From Tragedy to Triumph for Second Generation at Alan’s Excavating

Equipment WorldIn May 1999, Jake McClure and his dad, Alan, were caravanning home from Texas with a new semi when an F5 tornado struck.

They pulled both vehicles under an overpass for shelter, but it was too late.

Alan’s car was sucked up and spit out by the twister, killing him on impact. He was 45.

Jake, who watched the tragedy unfold from the semi, walked away without a scratch.

Not only did the 20-year-old lose his father, but he was also left to run the family business, Alan’s Excavating, on his own. 

Meanwhile, his cousin Nick had just graduated from college and was unsure of his next move.

While the pair grew up working in and around the business and family farm, they didn’t know much about the inner workings of the field or office operations. But what they did know was hard work.