This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 141st installment visiting with Rodney D. Murphy, President/CEO of Murphy’s Bobcat, Inc., which handles commercial grading, excavating, demolition, trucking, hauling, site prep work, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, dirt sales, and topsoil sales.
What’s your mission? Our goal is to provide unmatched and customer oriented dirt work and excavating for the continued improvement of Blount County. We are a locally owned and operated business that prides itself being from Blount County. Every day we want to do our part in seeing the continuing growth in our community. We truly and literally change the landscape of Blount County, one yard of dirt at a time.
How did you get started in this business? I started Murphy’s Bobcat, Inc. 20 years ago with myself and a bobcat. With hard work, dedication, and perseverance Murphy’s Bobcat has grown to 20 employees and over 20 pieces of heavy equipment such as track excavators, bulldozers, front end track loaders, rubber tired front end loaders, dump trucks, and much more.
What is your background? Twenty years ago I seen that Blount County was in need of a high quality excavation contractor that provided superior service at a fair price. So I purchased a skid steer and went to work.
Who is your mentor? The Lord has really blessed me throughout my life and he has always provided way more than I deserve. I have been influenced and guided by several good people that always prayed for me and wanted me to succeed. I have to give all glory to the Lord and all those good folks that prayed for me.
Describe your customers. We have very loyal, long term, repeat customers. I always tell new customers, “If you give us the opportunity to make you our customer now, you will be our customer forever.” A large majority of our customers become lifelong friends to my employees and myself.
Name three things you wish you knew when you started. 1. Being a successful business owner is a marathon, not a sprint 2. Do not sell yourself short because there is value in a high quality premium product 3. When you set the standard for your industry then there is no competition What do you enjoy about running or working at the business? This is a difficult business and every day presents a new challenge. I love the challenge and even more so, I enjoy conquering the challenge.
What’s another interesting fact about you? When I was a kid I used to sleep beside my Dad’s bed so that when he woke up he would step on me so I could wake up and go to work with him at Tri-County Concrete. I have loved working since I was a kid. Hard work, punctuality, and doing what you say you will do is what Murphy’s Bobcat is built on.