Member Spotlight: Independence Excavating

Name

Justin Fox

Job Title

Vice President

Company Name

Independence Excavating

What does your company do?

Independence Excavating is a full service heavy civil construction and demolition company. We specialize in fast paced, challenging projects requiring large amounts of human and equipment resources. We are a family-owned company - and we treat our employees and customers as such.

What is your favorite part of your job and why?

My favorite part is delivering a difficult project to a customer ahead of schedule and below their budget. I love the challenge of it...none of the above is possible without building a great team, accessing the talents of multiple teammates and stake holders, and working through issues that are inevitably inherent to all construction projects.

At the end of it, everyone can step back and say - "WE DID IT"

And usually - when that happens - we have earned a repeat customer.

Nothing is more rewarding to me.

What has been the key to your company's success?

1. Family Values
2. Doing what you say you are going to do
3. Hard work
4. Delivering a quality product ahead of schedule and under budget
5. Innovation - "better methods"

What important changes/initiatives are you working on right now?

1. An all of the above approach to recruiting new talent
2. Developing and improving our in-house training capabilities
3. 360-degree health, wellness, and safety of our teammates

How does your company find and retain talent?

1. Robust co-op program
2. Internal and external recruiters
3. Word of mouth

It's terribly cliche but treat people well. I think the "golden rule" can be applied, and 99% of the time, retention takes care of itself.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in construction?

Work hard, get dirty, pay attention, listen, and ask a lot of questions. There is no textbook. There is no easy path. You have to want success and pursue it. I think you must also be passionate about construction. If you aren't passionate, then any person will have a hard time doing any of the above.

What CEA initiatives have you been involved in?

Networking and training events.