Judd Palmer began excavating with a single backhoe during his spare time, doing residential work for a family business. In 1993, Judd founded JP Excavating, Inc. and it has grown into one of the most successful excavating companies in Southern Utah. JP Excavating now has a fleet of 40 Cat machines, a far cry from the single backhoe of just 14 years ago. Thirty-two of these machines are currently working on the Sand Hollow Resort project. Sand Hollow Resort is a large development in Hurricane of 270 lots and an 18-hole golf course with a nine-hole walking course. With a deadline of mid-April, there is still plenty to be accomplished, but there is no doubt that JP Excavating will meet its deadline.

The organization has made remarkable progress for such a large project and has many more projects in the future. JP Excavating works within a 20 mile radius of the St. George area. Three months ago, JP Excavating had 15 open jobs, and is now currently working on five large commercial jobs. JP Excavating has 50 employees. Each of them takes ownership in their own machine and the jobs they accomplish. Judd attributes his success to his dedicated and hard-working employees. Judd provides his employees with the best equipment available and strives to make machine operation as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. From tinted windows to Sirius radio and personal decals, employees can tailor their machine to meet their needs.

In 2005, JP Excavating was honored with the subcontractor of the Year award in the Utah division from Ence Homes. JP Excavating strives to be the excavation company and employer of choice with superior profitability and efficient use of all resources and equipment. Its goal is to create a safe work environment for employees while providing professional, efficient and quality excavating for its customers. JP Excavating has an active safety program that provides employees with biweekly toolbox talks to motivate safe work practices. With a zero percent turn over rate, it's not hard to see why JP Excavating is one of the leaders in the field. Every employee is proud to put their name on the work they do. Judd stays busy by managing his own estimating, but does not foresee employee expansion in the future. Judd carefully selects the jobs the company contracts to ensure they will be profitable jobs and projects the employees will enjoy. As Judd says, "Our machines don't need the practice." Judd states that one of his favorite things about working in the excavating field is being able to create something out of nothing and the ability to move a mountain in order to do so.

Wheeler Machinery Co. has helped JP Excavating grow since 2000 when JP Excavating was ready to make a change after dealing primarily with another dealer for its first seven years. Whether JP Excavating needs new equipment or products such as satellite laser technology, rental services or maintenance, Wheeler is there to provide the solutions and support the company needs. Judd expresses much gratitude to his account representative, Bryan Larsen, and Wheeler Machinery Co. for always meeting his company's growing needs with timely service repairs and going above and beyond. Judd says, "Wheeler is willing to do anything they can to make it work. Even if it's not profitable for them, they will do whatever it requires to get the job accomplished. From field to lube service, Wheeler is always there for us." Quality and dependable machines that work just as hard as his employees is something Judd recognizes as an imperative component to the success and prosperity of his business.

Wheeler appreciates Judd and the employees of JP Excavating for their continued business, dedication and hard work. Wheeler truly looks forward to building and developing a lasting relationship and a successful future with JP Excavating. Not many people can state publicly that they can and will move a mountain. Judd Palmer has only one thing to say to this, "We love the challenge."