Not many successful businessmen plot their career accurately in fifth grade. Chris Bonacker knew exactly what he wanted to do. Now, at 32, he is right where he wants to be—running his own excavating firm. “I’m just trying to live the American Dream,” he says, “and provide for my family, doing what I love to do.” After working in excavation in his late teens and early twenties, Bonacker founded C. Bonacker Excavating in Eureka, Missouri last July. He concentrates mostly on residential work, from digging foundations to finish grading.
“I always knew I wanted to have my own thing. I took the leap, and so far, everything’s been going good,” says Bonacker. “I’ve been blessed to be in all different aspects, from demolition to doing the excavation of the foundations, finish grading, and pipe work and drainage. I have a knack for helping custom builders…to help them oversee from start to finish on a custom home. I can help them line things with the landscapers or help the concrete guys make sure all elevations are working — to make the best product we can provide.”
