he says. “Once you build the culture in your business, they will care. It just takes time.”
Coleman is frank about the ups and downs of running a small earthwork company. “You’ve got to be prepared not to receive a check sometimes,” he says. “Business bills come first. With equipment, things break, and some things break big.” He smiles when he says it, but it’s a hard-earned truth. “Life is like a roller coaster,” he says. “Businesses too. You’re going to have good months and bad months.” Even so, he encourages veterans to take the leap. “Do it,” he says. “The hardest part is starting. Just jump off and do it.” He knows the transition from military to civilian work is not always smooth. “It’s learning that civilians don’t have the same care factor you have, and that’s OK,”
Ask Coleman how he wants BC Dirtwurx to be remembered and he doesn’t mention scale, revenue, or market share.
He tells a story instead.
“A gentleman called me today,” he says. “I did something small for him four years ago at a pond while my equipment was there. I didn’t remember it. But he did.” The man told him the project still looked beautiful. He called to say thank you. And to hire Coleman again. “It’s making sure you do the job the best you can,” Coleman says. “So they refer you out or call you again.” For him, that is the measure that matters.
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VETERANS TRIBUTE EDITION
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