Building America from the Ground Up: How Chamberlain Backhoe Is Helping Shape Southern California's Future

Now, the third-generation Southern California contractor is receiving national recognition as one of three finalists in John Deere's Building America Contest. 

Building Infrastructure That Communities Depend On 

From underground utilities and electrical infrastructure to hospitals, schools, and commercial developments, Chamberlain Backhoe has built a reputation for delivering dependable excavation services across Southern California. What began as a traditional backhoe operation in 1957 has evolved into a full-service excavation company with approximately 50 employees, but its commitment to reliability, safety, and customer service has remained constant through three generations of ownership. 

"Reliability, safety, honesty, hard work, and long-term relationships have shaped our business," said CEO Nick Long. "We believe in doing what we say we will do, taking care of our employees, and treating every customer's schedule and project as important." 

The company supports commercial, industrial, utility, institutional, and public works projects throughout Southern California, providing operated excavation services for trenching, underground utilities, foundations, site development, and electrical infrastructure. 

"To us, Building America means doing the essential work that supports everyday life," said Long. "It is digging the trenches that carry power and utilities, preparing the ground for hospitals and schools, and helping build businesses and facilities people depend on." 

Making a Lasting Impact Across Southern California 

Among the many projects Chamberlain Backhoe has completed over the years, those involving hospitals and schools remain especially meaningful. These projects may not showcase the visible results of excavation work, but they directly contribute to facilities that improve lives and serve communities for decades. 

"The projects that stand out most are our jobs at hospitals and schools because the impact is easy to understand," Long said. "The excavation itself may not be visible when the project is finished, but it supports facilities that care for patients, educate children, and serve families for many years." 

A Team-First Culture 

For Chamberlain Backhoe, success isn't measured solely by equipment or project volume. It starts with the people behind the work. 

"Our team is the business," said Long. "Equipment matters, but it is the operator in the seat, the mechanic keeping the fleet ready, the driver moving machines safely, and the office team coordinating every detail who deliver the Chamberlain experience." 

A Longstanding Partnership with Coastline Equipment 

For more than 30 years, Chamberlain Backhoe has relied on Coastline Equipment's support to help keep its operation running efficiently. Combined with decades of experience using John Deere machines, the partnership has played an important role in the company's success.  "John Deere equipment has been part of our operation since the '80s and has earned our trust through years of real jobsite experience," Long said. "Just as important, our relationship with Coastline Equipment has provided roughly 30 years of local parts, service, and product support, helping us keep machines working and customers taken care of." 

Why a New John Deere P-Tier Excavator Would Be Transformational 

As one of three national finalists in the Building America Contest, Chamberlain Backhoe has the opportunity to win a new John Deere P-Tier mid-size excavator. 

"Winning a new-generation John Deere P-Tier mid-size excavator would be transformative for our business," Long said. "It would add a major capability to our fleet and help us serve existing customers better while creating opportunities for future growth." 

Looking Ahead to the Next Generation 

As Chamberlain Backhoe approaches its 70th anniversary, the company remains focused on thoughtful growth, investing in its fleet, developing future leaders, and creating opportunities for long-term employees. 

"Our goal is to grow thoughtfully while protecting the culture and service that built the company," Long said. 

A Company Worth Rallying Behind 

For nearly seven decades, the company has helped build Southern California one trench, one foundation, and one project at a time. Through its commitment to customers, employees, safety, and community impact, Chamberlain Backhoe has earned its reputation as a trusted contractor and a valued Coastline Equipment customer. 

"We hope our legacy is that we helped build Southern California the right way: safely, reliably, and with respect for the people around us," Long said.