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Customer Spotlight CK Contractors James River Equipment

Customer Spotlight: CK Contractors & Development 

A Long‑Term Partnership Focused on Growth, Uptime, and Trust 

CK Contractors & Development has relied on James River Equipment for nearly 20 years to support fleet growth, maximize uptime, and keep crews productive across multi-state job sites. From a single dozer purchase in 2006 to a diverse, scaled John Deere fleet today, this partnership is built on trust, service expertise, and a shared long-term mindset. 

Who Is CK Contractors & Development? 

CK Contractors & Development is a family‑owned construction company founded in 1965, specializing in full‑scope site work. Their services include: 

• Clearing and grading 

• Utilities and road construction 

• Curb installation and finishing work 

• Telecom and fiber infrastructure projects 

As infrastructure demands have evolved, CK has expanded its capabilities to support modern commercial, residential, and utility projects across the Southeast and beyond. 

How Did CK Contractors Grow Into a Multi‑State Operation? 

What started as a contractor focused primarily on highway, commercial, and golf course projects has grown into a full‑service site development firm. 

Since the early 2000s, CK Contractors & Development has averaged approximately 15% year-over-year growth, expanding operations into: 

• North Carolina 

• South Carolina 

• Florida 

• Georgia 

• Virginia 

• Arkansas 

That growth trajectory was already in motion when CK first partnered with James River Equipment in 2006. 

Why Did CK Choose James River Equipment? 

When CK Contractors & Development first came to us, the company employed roughly 30 people. Today, more than 500 employees rely on equipment and service support that keeps jobs moving. 

Our relationship grew through every business cycle, including the economic downturn of 2008–2009. Instead of stepping away during uncertainty, we worked side-by-side with CK to develop a plan that helped protect uptime and position the company for long-term recovery. 

That customer‑first approach set the foundation for everything that followed. 

How Has Fleet Growth Supported CK’s Expansion? 

As CK’s projects became larger and more complex, their fleet needed to scale accordingly. 

The first machine CK purchased from James River Equipment was a John Deere 650 dozer. Over time, their fleet expanded to include: 

• John Deere 510, 470, 350, 250, and 210 models 

• Articulated dump trucks, growing from 25-ton to 40-ton capacity 

Each addition was driven by job requirements, production goals, and the need to minimize downtime in the field. 

Why Is Uptime So Critical for CK Contractors? 

For CK, uptime directly impacts crew productivity, project timelines, and customer confidence. 

That’s where our service teams come in. 

Our technicians work daily with John Deere construction equipment and understand how these machines perform under real-world site conditions. When an issue arises, fast diagnostics, parts availability, and experienced service help get equipment back to work quickly. 

Uptime isn’t just CK’s priority—it’s ours. 

What Makes This a True Equipment Partnership? 

This relationship goes beyond machines and model numbers. 

Both CK Contractors & Development and James River Equipment are family‑owned businesses that value: 

• Long-term relationships over short‑term wins 

• Clear communication 

• Standing by partners through growth and change 

As CK expanded its footprint and workforce, we remained focused on aligning equipment solutions, service support, and planning with their evolving needs. 

What’s Next for CK Contractors & Development? 

As CK continues to grow into new markets and take on increasingly complex infrastructure projects, James River Equipment remains a key part of that journey. 

Much of CK’s fleet comes from James River Equipment today, and we look forward to supporting the next chapter with the same long-term mindset that has shaped the last two decades. 

At James River Equipment, we’re proud to support companies like CK Contractors & Development—businesses built on family values, driven by their people, and committed to delivering results in the field. 

CK Contractors & Development. Powered by partnership. Supported by James River Equipment. 

Watch the Full Customer Story 

Hear directly from CK Contractors & Development as they share their journey, growth, and long‑standing partnership with James River Equipment. 

Watch the full customer spotlight video: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFe2d9MmEJ8 

From fleet growth to uptime in the field, this video highlights what a true equipment partnership looks like—and why CK continues to rely on James River Equipment as they build for the future. 

Common Questions About Equipment Partnerships and Fleet Growth 

How long has CK Contractors & Development worked with James River Equipment? 

CK has partnered with James River Equipment since 2006, supporting nearly 20 years of fleet growth, service support, and long-term planning. 

What type of equipment does CK Contractors use? 

CK operates a diverse John Deere fleet, including dozers, excavators, and articulated dump trucks sized to support large‑scale site and infrastructure projects. 

Why does uptime matter so much in site development? 

Downtime impacts labor costs, schedules, and customer commitments. Reliable equipment and responsive service help contractors keep crews working and projects moving. 

How does James River Equipment support growing contractors? 

We focus on equipment selection, preventative maintenance, responsive field service, and long‑term planning—backed by technicians who work hands-on with John Deere equipment every day.