In 1955, Frank Cavaliere started a small excavating business with a new Oliver tractor equipped with a Pippin backhoe and a front loader bucket. Shortly thereafter, he invited Tony Portanova to join the business, and together they formed C & P Excavating Contractors, Inc. A new contracting business was born.

Dominick Cavaliere, Frank’s younger brother, purchased a third share of the excavating business in 1957 while working part time after school. Upon his graduation 1959, he joined the firm full time.

In those early years, C & P Excavating Contractors specialized in digging additions, foundations, and sewer and water lines. As business increased, more equipment was purchased, including a John Deere backhoe, a dump truck, and pick-up truck.