7 minute read
Tennessee Valley Land Works LLC
Growing beyond local residential jobs, Tennessee Valley Land Works LLC sets sights on new light civil projects
Growing up around a farming community inspired Drew Gardner to build his own excavating company. Established in 2016, Tennessee Valley Land Works LLC operates out of Albertville, Ala., and provides a range of residential and light civil excavating services.
“My granddad played an important role in my love for tractors and working outside,” noted Gardner. “He farmed like everyone else in the community. My dad did some small-scale farming, but for my granddad, farming and operating equipment was all he knew. He introduced me to everything, and that’s where I fell in love with tractors.”
What started as Gardner’s side job steadily grew until it became his full-time occupation in 2020.
“I was trying to work a typical job while running this as a side business, but the number of opportunities I was receiving with Tennessee Valley Land Works grew to the point where staying at my full-time job no longer made sense,” elaborated Gardner. “That’s when I made that choice to become self-employed and make a go of it on my own. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I appreciate having the opportunity to make it a reality.”
Today, Tennessee Valley Land Works specializes in a range of services, from residential agricultural work to light civil excavating for medical offices, restaurants and subdivisions. Approximately 80% of Tennessee Valley Land Works’ business comes from light civil work while the remaining 20% is primarily residential work. Despite its growth, Tennessee Valley Land Works remains a small, customer-centric company.
“Right now, it’s just me running day-to-day jobs, but I will occasionally hire a part-time guy to help out when needed,” said Gardner. “I also do a lot of work with another company on the civil side. We partner up on multiple projects throughout the year and are a great complement to each other’s capabilities.”
As the owner and operator of Tennessee Valley Land Works, Gardner knows the importance of building relationships with his customers.
“Providing high-quality customer service is the most important aspect of my relationship with clients,” he noted. “We try to always answer the phone and do what we say we’re going to do. We want to come through for our customers and try to exceed their expectations even down to the smallest details. Going above and beyond for them has helped win some repeat business and created a positive reputation around the company.”
Focusing on quality work
Tennessee Valley Land Works is currently engaged in several projects that showcase the company’s commitment to quality and efficiency. One notable project is a retail development in Gardendale, Ala., where Tennessee Valley Land Works is responsible for storm drain installation. Another significant undertaking is in Boaz, Ala., involving a new subdivision with townhomes. At the heart of these endeavors is the company’s newest machine, a Komatsu D39PX-24 dozer.
“We use the Komatsu D39 as a finishing dozer for final grading,” explained Gardner. “It pairs well with a Komatsu D51 dozer, which our partner company operates, for larger jobs. Recently, we completed a job involving 4,000 yards of import in just three days. Whether it’s smoothing out a spot or working on a big detention pond, the D39 dozer is our go-to machine. Its visibility is unmatched. It’s a well-balanced, stout machine, offering a comfortable and quiet operator experience. This dozer is leaps and bounds above its competitors. The operator’s position and the cab’s design ensure a smoother, more comfortable ride. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.”
Gardner also appreciates how simple maintenance is with the D39.
“Routine maintenance is easy because everything’s accessible,” Gardner stated. “Unlike other brands, checking and greasing the Komatsu D39 is straightforward and hassle-free. The comfort and efficiency of the cab make long hours manageable, and its versatility is unmatched for its size. It’s an essential tool for everything we do, from landscaping to drainage to cut and fills.”
Reliable support from TEC
For Tennessee Valley Land Works, the relationship with its equipment distributor, Tractor & Equipment Company (TEC), is not just a business transaction but a crucial partnership that has been instrumental to its growth and success. This connection, especially with sales representative Dwight Swaim and PSSR (product support sales representative) Gary Dodd, has provided the foundation for the company’s operational efficiency and reliability.
“My first purchase from TEC was the D39 dozer, and since then, our relationship with Dwight and Gary has been pivotal,” commented Gardner. “In 2020, when we transitioned to full-time operations, finding the right dozer within our budget was challenging. Dwight’s dedication in finding us a good starting machine, even if it wasn’t a Komatsu, and TEC’s ongoing support were invaluable. Even when I had machines from other brands, TEC’s support was unwavering. They’ve consistently gone above and beyond, like delivering parts late at night to ensure our machines are running smoothly the next day. Their service is just great. I can’t say enough good things about them.”
Gardner continued, “Choosing Komatsu for its reliability, backed by TEC’s support, was a clear decision. With their commitment to service, the ease of maintenance, and the Komatsu Care Plus II service plan, it just didn’t make sense to do anything else. It’s about having that dependable support system and knowing they’ll always be there for us.”
The relationship with TEC has also been fundamental in managing operational costs and avoiding unexpected breakdowns.
“Having fixed operating costs is vital for a young business like ours,” said Gardner. “With TEC, I can budget more effectively, avoiding the unpredictability of machine breakdowns. Their parts department is unmatched, providing us with parts even for other brand machines, ensuring we’re never in a bind.”
Commitment to community and growth
As Tennessee Valley Land Works looks to the future, its plans are firmly rooted in a commitment to both community and growth. The company’s success has been built on a foundation of serving local residents, and this focus on private and residential customers remains a core aspect of its business strategy.
Gardner shared his aspirations, stating, “We’re looking to expand, particularly in the civil work sector while maintaining our strong presence in the private side. These are the people and the community that have supported our growth. Our goal for 2024 is not just to broaden our civil work but also to invest in new equipment, like the Komatsu PC170 or PC210 excavator, to enhance our capabilities.”
With its plans to purchase new equipment and a steady stream of new and repeat clients, Tennessee Valley Land Works is setting the stage for a future that balances growth with community engagement, ensuring that it remains a trusted and integral part of its local area. ■
*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Your results may vary.
