May Excavating Inc.

May Excavating Inc., owned and operated by Lesa and Jesse May of Carterville, Illinois, has built a reputation for precision, efficiency, and job site safety in excavation services. With over 35 years of combined experience, the company specializes in excavation, grading, land clearing, and infrastructure development, serving both commercial and residential clients throughout Illinois. Their expertise allows them to take on challenging projects with innovative solutions, ensuring long-lasting results for their customers.

As the company looked to expand into government contracting, Lesa learned about the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU through other local business owners. Seeking guidance, she connected with APEX staff, who helped navigate the complexities of government bidding. Greg Bouhl and Allison Hasler assisted with setting up a SAM.gov account, while Brenda Henderson provided valuable insight into the bidding process and helped May Excavating Inc. secure a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification. The guidance they received helped streamline the process, saving valuable time and positioning them for success in the competitive bidding environment. With APEX’s support, the company successfully transitioned from subcontracting to bidding as a prime contractor, ultimately securing three government contracts.

Looking ahead, May Excavating Inc. aims to continue growing its operations, taking on larger projects, and contributing to infrastructure improvements across Illinois and beyond. Their commitment to excellence and long-term relationships with clients has positioned them as a trusted partner in the excavation industry.

Reflecting on their journey, they shared: “The assistance and knowledge we received from APEX was imperative to helping us grow our business and navigate new business opportunities. We are grateful for their expertise in starting and growing businesses.” Learn more about May Excavating Inc.: www.mayexcavating.com