Making his mark in earthmoving: Meet Yarroweyah’s Jacob Murrells

Born in Tasmania, Jacob moved to Echuca when he was about 10, where his father ran a bobcat business for 28 years.

Although Jacob was keen to follow in his father’s footsteps, he was encouraged to gain a trade first and went on to complete a plumbing apprenticeship.

He later spent five years with Citywide Service Solutions in Melbourne, working in power line vegetation management, before running a tree business for seven years in Echuca.

Jacob moved to Cobram to be with his partner, Rhiannon, around four years ago, working at Olex Civil before joining Bell Earthmoving and Civil.

After buying a house with Rhiannon in Yarroweyah about two years ago, Jacob decided to start his own business around a year ago.

From property clearing, landscaping preparation, driveways, drainage, demolition and foundations, to excavations for swimming pools and septic systems, tree removal and established tree transplanting, Jacob’s work covers a broad range of services.

“Pretty much anything and everything that can be done with a bobcat, excavator, rollers, I can and will do it,” he said.

Jacob said the process for each job began with understanding what the customer wanted to achieve.

“I’m very passionate and very particular about what I do; I will take my time if I have to, but you’re going to get exactly what you pay for, if not more,” he said.

“I like being able to give people new ideas for trees for beautifying their properties ― taking virtually a blank canvas and turning it into something quite mouth-dropping.

“The people who have hired me for jobs in their backyards or other things, have become repeat customers ― it’s been really good, but I’m still the new kid on the block.”

Jacob said he recognised that customers often had established relationships with local contractors, but hoped his attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile would encourage people to give him a chance.

“Being in a new area, I understand people have their regular go-tos, but don't be afraid to try someone else out,” he said.

“I'd like to grow the business, so we can employ local people and support the community.”

Jacob said he would love to see his own son, Alexander, have the opportunity to become involved in the business too, if he chose to follow a similar path.

Jacob services Cobram and surrounds, including Albury, Wodonga, Deniliquin, Swan Hill, Bendigo and Echuca.

To inquire about a job, call Jacob on 0408 403 461.