Our History
In 1994, the owner of our location decided to start development, he approached the founder of The Black Dirt Company Kieth Hinkel, and asked if he would be interested in stripping the topsoil off of his property near the east quarter section. Kieth is always one to take advantage of an opportunity and a new challenge so he gladly agreed.
With his farm tractor and a bucket attachment, he started to push up piles of topsoil. Before he knew it, tandem trucks were coming to buy the topsoil, and then he was getting to where he needed to hire someone to help him. He hired his nephew Bobby Campbell to screen and strip topsoil. Our Customers started to come in and ask for products that we hadn’t yet carried such as sand, and gravel. So in order to make our customers happy and help keep Bobby earning his wages, Kieth brought in some sand and gravel. He also brought in a little shack (office), installed a telephone, and then fenced off the small yard. Bobby our yard attendant at the time would answer the phone and not wanting to just answer with “Hello”, off the top of his head he said, “Good morning…… The Black Dirt Company.” Little did he know at the time what those few words would bring.
Soon people were asking if we could deliver topsoil, so that meant we had to buy a tandem truck and hire a driver. Then customers would ask if we had decorative rock, we had to get some different kinds in and since the tractor couldn’t keep up with the loading, we needed to buy a skid steer and another one and then another truck and so on.
In reality, our customers have built The Black Dirt Company to be the company it is today. In the 17 years that we have been in business it is the demands of our customers that challenge the management and staff to offer the high level of products and services in which we do.
Connie Hinkel
Co-Founder
The Black Dirt Company