Alex E. Paris Contracting Company began working on WPA projects doing primarily road construction. AEP soon ventured into the coal and mining industry. A large coal mining operation was established and flourished during the 1930's to the early 1950's. Alex Paris Sr. was succeeded by his son Emanuel in the late 1950's. He guided the company from the mining industry to the underground utility business. Business model changed to include the industrial services business and then later also included heavy construction.