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.