MJ's Backhoe & Excavation, Inc., Boise

Client Relations, High-Tech Equipment Fuel Success for MJ's

 

Aerial image of a new Costco in Nampa, Idaho. MJ's was the earthwork contractor on the entire project, including sub-basing and basing the parking lot. (photo by Idaho Airships)

When you hear the name MJ's Backhoe & Excavation, Inc., don't let the name "backhoe" fool you. MJ's is a full-service commercial earthwork contractor that has worked on some of the more prominent projects in the Treasure Valley area, including Ada County Jail, Boise State University Recreation Center, St. Luke's Meridian Phase II, and Mt. View High School.

One of the more prominent projects MJ's is currently working on is the fast-track Costco project in Nampa, for Ferguson Construction. This challenging 110-day schedule consists of 150,000 square feet of retail space and 300,000 square feet of asphalt parking lot. MJ's was the earthwork contractor on the entire project, including sub-basing and basing the parking lot. The new Nampa Costco is scheduled to open in August.

MJ's is a closely held corporation that was founded in 1988, and incorporated in 1994. The owner's, Mike and Tina Apostolou, never expected an owner/operator backhoe service in 1988 to bloom into a full-service commercial excavation company that is projected to earn $3.8 million in revenue this year.

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Mike Apostolou said the foundation of his success has been gradual, year-by-year growth with both equipment and employees.

"I believe our success really flows from the foundation of who we are as business owners - people of faith," said Apostolou. "When you believe that you should treat others the way you want to be treated, I believe it makes a difference in your customer relations, in how you service your clients, in how you treat your employees, and how you run your business."

He said that good equipment helps, too. "I'm a firm believer in investing in good equipment and utilizing technology to stay competitive and have an edge in the marketplace," he said. "We have invested in GPS technology for our grading equipment and we believe it sets us apart from our competitors."

The owner's personal philosophy, that integrity is the foundation upon which everything else is built, is at the heart of the company's customer service, low employee turnover rate, quality supplier relationships and the basis for company growth.