Founded in 1997, RCS Grading Inc. has steadily grown as a grading and excavation service provider out of Greer, South Carolina. Central to its mission is a dual focus of “moving dirt and growing people,” a philosophy deeply rooted in the company’s ethos.
“We strive to foster a people-first culture that recognizes the value of every individual, whether they’re operating a shovel or implementing cutting-edge technology,” said Elisha Godfrey, Vice President of Operations at RCS Grading.
Working primarily within upstate South Carolina, RCS prefers to stay close to home to ensure its employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. The company’s reach spans roughly an hour and a half from its central base, with a commitment to keeping workers off the road and with their families whenever possible.
“Being local doesn’t just make good business sense; it’s about respecting the lives of our employees,” Godfrey said. “We want them to build a career, but not at the expense of their personal lives. That’s a cornerstone of who we are.”
RCS employs approximately 200 workers, a large jump from the original 15-employee team it maintained in its earlier years. The growth has created opportunities for career advancement while allowing the company to uphold its community-oriented values.
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“Our people are more than numbers,” Godfrey said. “They’re an integral part of our mission. We aim to create an environment where individuals can achieve their full potential, no matter their role.”
Specializing in mass grading and storm drainage, RCS takes on large residential subdivisions, typically handling projects that move between 100,000 and 500,000 yards of earth. The company utilizes a wide range of Komatsu equipment, including 45 Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozers and excavators.
“The Komatsu D51PXi was a game-changer for us,” Godfrey said. “It’s an incredibly balanced machine that integrates seamlessly with our technology needs. Our operators can see the entire job in front of them and don’t need to rely on grade stakes. I think in modern grading, GPS is an absolute must. If you’re not using it, you’re behind.”
Recently, RCS has embraced two Komatsu Smart Construction solutions, integrating both Office and Field to modernize its operations. Initially used to digitize daily reports, the applications’ capabilities have expanded to include time tracking, project management, and data analysis.
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“We started small, just replacing paper forms, but it quickly became clear that Smart Construction could do so much more,” said Paul Wood, IT Solutions and Operations Manager at RCS Grading. “It enabled us to consolidate multiple systems into one unified platform.”
Office and Field also bring efficiencies to payroll, helping eliminate errors and reduce administrative overhead. Supervisors can now review and approve time records directly, streamlining the process and ensuring accuracy.
“Smart Construction has helped us identify inefficiencies and improve accountability,” Wood said. “For example, its Bluetooth capabilities help ensure operators’ hours are tracked accurately, reducing the burden on our accounting team.”
Beyond efficiency, the Smart Construction solutions’ data insights help RCS refine its bidding and project planning. With granular data on machine usage and worker productivity, the company can better understand costs and optimize processes.
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“This level of detail is invaluable,” Godfrey said. “We’re now able to make more informed decisions about where we’re profitable and where we need to improve. It’s not just about doing the job; it’s about doing it right.”
The decision to implement the Smart Construction solutions was influenced heavily by RCS’ partnership with Linder Industrial Machinery Company, especially Sales Representatives Tyler Halbert and Ryan Dean as well as Technology Solutions Expert Zach Nunamacher. The relationship extends beyond equipment purchases, encompassing ongoing training, troubleshooting, and technical support.
“Linder has been good to work with and an unbelievable technology partner,” Godfrey said. “Our understanding of the technology has gone through the roof with Linder’s excellent support.”
Linder has also introduced RCS to advanced technologies like drone LiDAR mapping, which the company uses to enhance its site-analysis capabilities. By investing in tools and training for its employees, RCS ensures that technology enhances its core mission of empowering people.
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“Growth isn’t just about scaling the business; it’s about giving our team the tools to succeed and the opportunities to advance,” Wood said. “That’s why we prioritize internal development over outsourcing.”
RCS sees its integration of Smart Construction and Komatsu equipment as central to its future. The company anticipates even greater efficiency and accuracy as it fully implements these systems across its operations and continues to refine its processes.
While the road ahead may involve expanding operations, RCS aims to remain steadfast in its commitment to people-first values and maintain the integrity of the company.
“At the end of the day, we’re here to make a difference,” Godfrey said. “Whether that’s through the dirt we move or the lives we impact, our mission remains the same.”
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Beyond its operational success, RCS has demonstrated a commitment to the community, particularly in times of crisis. Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in South Carolina, the company sprang into action to assist affected areas. Recognizing the urgent need for resources and manpower, RCS mobilized its employees and equipment to support local recovery efforts. The company’s involvement extended beyond what might be expected of a construction firm.
“We didn’t think twice about stepping in to help,” Godfrey said. “After the storm hit, we had teams out with chainsaws and mini excavators clearing debris and helping people get out of their driveways and homes. Another team prepared 300 meals for those in need. It wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding to see our community come together and support one another.”
The company’s proactive approach also extended to its own workforce. Ensuring that employees were safe and cared for was a top priority. RCS quickly restored power and internet at its headquarters, enabling the company to process payroll on schedule and provide stability for its workers amid the chaos.
“We always say that we’re a family, and family takes care of each other,” Godfrey said. “That sense of responsibility extends to our employees and the broader community. It’s not just about building sites; it’s about building a better place to live.”
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- Location: Greer, South Carolina
- Employees: Approximately 200
- Established: 1997
- Area of expertise: Mass grading and storm drainage for residential subdivisions
- Komatsu equipment: 45 Intelligent Machine Control dozers and excavators
- Komatsu technology: Smart Construction Field, Smart Construction Office, and IMC
- 6 million to 7 million yards of dirt moved annually
- 3,000 to 5,000 residential pads graded each year
- 300 meals prepared for the community during hurricane relief efforts
