Arizona Contractor & Community Fall 2015 V4 I3 | Page 89

Operator Steve Johnson running Cat 112 Blade, 1970s. Candelaria’s wife came up with the company name by combining the two first names, RoBil. In 1975, RoBil Contracting purchased an Allis Chalmers grader from Bill Bickes of Bickes Contracting, who had bought two identical graders. Interesting features on the grader are the hydraulic rams, add-on fabricated rear ripper section, electric starter, dual hydraulic pumps, and the lack of a cab to obtain maximum visibility. Initially, RoBil Contracting attracted business by going door to door. However, after they paved Carl Osborn’s driveway on Camelback Mountain in January 1969, referrals for additional subcontracting jobs ensued. The two men did all the work including estimating, running equipment, and raking asphalt. RoBil Contracting and the projects they completed became larger. The company was an asphalt contractor for 37 years in Arizona until Candelaria and Sudbrack retired and sold their assets to the next generation. Richard, Candelaria’s son, renamed RoBil to Sharp Creek Contracting, Inc. in 2004. Richard emphasizes the tradition, knowledge, and work ethic of RoBil Contracting when he trains new Bill Sudbrack shoveling asphalt out of Layton box, 1970s. employees. Learning how grading and paving was done in the past is one of the keys to the success of Sharp Creek Contracting. Others have noticed their excellent work. “Of all the grading and paving contractors we have used, Sharp Creek is by far the best,” Frank Pettit, Vice Steve Johnson mixing dirt for a building pad with Cat 112 Blade. www.arizcc.com Arizona contractor & community