Introduction:
In this article, the protagonist Tom achieved a significant transformation in his life through the construction machinery industry, transitioning from a loader operator to a mini excavator owner. Seizing the real estate boom, he now owns two mini excavators. Reflecting on the industry changes, Tom, although regretful for entering the field late, remains optimistic about the future. He is dedicated to improving his skills and management abilities, striving to carve out his own path in the industry.
Story begins
The protagonist of this story, Tom, entered the construction machinery industry after graduating from junior high school. He caught the wave of the real estate boom, transforming from an ordinary person without much education or background into the owner of two mini excavators. Tom expressed gratitude for this era and the construction machinery industry, which enabled him, a junior high school graduate from a region with an average monthly salary of four to five hundred US dollars, to earn a decent living!
In 2007, facing a lack of opportunities after junior high school, Tom chose to learn to operate a loader to support his family financially. However, reality was not as simple as Tom had hoped. The downturn in the local loader market made it difficult for him to find relevant work. Two years later, a turning point arrived when some relatives started working in the excavator industry, prompting Tom to learn to operate excavators with them. This coincided with rapid local infrastructure and real estate development, leading to 15 years of dedication and hard work, witnessing the ups and downs of the local excavator industry.
The period around 2007-2021 was widely recognized as a golden growth period in the industry, with numerous opportunities. Not only did many practitioners earn abundantly during that time, but it was also friendly to newcomers. In 2009, benefiting from the booming market, Tom quickly found work after mastering excavator technology. Over the years, he worked tirelessly on construction sites as a substitute, becoming proficient in operating various brands and models of excavators. This proficiency allowed him to stay employed when the industry declined in 2014, with fewer job opportunities and many peers changing professions.
After years of operating excavators, Tom began to aspire for more. By 2018, despite a brief industry recovery, increasing competition and saturation made it harder to make money. In 2022, while working on local municipal projects, Tom encountered mini and micro excavators. Operating these smaller machines, he realized their advantages of low initial investment, high profits, and quick returns. Thus, he decided to start his excavator dream with mini and micro excavators. In 2023, after careful consideration, Tom reached a significant milestone in his life – purchasing his first mini excavator, a Caterpillar 301.7, known for its powerful performance and excellent control. Despite facing another industry downturn, with good equipment, skills, and diligent work ethic, he quickly recouped his investment. Later, Tom added another Sany excavator to his fleet.
Through years of relentless effort, Tom achieved a certain level of success in his career, established his own family, all thanks to the construction machinery industry. Tom expressed his gratitude, acknowledging how this industry allowed many individuals without formal education or background to support their families without leaving their hometowns!
Comparing himself to peers, Tom considers himself fortunate, yet he still harbors regrets about the past. His biggest regret is entering the industry too late and being content as an operator until recent years when he desired to work independently. Although he caught the market boom, he feels he missed out on the maximum benefits. Today, with intense competition and transparent market conditions, earning money has become increasingly challenging. Moreover, many equipment owners now prefer to operate the machines themselves, limiting growth opportunities.
However, Tom understands that there are no absolute regrets in life, and every decision was the best choice at that time given the circumstances.
In the future, he plans to continue striving, constantly improving his skills and management abilities, aiming to carve out his own space in this industry!