home project in Irvine, a project in Crystal Cove and a large job in Palos Verdes. “I still love operating heavy equipment and am never bored when building something,” Concludes Roche. “My parents lived to the age of 93 and were always there for me, every step of the way. I know they would be proud, and I am not done yet. There is still a lot of work to do, and I am motivated to get it done.” For more information on Roche Excavating, please visit their website at www.rocheexcavating.com or call their Santa Ana office at (714) 953-1650. Cc

Above: Out with the old and in with the new.

Roche Excavating Inc.’s Komatsu PC360LC excavator demoing a home in Irvine to make room for a new build.

Above: Cat 320D excavator loading dirt and debris into Roche Excavating, Inc. dump truck.

Above: Roche Excavating, Inc.’s Cat 963C crawler loader cutting a bench in Orange County.

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