Most guys don’t talk about the bad deals they’ve made. But Ryan Haar does, and his story will sound familiar to anyone who’s bought a “great deal” machine that turned into a money pit. Injectors failed, the drive motor quit, and what should have been a win nearly sank him before he got started.
But instead of bailing, Ryan stuck with that skid steer, learned the hard lessons, and built Elite Excavation in Olin, Iowa.
In this episode, Ryan opens up about what that experience taught him about persistence, referrals, and marketing in a crowded market. His journey proves that sometimes the worst machine can teach you the best lessons.
Takeaways:
✅The nightmare skid steer purchase that nearly stopped him—and why he still runs it today
✅How one driveway job turned into five more through simple word-of-mouth
✅Why old-school flyers plus creative videos helped him stand out in a saturated Iowa market
✅His personal motto: “Cost to floss—strap in and hold tight” and what it means for business
Why it Matters:
Every contractor knows the sting of bad equipment—but Ryan’s story shows how grit and consistency can turn setbacks into stepping stones.
Links:
🔹 Visit Elite Excavation’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555780441041
🔹 Shop American-Made Attachments: www.skidsteernation.com
🔹 Need More Leads for Your Excavation Business? Visit Throttled Up Marketing: https://www.getthrottledup.com/