There were 1,000 driveways to be paved at the Little Rock Air Force Base in 1953, and the contractor who won the bid found himself in some financial trouble.
Hartley Tucker, who was also working at the Base, saw his opportunity.
He purchased the struggling business, took over the paving job, and so began H.W. Tucker Company.
As the company grew, Hartley’s son-in-law John Ray Evans joined in and added excavation and site preparation to the portfolio, enabling the company to do the paving and the ground preparation that preceded it.
When John Ray’s son, John Hartley, was old enough to become heavily involved in the business in the '90s, the company expanded its services once again. This time adding storm drain and underground utility work into the fold.
And now, John Hartley’s daughter, Julie Evans Sanders, has joined the ranks as the fourth generation and one of the company’s office administrators.
The company has experienced slow but steady growth over the past 69 years, and now, it has settled into a sweet spot when it comes to size.
This video interview teaches the secrets to the family’s success and how they turned a failing business into a $14 million to $15 million company with 40 employees.
H.W. Tucker was a finalist in Equipment World's 2022 Contractor of the Year program. The program recognizes contractors who display the highest standards of business acumen, equipment management expertise, attention to safety and community involvement. Each year, 12 finalists receive an expense-paid trip to Las Vegas to participate in roundtable discussions and an awards ceremony.
The 2023 program will coincide with ConExpo-Con/Agg, North America’s largest construction trade show. Nominations are open now. Submit your entry by September 23, 2022 to be considered. For more information, visit https://www.equipmentworld.com/contractor-of-the-year.
Equipment World serves up weekly videos on the latest in construction equipment, work trucks and pickup trucks—everything contractors need to get their work done. Subscribe and visit us at equipmentworld.com!
