Working with heavy equipment has been my life’s history.  It started with my dad, Gerald A. Ripley Sr. who installed work ethics in me at an early age. Dad had a deep faith in Jesus Christ. His honesty, generosity, and work ethics were just some of his admirable qualities. Dad gave me the groundwork at an early age to follow his example. He started to train me at the age of 12 to run a backhoe. Dad was the best heavy equipment operator. I learned a lot from Dad about equipment, work and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In 1986, I enlisted in the United States Air Force and operated and trained others to operate heavy equipment. In March 1987, I married my sweetheart Phyllis. We had two children; Heather was born in January 1988, and Matthew was born in March 1989. In 1990 I finished my enlistment with an honorable discharge and moved back to Erhard. In 1997 I received an AA degree in Construction Management. In 2000 God blessed us with an excavating business.

Currently, Heather is attending NDSU studying horticulture and landscape design. Matthew has been operating equipment since he was 12 and plans to someday take over the business. He is attending Alexandria Technical College for Business Management.

We enjoy working and giving our best everyday. We are thankful for what God has given us. We are grateful for working with a variety of people over the past eight years and we look forward to all the people we will be fortunate enough to work for in the years to come! We are most thankful for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  See you in church next Sunday.