Along the way, the Phoenix-based company she and her husband Arvid Veidmark Jr. co-founded in 1969 has transitioned from open-cut excavation to horizontal boring to offering a full slate of trenchless services.
Their son Arvid Veidmark III, who was recently named president, puts the company’s work in simple terms: “You’ve got to like sweating.”
SSC (for Specialized Services Company) started out of the entrepreneurial inclinations of Arvid Jr.’s parents, Lois and Arvid Veidmark Sr. The two had secured a U.S. West contract to install telephone lines in Phoenix.
“It turned out that we liked working together and had the skills required,” Marcia says. “We built the company and just grew it all with God's blessings, hard work and grit.” The senior Veidmarks left after four years to pursue another business. Over the years, Marcia and Arvid Jr. worked with all three of their sons in the business. Arvid Jr. retired in 2002 followed by Aaron pursuing new opportunities in 2011 and Abe accepting a position with TT Technologies in 2021.
For the first 20 years, the couple concentrated on installing utilities and site development. But the competition in the open-cut market was intense; and the hunt was on for other opportunities. The trenchless market held appeal. One reason: due to the complexity and capital investment required, there were fewer companies to compete with.
SSC purchased its first horizontal boring machine in 1989 with the couple’s son Arvid Veidmark III directing the effort.
