Generations in the making
Where it all begins… Gus Bales moved to Alburtis from Virginia after a stint in the Navy and married the love of his life Anna Leh. His first enterprise was the purchase of 250 acres of property and a lumber mill. With the money earned from timber and selling off the land, Gus started an excavating company which grew over time and became the only company in the area with enough machinery and employees to take on larger jobs.
From Humble Beginnings to Local Respect
In 1985, his son, Carl “Senior” branched out on his own with only a Ford 2wd backhoe. Carl’s wife Rita raised their family of six, managed all office work, and continued to work her full time position Caloric factory. Carl worked long 14-hour days every week bidding jobs, working the backhoe, and earning the respect of the local community.
Family is key
While other companies sought larger projects, Carl concentrated on the smaller ones, earning a strong reputation for his skill, reliability, and honesty. With the help of his son, Carl Junior, the company began to expand, growing from a single backhoe into a multimillion-dollar business.
Although Carl Bales Sr. and his wife, Rita, have unfortunately passed away, their legacy continues to shape the foundation of the company today. Junior’s three children are now actively involved in the business. Carl and Rita’s daughter also plays a vital role, operating and maintaining the office.
It is no surprise that Carl Bales Excavating has grown into what it is today, built on generations of hard work, dedication, and family values.
Rooted in Tradition, Grounded in Community
Though the company has grown beyond the days when all work was done with a single backhoe, Carl Bales Excavating remains true to its beginnings. It’s still a family business rooted in the community and a job digging a water line for a neighbor down the street is just as important as the truck depot for National Freight Industries.