Tough equipment
The
Schendels have been relying on Komatsu equipment from Road Machinery
& Supplies Company since the early 1980s. "We first dealt with RMS in
1983 when we bought our first machine from them," recalled Jim. "Then
we bought a Komatsu trackscavator and a D31 dozer. It was about 1986
when we bought the first new Komatsu PC300-2 excavator. I think we were
the second one in the state to get one at that time."
Over the years, the Schendels have owned five Komatsu excavator series machines. "We've had Dash-2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 models," listed Jim.
Today, the Komatsu equipment in Burschville's fleet includes three hydraulic excavators - a PC400LC-5, a PC400LC-6 and a new PC300LC-7, the first one RMS delivered in Minnesota. Territory Manager Scott Laursen services the Burschville Construction account.
Jim Schendel says he likes the transportability of the PC300 and PC400s. "We can move them without taking them apart," he stated. "They've been excellent machines. We take very good care of them, and they have been pretty maintenance-free. We've run them as high as 14,000 hours, and they've been good. We usually try to trade them at 10,000 hours. Because we maintain them so well, there's still life left in them."
Rick Schendel said that their new Komatsu PC300LC-7 excavator has won rave reviews from Tom Krampitz, the
R.S. "Bud" and Ruth Schendel, worked many years
together in Burschville's office until their retirement in April 1994.
Their retirement years were shortened when Bud passed away in June 1995.
Shirley Sheets, longtime Secretary at Burschville Construction, Inc.
the Burschville operator who runs it on a daily basis. "He loves it," said Rick. "He's on vacation this week and was worried about who was going to get to run his machine while he was gone."
Rick says he likes the PC300-7, too. "It's a nice machine and has a lot of power," he said. "It's fast and smooth. The cab is quiet - it's like driving a pickup. You can sit in there and talk on the cell phone, even while you're digging."
Jim Schendel is also happy with his relationship with RMS. "They've been good to us," he stated. "We've had good service from them, good pieces of equipment. Whenever we need them, they're there. They're a dedicated bunch, just like we feel we are. I rank them as one of the best in the metro area."
Hard work, good people
Each of the four Schendels involved in running Burschville Construction offered his or her perspective on why the company has succeeded and grown over the years. "It's been a lot of hard work," said Jim. "It's also because of the good people we have working for us."
"Capable workers are key," added Cindy. "They know that we're always here for them."
"We have also tried to put money back into the company to bring our equipment up to a higher standard," Jim added. "When we first started, we bought used equipment and got by. But it's nice now to buy a new backhoe or loader. We make sure we have good equipment, and our operators take care of it and maintain it."
Cindy and Rick credited their parents' dedication to the business for much of Burschville's success. "Mom and Dad have been good, understanding bosses," said Cindy.
"Dad is here every morning between 5 and 5:30 a.m.," said Rick. "You also have to be there when your customer is calling or your guy out on the job is having a problem. And Dad is always there for them."
Looking ahead, Jim Schendel says he would like to see his company "hang in there" for a long time. "As far as my goals, I'd like to retire young, but I feel too good to call it quits now. I enjoy working.
"When Rick and Cindy get ready to buy me out, I guess that's when it's time to quit," he concluded. "But I'd like to see my grandkids in it, and I'd like to see their kids in it. The business has been good to us. It's a lot of hard work, but it pays off."