From the Ground Up: How a Marine Veteran Built AmeriCore into a Powerhouse — and Why His New Mack Granite Is the Missing Piece

When you meet Corey Smith, owner of AmeriCore, it doesn’t take long to realize you’re talking to someone who lives and breathes hard work. A Marine veteran turned entrepreneur, Corey built his Davenport, IA-based construction company from the ground up — one project, one connection, and one lesson at a time. Today, AmeriCore stands as a growing force in the construction world, fueled by grit, precision, and a drive to get the job done right.

Building Something Bigger

Corey’s passion for building things runs deep — it’s something he grew up around and always knew he wanted to pursue. “I’ve always wanted my own business,” he said. “I love the process of building something — not just with my hands, but building a company, a team, and a reputation.”
That passion, combined with his military background, has shaped AmeriCore’s foundation. “The Marine Corps taught me grit, strength, and perseverance,” Corey said. “You learn to keep going no matter what — and that mindset carries over into business every single day.”

A Team Effort — On and Off the Job

Like many successful small businesses, AmeriCore is a family operation. Corey’s wife, Tara, runs the office — handling the day-to-day operations, scheduling, and paperwork that keep the company running smoothly. “It’s helped us grow together and build a stronger relationship,” Corey shared. “We balance each other out, and that’s made a big difference.”

Investing in the Right Equipment

As AmeriCore continued to grow, Corey knew the time had come to make a major investment — one that would elevate his company’s capabilities and give them more control over their work. After researching what leading companies in the industry were using, his choice was clear: a Mack Granite dump truck.

“I’ve always wanted a dump truck,” Corey said. “And to finally be in the position to purchase one was an amazing feeling. I knew it was a smart move for our business — Mack trucks are built tough, and that’s exactly what we needed.”

The Missing Piece

Since the Granite was delivered, Corey’s been behind the wheel nearly every day. “It’s given us so much more flexibility,” he explained. “We still dispatch trucks, but now, when something pops up, we have the ability to handle it right away. It’s been a game-changer.”

That flexibility means more opportunities, better responsiveness, and greater reliability — all hallmarks of AmeriCore’s growing reputation.

Built on Relationships

When it came time to purchase the truck, Corey worked closely with Joe Casillas and the team at RDO Truck Centers in Davenport. “Joe did a lot of legwork before we finally made the purchase,” Corey said. “Building relationships is everything in business, and we were very impressed with RDO. They made the process smooth from start to finish.”

For Corey, working with a local partner who shares his values of honesty, quality, and follow-through made all the difference.

Looking Ahead

The future looks bright for AmeriCore. With growth on the horizon, Corey’s keeping his focus on the fundamentals: hard work, solid relationships, and doing quality work every time. More equipment may be in the plans, depending on upcoming projects — but the foundation remains the same.

When asked what advice he’d give to other veterans or young entrepreneurs, Corey didn’t hesitate:
“Keep doing the work you know needs to be done. Don’t give up. Build solid relationships, do good quality work, and be honest.”
That mindset — equal parts Marine discipline and blue-collar pride — is what makes Corey Smith and AmeriCore stand out. And with a new Mack Granite in the lineup, they’re ready for whatever comes next.