About Us

Our goal is to provide skills and knowledge to any individual seeking a career as a certified heavy equipment operator. Whether you have no experience or you're already an operator and looking to improve your skills, HEO Academy is here to help you maximize your potential.

Our Mission

Our mission is to equip each and every one of our students with all of the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to achieve a successful, high-paying career. Not only do we aim to provide our graduates with a skilled trade that spans far beyond the construction industry, we also strive to empower them with the confidence and work ethic essential to achieving a prosperous career and a fulfilling life.

Founder & Field Instructor

Dennis Edwards

 

He began operating farm equipment in 1966 and started working for a family-owned construction company in 1978 operating a backhoe, track hoe, dozer, side boom, & crane trucks. In 1988 he was employed by a general contractor where he became certified as a dozer, forklift and track hoe operator.

 

Between 1996-2000 he was a heavy equipment training consultant for Cap Rock, Quest Communications and Level Three Communications. In 2001 he worked for Nabholz Construction and was the certified operator of all the equipment.

After that, he started working for several gas and oil companies as a consultant on constructing well pads, trenching for gas, oil, and water transfer lines along with composing lift plans for cranes for compressor sites, and load configurations. During this time, he also trained operators for oil companies in their own trenching procedures in numerous states.

 

Now as a senior chief consultant, he is ready to retire from the work force and start giving back to the community by training our next generation of operators.

Facility

Our training facility is located at 12844 Highway 65 South in Bee Branch, Arkansas. It's directly accross the street from South Side High School. Our facility includes areas for classrooms, and administrative offices. The rest of the property is sectioned off for hands on heavy equipment training.

 

Out of State?

Too far of a commute?

We've got you covered! We provide discounted lodging for our students, which is fully furnished and all utilities are paid. All you need to bring is your clothes, toiletries, twin sized bedding, and whatever food you want to stock in the fridge. Priced at just $300 per month to make your stay with us as affordable as possible! Find out more about our housing here.