Brenner Excavating works on projects with the Michigan Department of Transportation to create roads and paths in West Michigan. At Brenner, everyone is treated like family. Kyle Brenner is the contract and safety manager; his father, Kevin, started the company forty-five years ago.
“We’re a great size where you don’t get lost in the shuffle. We treat all employees like family but have perks like larger companies, including great benefits,” Brenner said.
All in the family
Kirk Alward, project foreman, has spent his 26-year career with BEI. His dad started at the company in 1979 and still works there. Kirk started as a laborer, learned everything he knows on the job and now leads teams as a foreman.
“I like what I do because I like the people I work for. There are days when I don’t like my job (like anyone) but I keep coming back because of the Brenners,” Alward said.
Alward’s team is currently working on a bike path along Cottonwood in Jenison.
“We get a lot of people from other companies who, shortly after starting here, tell us they wish they’d worked here their whole career,” Alward said.
Successful career ahead
Heather Wilkins joined Brenner Excavating in 2017 with some construction experience. Her team is working on a retaining wall in Caledonia. As a laborer, she lays pipe, checks grade of dirt, does traffic control. Each day brings different tasks and challenges.
“It’s hard work, but I love it. Everyone is so willing to teach,” Wilkins said.
She plans to take a heavy machine operating class over the winter to learn more skills.
“I would love to retire from Brenner. I hope to climb the ladder and become a foreman or operator in the future,” Wilkins said.
With construction season gearing up, Brenner Excavating has a full season of work ahead of them. They’re taking applications for positions at all skill levels.