Atwater establishes grain hauling business, taking advice from local family

     “I love being on the road.”

     Kirk Atwater, 23, of Monticello grew up in Minneapolis, Minn. He went on to attend college and Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in agriculture systems and technology. Now, Atwater owns and operates his own business: K Atwater Transport.

     “There was too many people in the city,” he said, reflecting on life in Minneapolis. “Monticello is a better fit for me. I have family here.”

     For the past two and half years, Atwater has been residing in rural Monticello.

     He started his business a few short months ago, in December 2018.

     “I can haul any ag commodity there is,” he said.

     Namely, Atwater has been busy hauling grain for local farmers, as well as livestock and sod. All of this keeps him busy year round.

     The idea to start his own business actually started in summer of 2017.

     “That’s when I started looking for trucks and talking to people,” said Atwater.

     With family in the Monticello area (Atwater’s mom was a Hein.), Atwater had many connections with local farmers.

     “I grew up visiting and working on my grandparents’ farm,” recalled Atwater, having fond memories of Melvin and Marie Hein.

     He said after graduating from ISU in May 2017, he began immediately looking for a job, with nothing sparking his interest. Atwater said he and his cousins talked about the possibly of starting his own business. Now was perhaps the time to act on it.

     “It just went from there,” said Atwater. “I filed the paperwork and bought a truck.”

     Other steps were involved as well, including filing a federal tax identification number, registering his business with the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office, and securing the proper licenses and permits to even conduct his business.

     Atwater said his extended family was all on board to give him their business, which helps when you’re just starting out.

     “It was nice that they gave me a chance,” he said.

     His first customer in starting his business was a college friend who lives in Lisbon.

     Atwater said rather than pay someone else to haul their grain and livestock, why not pay him.

     Atwater ended up purchasing a 2008 Peterbilt Day Cab.

     “I looked all over the Midwest for a good truck, and I ended up buying in town,” he said of supporting local business.

     Atwater also purchased a used trailer that was in great condition.

     He travels as far as Coggon for his customers. Eighty-five percent of the grain he hauls ends up in Cedar Rapids. Other sites include Clinton, Dubuque, and Dyersville. When it comes to hauling sod, Atwater travels as far as Des Moines and central Iowa. He’s hauled sod for new housing developments, new commercial construction, and golf courses.

     “I still have bills to pay,” said Atwater of the diverse work he does.

     He enjoys this gig because it allows him and his dog to see parts of Iowa he might not otherwise.

     In terms of starting his business now rather than waiting, he said it’s better to build up rapport.

     “There’s more benefits to starting at a young age,” said Atwater. “I have lower insurance rates. I’m able to establish everything and pay it off. I have security for my future.”

     Other than spreading the word among family about K Atwater Transport, Atwater said it helps knowing some people in town as well. His girlfriend’s father, who happens to be a seed dealer, has gotten his name out around the area.

     “Family, neighbors, surrounding farmers, it’s just spiraling out,” Atwater said of gaining more and more business. “I offer competitive prices. I’m cheaper than some, but I won’t go broke.”

     Atwater said this new venture has already taught him a lot about running our own business and being your own boss. He’s had to brush up on tax laws, make some repairs to his equipment, and plan a budget.

     He also learned to allow others to assist or to ask for help when needed.

     “You learn something every day,” he said. “If I have a positive balance at the end of the year, I did something right.”

     Atwater has the ambition and drive to be his own boss, which shows in his passion to work hard. This characteristic started a young age when he started his own lawn mowing business in Minneapolis.

     “I’ve been mowing lawn since I was 8 years old. I have a good work ethic.”

     Atwater said along the way, he’s relied on the advice of family in the ag business.

     “The business side was a real stepping stone for me,” he said.

     Atwater’s mother wanted him to explore business while at ISU, so he earned a minor in ag business.

     “When I was in high school, I learned that if you have a dream, go after it,” Atwater urged other young people.

     He said it’s important to make yourself available, work hard and to be willing to put in the time.

     Looking back on his college days, Atwater said you learn more than just what’s taught in the classroom. “You learn a lot about time management, working with others and how to be an adult,” he said.

     If you’re interested in seeking business from K Atwater Transport, contact him at 612-655-4223.