Ever wondered what it’s like to run heavy equipment with your spouse every day — and still enjoy dinner together?
In this latest episode of the Skid Steer Nation Podcast, host Ryan Deemer dives into a compelling conversation with Jeremy and Kellie Haggerty, the husband-and-wife duo behind Haggerty Dozing & Excavating in rural Cuba, Illinois. From sharing equipment to swapping duties mid-job, they’ve built a successful excavation business while raising a family — and doing it all without letting the job come home.
Filled with practical advice and real-world experience, this episode is packed with lessons for any contractor or operator looking to scale with intention.
Key Insights:
✅ Operate Together, Succeed Together: Jeremy and Kellie both operate equipment and manage the business, proving that a married couple can thrive professionally and personally — without losing their cool.
✅ Buy Smart, Scale Smart: Hear how Jeremy started with fixer-upper equipment, flipped machines, and eventually invested in brand-new gear — learning hard lessons along the way.
✅ Let the Work Speak: Without relying on ads or even a website, they’ve grown their customer base through finish quality and word-of-mouth — keeping a steady two-month backlog.
✅ Kids, Cabins & Career Balance: Learn how this family stays grounded in a small town, why their daughter’s been in a skid steer since age three, and how they still make time for Gulf Shores vacations.
🔥 Why This Episode Matters:
This episode is essential for excavation and land management professionals who value quality craftsmanship and are striving to build a strong business without sacrificing personal relationships.
Whether you’re a solo operator, part of a family business, or considering growing your team, Jeremy and Kellie offer hard-earned wisdom and a refreshing outlook on work-life integration.
🔗 Connect with Success:
👉 Visit Haggerty Dozing & Excavating’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/haggertydozingandexcavating
👉 Skid Steer Nation: Your go-to destination for American-made skid steer attachments: https://skidsteernation.com/
👉 Throttled Up Marketing: Struggling to get your excavation or land service business noticed? Learn more at https://www.getthrottledup.com/