How One Construction Company Grew Rapidly Using Equipment Financing

For growing construction firms, access to heavy machinery can mean the difference between winning or losing contracts. In this case study, we’ll explore how equipment financing helped one small construction company scale operations, win larger projects, and triple revenue—without draining working capital.

✅ Featured Snippet Answer:

How can equipment financing help a construction company grow?
It allows companies to acquire essential machinery without large upfront costs, improving project capacity, efficiency, and cash flow.

Meet the Company: RidgeLine Earthworks

Industry: Site development & excavation
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Employees at Start: 7
Annual Revenue (Year 1): $420,000
Growth Goal: Take on larger residential and municipal contracts

The founder, Jake, had the skills and crew—but lacked the heavy-duty equipment needed for competitive bids. Buying outright would require over $300,000 upfront—an impossible stretch for his young firm.

The Challenge: Limited Equipment = Limited Growth

Jake's business was stuck subcontracting for larger firms. Without:

• Excavators

• Backhoes

• Skid steers

• Dump trucks

He couldn’t bid on high-value projects or expand his service area.

The Solution: Equipment Financing

Jake partnered with a construction-focused lender offering flexible financing for heavy equipment. He secured:

• A 60-month lease-to-own plan for $290K worth of machinery

• Payments of $4,950/month with no balloon payment

• A 3-month deferred payment period to ramp up jobs first

He financed:

• A Caterpillar 308 Excavator

• John Deere Skid Steer

• Dump truck + trailer combo

• Compact roller

Related: Financing Construction Equipment: Excavators, Bulldozers, and More

The Results: From Local Projects to Large-Scale Contracts

Within 12 months:

• Revenue grew from $420K to $1.35M

• The company added 6 full-time employees

• Closed 4 mid-size residential development contracts

• Took over work previously subcontracted out

The financed machines were used on 100% of their projects—and within two years, Jake owned them outright.

Key Benefits Jake Experienced:

✅ Increased project capacity by 3x
✅ Improved bid competitiveness
✅ Preserved capital for fuel, payroll, and growth
✅ Built strong business credit through consistent payments

Quote from the Owner

“Equipment financing let me scale without risking it all. I got the machines I needed, booked the jobs I wanted, and grew faster than I thought possible.”
— Jake Nolan, Founder, RidgeLine Earthworks

Summary: How Equipment Financing Fueled Rapid Growth

1. Secured $290K in equipment with no large down payment

2. Tripled project capacity and team size

3. Won bigger contracts with owned assets

4. Preserved cash flow and avoided debt overload

5. Reached $1.35M revenue in just 12 months

Final Thoughts: Finance Today, Build Bigger Tomorrow

For construction companies, growth hinges on access to the right tools. Equipment financing transforms growth from a long-term dream into a short-term strategy—without sacrificing financial stability.

Take Action: Get the Gear You Need to Win Bigger Jobs

Ready to scale your construction business?
Explore flexible equipment financing options designed for contractors—so you can break new ground without breaking the bank.