Business Matters:
RAM Enterprise
Since 1991, RAM Enterprise has been serving the mining and bulk material handling industry across the US and beyond. Today, their team boasts more than 500 years of combined experience and over 3.2 million hours of man-hours worked safely—no small feat in the industry.
We spoke with Richard Milroy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, about the company’s evolution—from humble beginnings starting with one employee (Richard himself) to 400 team members today, many of whom have been with the company for decades.
What does RAM Enterprise do?
We’re experts in the equipment that mining companies rely on to process raw materials — from conveyor belts and belt accessories to the critical machinery inside processing plants. Whether it’s for crushing, drying, or mixing, our job is to make sure that equipment runs safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Mining in the western U.S. happens on a massive scale. Based in Elko, Nevada, we serve customers across all 50 states and internationally. The equipment is enormous — imagine a 200-ton shovel the size of a house. You don’t really grasp the scale until you’re standing next to it.
How has RAM Enterprise evolved since its founding in 1991?
I started RAM after losing my job. I decided I never wanted to be in that position again, so I built something of my own. What began as a one-person operation has grown into a 400-person company — with 300 full-time employees and 100 traveling team members.
Over the last three years, we’ve tripled in size. We set a bold goal to hit by December 2025 — and we nearly hit it a year early. That growth didn’t happen by accident. It came from setting clear targets and backing them up with execution.
What sets RAM Enterprise apart?
People.
Our people are the difference-makers. They care — about the work, about each other, and about our customers. That’s not just talk — it’s backed by our retention. Many have been with us for 10, 20, even 30 years. While the people at our customers’ sites may change, our teams stay consistent. That’s how we come to know our customers’ operations sometimes better than they do themselves.
We invest in helping people grow, from learning the tools to moving into leadership roles. At RAM, this isn’t just a job. It’s a career.
How does RAM Enterprise support the broader community?
We’re deeply rooted in the small, rural communities where we operate. Giving back is a core value. Whether it’s sponsoring local sports teams or organizing community meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas, we do what we can to support the places we call home.
What role has your banking partner played in RAM’s growth?
Having the right banking partner has been critical to scaling our business. Mining is a dynamic industry — when opportunities arise, we need to move fast. Our banking team has enabled us to act quickly, whether that means bringing on new equipment or hiring new crews.
We’ve worked with our bankers for years, and that relationship is built on trust. They understand our business, they know how to get deals done, and they’ve been a key part of our success.