Retrac, Portia, Jimmy and Carter Lewis
Jimmy and Portia Lewis started their family business in 1969 when they purchased a backhoe, a used dump truck and a trailer and began installing septic systems in and around Person County. They ran the business from their home, both working hard to make the business a success. Jimmy ran the equipment, and Portia helped him load pipe in the morning and did the books at night. She supplemented their income by working a separate job during the day until the business grew too large for her to continue.
After several years, the Lewises purchased more equipment, hired more workers, and began clearing lots. Soon they were expanding into many other areas of construction – and demolition. They began developing residential subdivisions, and continued to grow. In 1995, Carter – the first of the Lewis sons – joined the firm. His brother Retrac came aboard two years later, which prompted a new name for the company – Jimmy Lewis and Sons Excavating and Septic Tank Services, Inc.
Although the company has grown and the services offered have expanded, Jimmy, Portia and both sons still are closely involved in the day to day operation of the company. Jimmy and the boys will operate the equipment as needed, and Portia continues to work in the office. The family’s commitment to hard work has resulted in a company that customers all over North Carolina can count on for grading and septic systems – but also for quality and excellence.
