Page 32 - JulyAug Vol43 No2

“We’ve always run

Cat machines”

Pictured (L to R): Spencer Hicks, David Hicks, Connor Sepesi, Jim Mitchell

In the rugged terrain of Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland region, few names carry the legacy and trust
of J Hicks Excavating. The legacy began in the 1950s as Dan Hicks & Sons with Dan and his son Dewey
Hicks—whose hard work and vision built the company from the ground up—the Hicks family has been
laying the groundwork—literally—for decades of infrastructure growth across the state.
Today, J Hicks Excavating operates with a close-knit team of 16 employees. Under the leadership of
President Jim Mitchell, his wife Jacquie Hicks Mitchell and Superintendent David Hicks, the company Permit No. 592 Pontiac, IL PAID US Postage
has carved out a reputation for excellence in underground utility work. PRSRT STD
Some of the company’s recent projects include major work at the Flatrock Motorclub and a
challenging slope project for Southeastern Freight at Watt Road, both of which showcased the team’s
technical abilities and adaptability. With projects like these, having the right equipment on site isn’t
just helpful—it’s essential.
That’s where their long-standing relationship with Caterpillar equipment and their local Cat dealer
comes into play. “We’ve always run Cat machines,” said David Hicks.
Most recently, the company added a Cat 255 skid steer and a Cat 308 excavator to their fleet. The
machines have already proven themselves on job sites, offering the performance and reliability that
are hallmarks of the Cat brand.
“When we buy it, we need it to be working,” Jim Mitchell emphasized. “And if it’s not working, we
need it fixed quickly.”
That need for uptime—and trust in responsive support—is why the team values their Cat dealer
relationship so highly. Both Jim and David spoke warmly of the service they receive, noting that it’s not
just the machines, but the people behind them that make the difference.

West Knoxville East Knoxville Chattanooga
865.218.8800 865.546.1414 423.698.6943
Kingsport Crossville Sevierville
423.323.0400 931.484.4040 865.595.3750
www.StowersCat.com

Memphis LaVergne Camden Clarksville
901.332.3051 615.256.2424 731.584.2732 931.552.5496
Cookeville Jackson Manchester Thompson’s Station
931.646.3200 731.988.4240 931.461.5000 615.744.7850
www.TMCat.com

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