Horst Excavating is a family-owned sitework contractor with over 65 years of experience supporting commercial and public-sector projects across the Mid-Atlantic. We partner with developers, property owners, municipalities, and engineering firms who need reliable sitework from first cut to final preparation. As the first trade on site, we approach every project through close coordination with owners, contractors, and developers to ensure safe, accurate execution.
Horst Excavating provides comprehensive sitework and excavation services for commercial projects where experience and execution matter. Our capabilities include site clearing, demolition, earthwork, grading, utility installation, erosion control, and site preparation. We also offer preconstruction services to support early budgeting, feasibility reviews, and phased construction planning.
With over 65 years of experience, we bring a long-term perspective to every project and a deep understanding of site conditions that aren’t always obvious in drawings. We invest in skilled crews, capable equipment, and efficient processes that meet today’s demands while supporting project schedules and downstream trades. We know how to get the work done, the right way.
Successful sitework requires more than moving earth; it demands coordination, communication, and foresight. We collaborate with owners, engineers, and managers to anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and keep projects progressing smoothly.
Working with inspectors and stakeholders, we ensure accountability across commercial and public projects. Our team understands expectations, maintains transparency, and delivers reliable results clients and partners can confidently depend on.
Safety is a core part of our culture. We uphold standards for jobsite safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility, protecting our crews, partners, and surrounding communities throughout every project phase.
We believe professionalism is reflected in work but in daily operations. This means clear communication, organized workflows, and mutual respect, ensuring efficient execution and collaboration across all involved on site.
Behind every project is a team committed to doing the work right. Meet the leadership team guiding Horst Excavating’s operations.
President
With more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Jason leads the Horst Excavating team in delivering exceptional results for our clients. Drawing on his background in field operations and project management, he provides strong operational leadership and sets the company’s strategic direction.
As President, Jason leverages his experience to evaluate projects for efficiency and value, optimize schedules, and ensure clients receive the highest return on their investment. He fosters a culture of professionalism, attention to detail, and clear communication, ensuring every project is completed safely and to the highest standards of quality.
Vice President of Business Acquisition
Since joining Horst Excavating in 2000, Brian has worked in a variety of roles, gaining experience ranging from Pipe Layer to Project Manager to Vice President of Operations. In his current role, Brian manages all activities related to new business acquisition. This includes leading both the estimating and business development teams, as well as actively pursuing opportunities related to new work. With over 20 years in the industry, Brian brings a well-rounded perspective and leadership to the teams he manages.
Director of Small Projects
As the Director of Horst’s Small Projects Team, Joe leads the team specifically dedicated to projects that require quick turnaround time, limited budgetary resources, and careful coordination. Bringing over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Joe provides a well-rounded approach that prioritizes understanding the needs of each individual owner and creating a project approach that meets them. From offering unique solutions to potential problems to partnering to develop accelerated schedules, Joe leads his team to deliver projects of all sizes with the professionalism and value Horst Excavating’s clients have come to expect.
Field Operations Manager
With almost 40 years’ experience in the industry, Russ leads the company’s team of Field Superintendents. Russ is responsible for overseeing and guiding our work force in performing all field work in a professional and high-quality manner. He works closely with our Project Management staff to coordinate and distribute the excavation group resources in a way that maximizes productivity and meets schedule requirements across all of Horst’s projects. Russ ensures that our field staff is properly trained to deliver the safe, efficient, and superior results our clients have come to expect.
Safety Director
As Safety Director, Matt is responsible for developing and implementing Horst Excavating’s safety programs, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company standards. With a hands-on approach, he supports Horst’s field teams through training, inspections, programming, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain a safe and productive work environment. Matt encourages a strong safety culture through proactive risk management and clear operational practices.
Marketing Director
Jessica joined the team in 2011 as a Project Assistant, then spent a few years as the Executive Administrative Assistant before stepping into marketing. She is driven by a desire to understand others, which led her to pursue a degree in Psychology from Lebanon Valley College. This background has informed her relationship-minded approach to work and life. On any given day, you can find Jessica leading marketing strategy efforts, creating content or proposal responses, or out flying a drone at a jobsite. It’s this variety that Jessica cites as her favorite part of her job.
Whether you’re planning a commercial development, municipal improvement, or infrastructure project, Horst Excavating is prepared to be your reliable partner from the ground up.
Whether you’re planning a commercial development, municipal improvement, or infrastructure project, Horst Excavating is prepared to be your reliable partner from the ground up.
