VIDEO: Contractor Maintains Passion, Adapts to Changing Times
Tue April 25, 2023 - Midwest Edition #9 Kirby Smith Machinery
Even though he's been doing it for decades, Trevor McAlevy hasn't lost his passion for pouring concrete.
"My dad [Bob McAlevy] had his own concrete business, and I helped him out from a very young age," said McAlevy. "I love it, and I just could never see myself doing anything else."
His father's business was based in their hometown of Kearney, Neb. When he was older, McAlevy left home and went to work for a concrete company in Omaha, Neb. In 2011, McAlevy decided to go into business for himself.
"My dad was reaching retirement age, but he still wanted something to do," recalled McAlevy. "He and my brother [Greg] joined me to form BGT Contractors. Dad stayed involved right up to the time he passed away in 2020. I bought Greg out even before that, so when Dad passed, I became the sole owner."
Through all its ownership iterations, BGT Contractors LLC kept the same business model. Based in Plattsmouth, Neb., the company completes turnkey commercial concrete projects. Currently, it's working for a general contractor that builds Dollar General stores from North Dakota to Kansas.
"We do 20 to 25 per year — pouring the footings, floors, sidewalks and parking areas," said McAlevy. "I have about 10 employees, and when we do a job, we get after it. Generally, we have everything done in about a week."
Takeuchi Cuts Base Prep Time
Slab base preparation is part of BGT Contractors' service. About four years ago, McAlevy started looking for a faster way to grade.
"The general contractor I work with loves Takeuchi, so I demoed a TL12V2 track loader," McAlevy said. "The week I ran it, I was thoroughly impressed with not only the power but how smooth it was. We bought it, and now we have a second one."
McAlevy continued, "Our production is outstanding with them. Not long after we got the first one, I was on a job site where the dirt contractor couldn't complete his work. I said I would do it and graded out a 15,000-square-foot parking lot with anywhere from a foot to 18 inches of cut in about a day and a half using the TL12 and our GPS grading attachment."
McAlevy said the GPS grading attachment is one of several that allows BGT Contractors to maximize the TL12V2 compact track loader's versatility.
"The GPS is easy to hook up," McAlevy explained. "It's simply a 14-pin connector, and you're off to the races. I went with the high-flow model to open up that realm of attachment possibilities. We can switch from GPS to bucket to forks very easily."
Jason Woods, Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) territory manager, assisted BGT Contractors with its purchases.
"I can't say enough good things about Jason and Kirby-Smith," said McAlevy. "We work extensively in Kirby-Smith's territory, so I contacted Jason. He had a price and paperwork for me the following day, and we set up the demo. The Takeuchis are well-built and designed, so we haven't had any issues, but I know based on my experience with Jason and Kirby-Smith that if there ever was one, they would be right there to help. Their service is outstanding."
Ready for What Lies Ahead
Using technology for subgrade preparation and concrete pours — as well as an approximately 13,000-lb., 111-hp loader — are among the changes McAlevy has seen in the years he's been pouring concrete.
"I remember when a 100-yard pour was a big deal. Now, we're doing 400 to 500 yards," said McAlevy. "It's going to be interesting to see the progress the industry makes in the next few years. We're ready for whatever lies ahead."
(This article reprinted with permission from Kirby-Smith Connection.)
