Twenty years ago Wes Dooley and his wife Lori started out their business from scratch going door-to-door doing lawn mowing, hedge trimming, and other yard maintenance services in the Bozeman/Belgrade area of Montana. Over time, the Dooley’s grew the operation into a full-scale landscaping business which required adding equipment and manpower. Today, that business has evolved into TLC Septic & Excavation Inc – which is fully owned and operated by Wes and Lori and offers a full range of services including septic pumping/service/repairs, excavation, snow removal, foundation excavation, road and parking lot building, and porta-potty rentals.
“It’s kind of fun looking back where we started to where we are today,” said Wes Dooley. “When Lori and I started out we didn’t have any equipment or staff or anything. We had ourselves and a vision of what we wanted to build and we just rolled up our sleeves and got to work making it happen.”
Dooley’s father had operated a weed and pest control business in the area which Wes had worked in growing up. But when the time came to go out on his own, he knew that he wanted to go a different direction. “I learned a lot working at my father’s business but I knew all along that I wanted to go a different direction and build something of my own,” said Dooley. “Lori and I started out literally driving door-to-door offering lawn mowing and yard maintenance services. That turned into landscaping work which is where we started needing equipment. And the rest of it just kept building from that into what we have today, which includes the septic work we do and the excavation and snow removal service. That all started with Lori and I mowing lawns years ago.”
Today TLC Septic & Excavation Inc owns and operates a fleet of equipment including: skid steers, mini excavators, wheel loaders, a dozer, a number of full-size excavators, compactors, Hydro Excavation Truck, several Septic pumping trucks, and several portable restroom service trucks. Much of the equipment was purchased from and serviced by Titan Machinery. “We’ve always taken a traditional approach with our equipment in that we want to own what we operate,” explained Dooley. “Which means we really take a hard look at the equipment we purchase and the service and parts support that we get from the dealer. We need equipment that is dependable, productive, and easy to operate and maintain. But most importantly, we expect the dealer support to be there when we need it.”
“Owning the equipment allows us to have full control over how the machines are operated and maintained,” continued Dooley. “We keep our machines in top condition. Our employees understand the investment we have in our equipment and the importance of it being ready to work on the next job. It’s part of our competitive advantage. When we take a job, we come in ready to work. Our equipment and staff are prepared and ready to get after it. It makes us efficient.”
Dave Weller, Equipment Sales Consultant for Titan Machinery, has worked with TLC Septic & Excavation Inc for many years and can attest to the vision and commitment to excellence that has led to the growth and success of TLC Septic & Excavation Inc over the years. “Wes and Lori are extremely dedicated and hands-on in their approach to the business,” said Weller. “That probably comes from starting out and then working their way to where they are today. They take nothing for granted. The equipment that they run is meticulously cared for because they know how hard they had to work in order to have the fleet they have today. Since they started from scratch, they don’t take it for granted today.”
“For us, it’s all about customer service,” said Dooley. “Our success as a company has been built on providing excellent customer service to the people we do work for. And that’s what we look for in our suppliers. It’s the reason that we’ve been doing business with Titan Machinery for 18 years now – the service has been excellent. The equipment is solid, but that’s true for most brands. When you get down to it, the product is about the same for most equipment manufacturers. The service is what we look for. That’s what separates Titan from other dealers. Over the years we’ve done business with them when we needed something they’ve always come through for us.”
TLC Septic & Excavation Inc operates year-round, excavating and providing septic service during the construction season, and moving snow during the winter. “I’m a hands-on guy,” said Dooley. “I’m out in the field with the guys working and operating equipment. Lori manages the office and takes care of that part of the business. We both like to stay busy. We've got our oldest son Wes Jr, who just graduated, working full time with us now and our middle son Zac working part time. So it's a family business.”
“I feel lucky to work here in a beautiful part of the country. I grew up in the area and I really love living here. We’ve got a great business, loyal customers and employees, a great fleet of equipment and suppliers that we can trust to be there when we need them. We’re just really grateful for the opportunities we’ve had and that we live in a country where you can start out with almost nothing and build it into something that you can take pride in.”