What is the Earth & Stone Division?
The Earth & Stone Division was created to share the real-world experience behind a small excavation business.
For more than 20 years I’ve worked in the field running mini excavators and building small excavation operations under the name Common Ground. Most of that time was spent doing the kind of work many small operators know well — trenching, grading, drainage, site preparation, and solving whatever problems a piece of land presented.
Running a small operation teaches you quickly that the machine is only part of the job.
The real challenge is understanding how the business side of the work fits together — choosing the right equipment, pricing jobs properly, transporting machines safely, managing costs, and building a reputation that keeps the phone ringing.
Most of those lessons aren’t written down anywhere. They’re learned slowly through experience.
Over the years I began noticing that many people were interested in starting their own mini excavation businesses, but there was very little practical guidance available. Most information online either focuses on large construction companies or general business advice that doesn’t translate well to small equipment operations.
That realization led to the creation of the Earth & Stone Division.
Earth & Stone Division is where I’ve organized two decades of field experience into a practical course for people who want to build a small, capable excavation business of their own.
The goal isn’t to promise shortcuts or overnight success.
The goal is much simpler:
For the right person, a mini excavator can be more than a machine.
It can be the foundation of a solid, independent way to make a living.
To share the systems, lessons, and hard-earned experience behind running a lean excavation operation that actually works.
For the right person, a mini excavator can be more than a machine.
It can be the foundation of a solid, independent way to make a living.
Who We Are
We’re a life coaching practice rooted in the belief that real change begins with clarity, self-awareness, and support. Our mission is to help individuals move beyond doubt, overwhelm, and uncertainty — and into lives that feel purposeful, confident, and aligned.
Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, seeking deeper fulfillment, or simply ready to reconnect with yourself, our coaching process is designed to meet you where you are. Through honest conversations, proven tools, and compassionate guidance, we help you uncover your goals, shift your mindset, and take meaningful action.
We’re not here to tell you who to be — we’re here to walk beside you as you become the version of yourself you’ve always known was possible.
How I Got Started
The day I first saw a mini excavator, the direction of my life took a huge turn...straight toward it!
I didn't have any prior experience with excavation equipment or running my own business, I just knew I had to figure it out so I could shape the land around me and get paid to do it. I knew working for myself and being outside was mandatory. I knew I would be capable of doing the work. I knew I could work well with clients. But I didn't know exactly what it would take to turn a machine into a business.
Learning to operate was fun and easy, but running the business, getting jobs, and remaining profitable was a challenge.
Fortunately I made good decisions early on based on my love of freedom and dislike of debt. I was able to get into the business without too much financial stress and slowly learned the ins' and out's of running my own mini excavation business. As things finally begin to settle into place, life provided an option to start the business in another location, which is to say we decided to move to Florida. So I started the same business on the other side of the country while keeping things in motion at home on Maui. This brought the reality of running a business by myself into focus. If I was going to keep both locations up and running, I had to pair down to the bare essentials and split my time and energy. It worked. And now I have a formula I'd like to share.
What I Do
Help you get your mini excavation business off the ground.
Who I Am
An experienced operator and business owner who knows the mini excavation business model inside and out.
My Mission
Empower people to build a mini excavation business and take control of their lives.
Let's Get You On The Right Path
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