Taylor Brothers Construction Still Digging Up City

In the 1930’s a group of African-American pioneers started their own business here in Columbia. Decades later, it's turned into a prosperous venture. From the ground up, the Taylor brothers have built a strong tradition, not to mention, several foundations in this city. Despite discrimination and struggles in the past, today, they like to say there's not a piece of ground they haven't touched. “This is my grandfather Poppa Taylor,” Ronald Taylor said as he pointed to an old family portrait.In the 1930's, Samuel Taylor was a Columbia farmer looking for a new career.“He left the farming business and got into the grading business with a mule and a drag pan,” he said. “There weren't too many other people who provided the service.”When Samuel’s sons, Robert and Samuel, Jr., returned from the war, they took up the family business. “Uncle Samuel and daddy were the original Taylor Brothers,” Ronald said.For the last three generations, the Taylor brothers have been digging up the city.“We've done a number of buildings in Downtown Columbia. I jokingly tell people, we do dirt for a living,” he said.Although business was good, it wasn't easy.“It was some battles to be fought, there were times when people wouldn't do business with minorities. I mean, something as simple as selling a piece of equipment,” he said.“My father, mother, aunt and uncle really had to struggle as far as keeping this business viable, as far as finding jobs and maintaining jobs.”From a mule and a drag pan in the late 1930's to more than 15 trucks and 15 tractors today, the Taylor family business has come a long way.“We're very proud of what we've accomplished over the years,” Eldest brother, Robert, said.“Times have really changed. It's a matter that things we take for granted, now we couldn't take for granted. I'm saying as little as 30 years ago,” Ronald said.Now, the new generation of Taylor brothers are moving the legacy forward, one project at a time, with the same work ethic their parents had.“It was a struggle, but it was something they did together and they enjoyed their work and they took pride in their work,” Ronald said.The Taylor brothers are currently working on the streetscape project for the city's convention center.