Based in Poulsbo, WA, Bret Schwarz, Owner and President of Fast Track Construction has spent nearly three decades building his reputation from the ground up.
Specializing in underground utility work, septic systems, and total site prep, Bret recently added a key piece of equipment to his operation, the Kobelco SK170LC-11 excavator, purchased from Powerscreen of Washington, which has already not only met but exceeded expectations.
From Pierce to Kitsap and Jefferson to Mason counties, Bret and his team rely on reliable, powerful equipment to get the job done right and the Kobelco SK170 has become central to that success.
Rooted in Tradition, Driven by Purpose
Fast Track Construction isn’t just a business, it’s a legacy. Bret’s family has been doing dirt work in the Pacific Northwest since the late 1950s. What began with his grandfather evolved into a lifelong pursuit for his father, and eventually, a calling for Bret himself. “I learned the trade the old-fashioned way,” Bret shared. “My dad took me out of school early to get hands-on in the field. That’s where I learned everything.”
Bret credits this upbringing not only for his knowledge of the trade but for his mindset as a business owner. “Without my father and grandfather laying the groundwork, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t have been able to go to school and learn this the way I’ve come to understand it in real life.”
That hard-earned experience has shaped his daily approach. Bret lives by a simple but powerful motto, “If you do what you say you’re going to do, and you’re serious about your work, and you have nice, reliable, powerful equipment...the money will always follow.”
KOBELCO
Why Kobelco is Always the Right Choice
Bret’s philosophy on machinery is straightforward, stick with what works. That’s why he’s been running Kobelco excavators since the late 1980s, and why he continues to do so today. When it came time to upgrade, the Kobelco SK170LC-11 was the clear choice and Powerscreen of Washington made the process seamless.
From his first day running the SK170, Bret noticed a difference. “It’s been flawless,” he said. “More power than my previous machines, no bugs, no breakdowns. Just solid, smooth performance.” He’s been running the machine for over six months now, relying on it for everything from stump and brush grinding to moving, separating, and loading debris into his tub grinder. Bret also does a significant amount of craning work, including lifting large septic tanks, tasks that demand strength, balance, and precision. The SK170 delivers on all fronts with 28,300 lbf of digging force, 9,640 lbs of lift capacity, and a 123 hp Tier IV Final Yanmar engine, the machine offers a rare combination of brawn and agility.
Strength, Comfort, & Control
The Generation-11 series of Kobelco excavators brings more than just raw power. It brings a refined operator experience that Bret says makes a real difference at the end of a long day. “This model is the strongest and smoothest excavator I’ve ever run in this weight class,” he said. “The air ride seat is super comfortable and easy on the body. The controls are more intuitive and easier to navigate than on my last machine.”
The SK170’s upgraded 10-inch display also allows Bret’s team to customize their settings for performance and fuel economy, maximizing profitability without compromising power.
For Bret, the machine’s reach is another standout feature, “It’s the perfect length for its size and very balanced.”
One of the most important practical advantages for Fast Track Construction has been the mobility. “I can still haul the SK170 behind a dump truck without a lowboy,” Bret pointed out. “That flexibility is a game changer for moving quickly between job sites.”
“MORE POWER THAN MY PREVIOUS MACHINES, NO BUGS, NO BREAKDOWNS. JUST
SOLID, SMOOTH PERFORMANCE.”
Dealers that Stand Behind their Equipment
For Bret, equipment is only half the equation and dealer support are just as critical. “Powerscreen of Washington is a breath of fresh air to deal with,” he said. “Their parts department responds quickly, and TJ Gleason, the Kobelco Sales Manager, has been on the spot every time we’ve needed anything.”
A standout moment that sealed his loyalty was when Bret was transitioning from his old Kobelco to the new SK170, TJ and the Powerscreen team allowed him to keep his previous machine right up until the day his new unit was delivered. “That was huge,” Bret said. “It meant zero downtime for our company. This small gesture proved to me that this company cares about my success as a customer and not just as a transaction.”
After nearly 30 years in business, Fast Track Construction has no signs of slowing down. With the support of Powerscreen of Washington and the power of the Kobelco SK170, Bret Schwarz is equipped to continue doing what he does best, moving dirt, solving problems, and honoring the legacy of those who taught him the trade. For Bret, it all comes down to one thing, “If you’re serious about your work and you have the right tools, everything else will fall into place.”
“IT MEANT
ZERO DOWNTIME
FOR OUR COMPANY. THIS SMALL GESTURE PROVED TO ME THAT THIS COMPANY CARES ABOUT
MY SUCCESS
AS A CUSTOMER AND NOT JUST AS A TRANSACTION.”