In the fast-moving Dallas-Fort Worth construction market, opportunity favors those willing to move dirt quickly and accurately.
Chris Condit saw that opening and built Condit Excavation LLC to fill it.
Condit launched the Dallas-based company about a year ago after years in multifamily construction and development. He worked up from an assistant superintendent to an assistant project manager before shifting into site development, which is the direction Condit is taking Condit Excavation.
The company handles pad preparation, mass clearing and mass grading across North Texas, mainly focusing on the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
“I've brought on a really good team and leaned on strong partners to get moving,” Condit said. “We stick to dirt. Utilities and paving are handled by trusted partners. That focus lets us do one thing — and do it well.”
Condit began in East Texas completing residential pad preps and lot benching. As word spread, he expanded into commercial and multifamily work, which now makes up approximately 90 percent of Condit Excavation's projects. Crews tackle jobs ranging from 1-acre retail sites to 20-acre multifamily developments.
Saving With the Latest Technology
Kirby Smith Machinery photo
By combining a lean operational structure with advanced machine control, Condit Excavation is positioning itself as a nimble, tech-forward contractor in the competitive North Texas earthmoving market, proving that even a young company can leverage digital tools to compete at a higher level.
Condit Excavation's fleet centers on a Komatsu D51PXi-24 intelligent machine control (IMC) dozer. Equipped with factory-integrated GPS machine control, it drives production on grading projects.
Crews use a Komatsu Smart Construction Base and Rover system to establish site control, allowing operators to cut and fill to exact elevations without constant grade checking. Unlike traditional setups that require grade stakes and frequent survey verification, the integrated system gives operators real-time elevation feedback directly in the cab.
“We can see exactly where we are in relation to finish grade in real time right on the dozer's screen,” Condit said. “It makes the whole operation more efficient and reduces our costs because we have less labor and there's no overcutting, so no wasted effort or need for replacement fill. The accuracy is spot-on and allows us to get to grade faster and take on more jobs.”
Eddie Garcia, technology solutions expert with Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM), said that successful GPS machine control implementation starts long before the machine ever tracks onto the jobsite.
“We'll come out and help you set up your base station, especially anytime you're using GPS machine control,” Garcia said. “We initially consult with you about what you're trying to accomplish and tailor technology solutions to fit your needs. There are many ways we can help, including helping with the creation of jobsite models. In Chris' case, finished files are formatted for the integrated Topcon system, but Kirby-Smith supports multiple platforms, including Trimble and Leica.”
Garcia and other KSM technology team members work with contractors to tie the digital model to real-world coordinates through localization. Using known control points on the site, they set up the base station and calibrate the rover and data collector to ensure the machine's GPS signals align precisely with the project's layout.
“What that does is it ties your jobsite together,” Garcia said. “We'll help with localization, help you set up your base station, do training with your rover and data collector, and help set up the machine, trying to make it as easy as possible for you. Our goal is to train contractors to do it themselves and support where needed.”
Confidence for Bigger Work
Kirby Smith Machinery photo
Garcia emphasized that adopting GPS technology isn't reserved for large, long-established contractors, and Condit Excavation is a prime example of how it can benefit contractors of any size.
“You don't have to be a big company to use technology,” Garcia said. “Chris is a smaller company — first dozer, first GPS system. Whether you're a one-man show or have a hundred people, you get the same support from Kirby-Smith.”
Condit was introduced to the technology through KSM Territory Manager Matt Probey and later attended a Demo Days event, where he operated a Komatsu IMC dozer firsthand. Garcia and the KSM technology team provided initial setup and operator training when the machine was delivered and continue to support Condit Excavation nearly a year later.
“When we call, they answer,” Condit said. “They understand how to put us in the right machines and use the technology to our advantage. That gives us confidence to take on bigger work.”
* The opinions expressed here are based on the customer's specific experience. Results may vary.
