For Dennis and Harrison Kahl of Dow City, Iowa, running Kahl Craft 2, LLC isn’t just about building things. It’s about building better ways to get things done. What started decades ago as a one-man industrial maintenance outfit has turned into a family-run operation that stretches across states, tackling everything from warehouse installations to full-scale plant remodels.
The father-and-son team behind Kahl Craft 2 have made investing in top-notch machinery a cornerstone of their business philosophy, not just to grow, but to make work more efficient and more satisfying for everyone on the team. When you ask Harrison what makes their company different, he doesn’t hesitate: “We’re really equipment-heavy compared to a lot of our competitors,” he says. “We approach projects by going after it and getting the job done right and efficiently. Bringing in more equipment makes the process smoother for us and our employees.” Owning their equipment gives them flexibility and speed. It means they can jump on a project immediately, stay on schedule even when logistics get tricky, and give their crews the best tools to do the job right.
“When you have your own machines, you’re not waiting on rentals, you’re not paying delays, and your crew gets to know the equipment inside and out,” Harrison says. “It’s a very physical job so having the right equipment makes all the difference.”
With their own fleet of skid and compact track loaders, scissor lifts, excavators, forklifts, and more, Kahl Craft 2 can handle multiple projects across several states at once without relying on rentals or borrowed gear. They believe in having what they need when they need it, so they transport all the equipment and supplies needed for a job on their own trucks.
“We roll into a site with everything we need,” Harrison says. “Water, tools, materials, and of course, our machines. We’re not waiting on anyone else. It’s made us faster, more reliable, and a lot less stressed.
“It’s amazing what one machine can do with the right attachment,” Dennis says. “With the universal mount our guys can switch from grading to jackhammering without even leaving the cab.” That flexibility keeps the jobs moving fast. One minute the crew is moving large pieces of concrete and rubble, the next they’re clearing land or regrading a driveway, all with the same machine.
And because everyone on the team knows the controls, there’s no learning curve. Dennis chuckles, “Once our guys get in the C362 with the comfy cab, air ride seat, A/C, and radio they don’t want to run anything else.”
By owning and maintaining a fleet of New Holland Construction machines, the Kahls have created a well-oiled system. Each operator gets to know the equipment inside and out. They have the same controls, same feel, same setup so there’s almost no learning curve when switching between the various tasks.
Today, Kahl Craft 2 runs with about 15 employees, taking on projects for clients ranging from local manufacturers to big names like Smithfield, Tyson, and CNH. They’re steadily working toward becoming full-fledged general contractors who can handle everything from equipment installs to landscaping. And they’re building a reputation as the contractor customers call first when they want a job done right. But behind the jokes is a serious strategy: investing in equipment that keeps their jobs efficient and their customers happy.
“The C362s have been a game-changer for us,” Harrison says. “They’re not just machines: they’re part of the team.”