The year was 1951 and the reason was the "Big Kansas Flood". Max, George and John Rieke ventured into the excavating business. It was somewhat of a part time business. It began as a truck farming business. A high-loader and a dump truck were the only pieces of equipment. As the time passed the truck farming business descreased and the excavating business increased. Today Rieke Brothers is run by Leon Rieke, Max’s son, and by Tom and Steve Rieke, George’s sons. The equipment list has grown to over 400 pieces and employees range from 100 to 180 depending on the time of the year.