Part-Time Business Becomes Full-Time Passion for Kansas Contractor

Since 2015, aside from working a full 40 hours a week for his career with a freight carrier, James Taylor has been putting in extra hours with a side business he owns, Taylor Excavating, LLC, in Shawnee, Kansas. His passion has kept him going, particularly as a contractor. He now works close to 80 hours a week between the two jobs.  

James says he started the excavating business because it was always something he wanted to get into. Today he calls it a “full-time side gig” that he genuinely loves. “If I were a millionaire and could do this for free, I would,” he says. “That’s how much I enjoy doing it.” In fact, his land clearing and grading work has grown to require a Bobcat® compact track loader, compact excavator and several attachments.  

A pretty impressive equipment fleet for a “side gig.” 

James knew from a young age he’d somehow be in this line of work. His dad was a builder and would have James join him on jobs growing up. That provided the exposure needed to draw him to the business. Not all people are cut out for labor-intensive work, especially at double the hours. But James has a goal in mind: When he retires from his 9-to-5 in a few years or more, he will focus solely on his excavating business. It is important that he builds his clientele now, so he has a solid foundation to keep his business running well into the future. 

Social Media Marketing Supports Strong Referrals

James finds work the old-fashioned way. Or, rather, the work finds him. His clients pass his name along to their neighbors and friends, and although he receives a lot of business through word-of-mouth, James remains active on YouTube and his other social media platforms. He routinely uploads educational GoPro videos that have been quite a hit.  

“It’s one thing for people to promote my business to their friends and family. It’s another thing to see the work I do,” James says. “I mean, people see the videos and they say, ‘Wow, He really does all this work!’” 

A Cut Above the Rest

Time is of the essence for people like James. His clientele appreciates that he’s always on time and gets the job done right. James prides himself on reliability and efficiency, so he needs machinery that can help him deliver. That’s why — after researching Bobcat as well as competitors — he turned to Bobcat of Kansas City for his first machine, the Bobcat T650 compact track loader.  

As business grew, James expanded his fleet with a Bobcat T770 compact track loader and an E50 compact excavator. He also added attachments, including a Brushcat rotary cutter and snow blade. Having the right tools is important to James as he continues to pursue his passion of working in construction.  

“Bobcat equipment is comfortable,” he says. “The hydraulics are smooth, and they’re versatile machines … they’re reliable, safe, well-built and efficient.”  

Regarding one particular job clearing brush around a retention pond on a co-worker’s property, James says his Bobcat loader simply gets things done. “That machine is powerful,” he says. “It doesn’t hesitate, and it pretty much plows through anything.” 

Words of Advice

James is clear proof that if someone wants to get into the construction business, they can — even if they already have a full-time career. He advises any aspiring contractor to be a “student of the business,” always open to learning. “I’ve learned a lot of stuff from guys that have been doing this a lot longer than I have,” James says. 

But, he also underlines it takes diligence and good work, as well as drive and dedication, which he routinely demonstrates with his workload and extra hours.  

All a little easier with a heavy dose of passion. 

“Some people enjoy what they do, and some don’t,” James says. “This is just one of the things I’m really passionate about. I love doing this kind of work.”