He began gathering experience in the early eighties immediately upon graduation from Texas A&M. Working in a series of construction jobs he twice assumed the position of vice president, by the age of twenty-eight! Connard and his wife, Sherry, also an A&M graduate, began their company in 1996, initially operating out of their home with six employees.

As of this writing, the company boasts 120 employees with eleven digging crews and two clean-up crews. Thankful for their success, the Barkers make a point of giving back to the community. Every year they purchase a steer from a child at the Houston Livestock Show. Motivation for the purchase lies in the desire to help kids in their quest for scholarships. The meat from the steer becomes the center of attraction at an annual banquet for the company. Furthermore, in 2002, C. E. Barker, Ltd became the head sponsor of the ranch rodeo at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

The Barkers have two children of their own. One of these, now a student at
A&M, was an Academic All American football player at Montgomery High
School.