K & K Hits Pay Dirt

When Hurricane Katrina hit, the owners of K & K Dirtworks, Robin and Doug Knepper knew they could provide support, but their small business didn’t have enough equipment to handle such large contracts. That’s when Robin and Doug sought help from advisors at the Small Business Development Center. The company needed a loan to buy trailers, trucks, and campers along with additional saws and other tools.

With the SBDC’s assistance, the Kneppers were able to develop a business plan and secure a loan. But the process took time. Finally, they had all they needed to pack up and head for the gulf. Ironically, that day came on November 7, 2005…the day after a devastating tornado tore through Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties! Despite a strong desire to stay and help locally, the Kneppers knew they had contracts down south to fulfill, so off they went.

For the next six months K & K Dirtworks labored seven days a week twelve hours a day. The Kneppers cut down trees and cleared them from roads and property in Gulfport, Mississippi. They then hauled junk and debris to the landfills. The company also had contracts in Waveland and Hattiesburg. “We cut limbs as big around as trash cans,” said Doug. The giant pine trees turned out to be a plus for Kneppers’ four sons. The young men all learned to climb 80 to 90 feet in the air. As the top fell from a pine, the remainder of the tree would shake violently. “The boys say there is not a ride anywhere that comes close to the thrill of riding a tree!” laughed Doug.

K & K Dirtworks is based in Spencer County. Now that the family owned business is home, it is looking for ways to use its newly acquired experience and knowledge to grow locally by clearing property and demolishing old structures. And when the next disaster hits, the Kneppers are ready. All four sons are now full time employees of K & K Dirtworks. “We can respond to disaster and get things cleared up in a heartbeat now” said Doug. “I’m 49 years old and happier now that I’ve ever been in my life!”

The SBDC recognized this as a great growth opportunity for the small business. “It took courage for Robin and Doug to do this,” said SBDC advisor Pete Sabella. “This is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit and we were happy to assist them.”