Who really runs Couch Excavating?
Address it as a democracy, say Derek. He runs field operations and Lana takes care of the office. Occasionally, Derek says a contractor will feel I dont have enough gray hair or my forehead isnt high enough and ask to argue with Lana. In his gentle manner, Derek will warn the caller to tread lightly. You dont want to mess with Mama Couch, he says. Looking forward The Couches plan to do more road building and eventually becoming a general contractor. Expanding their trucking operation and buying more excavating equipment is high on their list. Derek is looking forward to turning over some of daily management to younger brothers Ethan and Kenan. Lana is working on doing less micro-managing (Im a control nut) and wants to bid larger projects. We have room to grow and Ethans showing signs of being a businessman, Derek says. Lana is pleased to point out that her boys grew the business from $450,000 in 2005 to $700,000 in 2006. During building season, the company employs about ten people. We
