Want to know what it’s like to run big iron at a company that actually trusts you to get the job done right?
Just Ask Spencer.
With nearly eight years on Crossland’s Heavy team, Spencer isn’t just moving dirt—he’s helping lead crews on some of the region’s biggest earthwork projects. From massive grading jobs to complex roadway builds, he brings precision, grit, and problem-solving power to every task.
“We do everything—site prep, roads, ponds, building pads. If there’s dirt to move, we move it,” Spencer says.
A Company That Self-Performs the Tough Stuff
Crossland Heavy can self-perform key trades like earthwork, concrete, and more—giving us greater control over quality, schedule, and safety, and allowing us to respond quickly when challenges come up in the field.
Spencer is a Heavy Equipment Operator III and Lead Man, currently working on the 612 Road project that will connect XNA Airport to Highway 412 in Northwest Arkansas. Before that, he helped build Turner Siding in Springfield—a major railroad infrastructure project.
“I started out learning by doing. No formal school—just listening, watching, and putting in the time,” Spencer says. “You don’t learn how to cut a quarter inch of dirt right on grade overnight.”
Tools of the Trade
Today’s crews don’t just run machines—they run tech. Spencer works with Topcon GPS systems, which allow operators to see exact slopes, elevations, and cuts in real time.
“It’s a game changer,” he says. “We’re not guessing—we’re building with accuracy.”
And when it comes to safety, he keeps it simple: PPE and seatbelts are non-negotiable. Especially when running machines without cabs or working near traffic and utilities.
Crew Culture That Makes the Job Worth It
“The crew is everything,” Spencer says. “We’ve got each other’s backs. We work hard, but we joke around, too. Makes the day fly by.
Spencer says the best part of Crossland’s self-perform model is the pride that comes with owning the work—and the trust that leadership places in field crews to lead from the front.
He still remembers when a supervisor publicly thanked him in front of a client and made a point to recognize his work. “Having that customer come shake my hand—that meant something. That’s what makes this place different.”
Life Outside the Machine
When the boots come off, Spencer enjoys the simple stuff—smoking meat, riding lawnmowers with his grandkids, and sitting by the firepit with his wife. He’s got five grandkids (with a sixth on the way), and yes, he firmly believes in Bigfoot. No apologies.
His motto?
“Be curious, not judgmental.”
Good advice for the jobsite—and life.
Why It Matters
Spencer’s story is one of hundreds across Crossland’s self-perform crews. Our operators aren’t just running machines—they’re building roads, structures, and reputations. They’re solving problems before they slow us down. And they’re leading the way in how great work gets done.
If you want to be part of a crew that takes pride in doing the hard stuff right, Crossland might be the place for you.
Check out open equipment operator positions at crossland.com/careers.
