Our Experience
We Are an Industry Leader.
Ceres was founded as a tree service company in 1976 during a severe beetle infestation. During the crisis, founder David McIntyre identified the need to provide safe, cost-efficient removal of the affected trees while simultaneously inventing and implementing practices to minimize environmental impact. Investing significantly in heavy equipment including massive wood grinders and screens, Ceres quickly emerged as an industry leader in developing innovative recycling techniques to create valuable mulches, composts, and soils from wood waste.
Decades of Growth & Expansion
In the early 1980s, the company diversified into civil construction. Working initially with local municipalities and eventually the Federal government, Ceres developed capabilities in demolition, levees and flood control as well as road, bridge, park and wetland construction. During the 1990s, we executed hundreds of environmental contracts to remove leaking underground storage tanks throughout the nation.
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew wrought destruction on Florida and Ceres responded bringing its debris management expertise to a newlyforming disaster recovery industry. Along with a billion dollar contract after Hurricane Katrina (later rated “Outstanding” by the Army Corps of Engineers), the company has also participated in more than 330 federally-funded contracts.

“An arial view of Naranja Lakes, just south of Miami, FL, following Hurricane Andrew.”

“A Ceres crew removing debris from the roadside in Louisiana following Hurricane Ida in 2021.”
Disaster after Disaster
Over the years, Ceres has become a key industry leader with extensive service capabilities and geographic reach.
Ceres has been directly involved as a prime contractor in post-event recoveries from such major events as Hurricane Idalia and the Great Vermont Flood in 2023; Hurricane Ian in 2022; Hurricane Ida in 2021; Hurricanes Delta, Hanna, Laura, Sally and Zeta in 2020; Hurricanes Florence and Michael and the California Camp Fire (Butte County) in 2018; Northern California Wildfires (Lake, Mendocino and Napa Counties) and Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in 2017; Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, and Louisiana Floods in 2016; Winter Storms Cara and Goliath in 2015; Winter Storm Pax in 2014; Superstorm Sandy in 2012; the Oklahoma City and Alabama tornadoes, New Zealand earthquake, and flooding in North Dakota in 2011; earthquakes in Haiti in 2010; flooding in Iowa and Hurricane Ike in 2008; as well as Hurricanes Katrina (2005), Georges (1998), and Andrew (1992).
The Future
Our mission is to serve units of Government with time-critical disaster recovery and heavy construction services. We have an enviable reputation for speedy deployment, excellent work, and experienced site management. After four decades of doing demanding work in almost every U.S. state and territory, Ceres is still known for keeping its promises: Ceres has never defaulted on a contract, failed to complete a contract, nor had any client denied reimbursement. An evaluation from the Department of the Navy is typical: “perhaps the finest contractor I have worked with….” Ceres always adheres to the highest standards of quality, integrity, and safety, and we promise to perform to these high standards, regardless of the project size or scope.
