News
Client Story: Efficiency in Action with Rycon Companies
Originally Printed in "On The Job" Magazine 09/2024
When Josh Campbell decided to go out on his own seven years ago after gaining industry experience with a civil contracting firm, he started with a single Cat Skid Steer Loader, focusing on manhole replacements.
That niche work led to green demolition and eventually wet utilities, which has become the company’s core focus for the last four years. Campbell’s initial idea of starting a smaller, less manpower-intensive venture and gradually working up to underground utilities was more challenging than anticipated. However, the company has now fully transitioned to focusing on underground wet utilities.
“Starting small was harder than I thought it would be,” Campbell admits. “But that approach allowed us to learn, adapt, and grow steadily. Now, wet utilities are where we excel, and it’s become what we’re known for.”
What started as a part-time venture has grown significantly. Rycon Companies currently employs 20 field workers with a staff of 28 overall.
Specializing in excavation, site preparation and mass grading, the company operates a fleet of five Cat excavators, a wheel loader, two compact machines, and two water trucks, plus various attachments.
Rycon primarily works with developers, especially in the multifamily housing sector. The firm has also started expanding into municipal projects, aiming to begin working on governmental contracts next year. Campbell notes that working with owner-developers has been particularly beneficial.
“The relationships we’ve built with developers have been crucial,” he says. They understand the value we bring.
Rycon is currently preparing a site for Marlowe Peoria Place, a 13-building apartment complex. Crews excavated more than 10,000 cubic yards of material to install a large stormwater and sewer system. The job required up to 15 men, three excavators, two wheel loaders and two water trucks. Rycon rented a Cat 745 Articulated Truck from Empire Southwest to haul material across the site.
The Secret of Rycon’s Success
Campbell says that the company’s growth has been driven not just by adding more staff, but by focusing on efficiency and innovative technology, such as fabricating specialized attachments and integrating advanced equipment into their operations.
While Campbell got his start operating small machines such as skid steers and mini excavators—which enabled him to grow the company quickly and efficiently—Rycon has transitioned to using larger equipment.
The principles of efficiency and precision that he established early on continue to guide the company’s operations. Campbell makes extensive use of rental machines, as he believes that in many cases it’s more cost effective than owning. Campbell aims to maintain a 50-50 balance between owned and rented equipment.
This strategy helps Rycon scale their operations flexibly while managing costs effectively. One of the most significant innovations has been the adoption of a drum cutter, a tool that has revolutionized Rycon’s work by improving the process of cutting through rock and demolishing concrete structures. This attachment has made handling materials more manageable and efficient, leading to increased jobsite productivity.
“The drum cutter has been a game-changer for us,” Campbell adds. “It’s made our work more efficient, especially in challenging environments where precision is key. Plus, with GPS and laser, we’re not just faster—we’re safer too. “
The integration of GPS grade control and laser technologies in Rycon’s fleet of Cat excavators has further enhanced efficiency and safety. When working from an engineered plan, many instances arise where on-the-fly adjustments must be made in order to adapt to variances that crews encounter.
“On one project in particular, there were four plan revisions after we started, and you can’t update the model fast enough to keep up with those changes,” Campbell says. “So that’s where the laser catcher and the grade controls come in and help resolve the missing links. The system is integrated in the machine, and enables us to make those adjustments in the field and still maintain accuracy and productivity.”
These technologies enable precise excavating and grading, and reduce the need for workers to be in potentially hazardous positions near open trenches.
“One of my key mainline guys loves the older F series models,” Campbell says. “Then I’ve got guys who love the newer machines. The more they learn the technologies, the more they start to fall in love with the newer stuff. As they learn the grade controls and all the features that these machines have nowadays, they definitely lean toward the newer approach.”
CAMPBELL'S FAVORITE MACHINE
“The 255 is absolutely, pound-for-pound, the strongest, best machine I’ve ever owned,” he says. “It’s just unbelievable what it can lift and push. It easily pushes three to four yards of dirt without the slightest strain. It’s just incredible what that machine’s capable of."
"Inside the 255 cab, it’s like sitting in a fighter jet with all of the buttons on the joysticks and the touchscreen. It helps us on excavations for storm capture systems. We just drive it down to the bottom, set it down with an excavator and use it for grading so the guys don’t have to shovel a 50 by 70-foot section. We just put the 255 down there, grade it out real quick and start placing material.”
Unwavering Support and Mutual Respect
Campbell prefers to operate Cat machines, citing their reliability and support from his Cat dealer, Empire Southwest, and also the seamless integration of technology into the equipment. He contrasts this with his experiences with other brands, which he found to be less supportive and more challenging to maintain due to difficulties sourcing parts.
His strong relationship with Empire, especially with his account manager Nate Harman, has been crucial to Rycon’s success. Nate and the Empire team have provided invaluable support, from advising on equipment purchases to ensuring prompt parts and service support.
“Empire has been more than just a supplier—they’re a partner,” Campbell says. “Nate and his team are always there when we need them. Whether it’s finding the right machine or getting parts on short notice, they’ve got our back.
“Being this small little startup, we met with several equipment dealers, including one that basically didn’t have time for us because we were too small,” Campbell recalls. “When we first met with Nate, we were treated like we had something that they wanted to be a part of. It gave us a feeling that we’re not in this alone, like we have a partner. The service from Empire has been top-of-the line from the start.”
Harman cites the mutual respect and trust that has developed over the years.
“Josh is the kind of client you want to go the extra mile for,” he says. “He’s knowledgeable, focused, and always looking for ways to improve. We know that when we support Rycon, we’re not just helping a business—we’re helping a partner who values our expertise and support.”
