Who We Are

Humble Beginnings

Partners Excavating Company began as a partnership in November 1975, and became incorporated in October 1986 with Carl Berkey as president and sole owner. In June 1997, we moved to our new location on a 5-acre site just south of Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Our company entered a new phase when Seth and Adam Berkey became 2nd generation owners of Partners in January 2022.

We offer total site preparation — including installation of underground utilities — and asphalt paving. Project bids range from several thousand dollars to over $10 million, and include bonding capability. We perform a mix of commercial and residential work for both general contractors and individuals.

expertise

We currently employ 190+ people, over 30% of whom have been with the company 10 years or more. This exceptional workforce and 50+ years in business combine to establish Partners with a solid reputation in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley area for quality workmanship, reliability, and integrity. Partners Excavating Company strives to develop and keep solid relationships with customers while exceeding expectations both on and off the job site.

Our Story Through the Years

With more than 50 years in business, Partners Excavating Company has grown by doing the work the right way and standing behind it. Our projects encompass a diverse range of services, including commercial, residential, and industrial site development, utility installation, and environmental remediation.

What hasn’t changed is our commitment to quality, safety, and the people who make the work possible. These stories reflect where we’ve been, who we’ve built alongside, and the values that continue to guide Partners forward.

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Seth Berkey

Seth Berkey’s journey and connection to Partners began with his father, Carl Berkey, who founded the company a year before Seth was born. His official employment commenced in 1994, where he quickly learned the value of hard work within field operations. Seth pursued higher education at James Madison University, graduating with a degree in Finance. He naturally gravitated towards the inner workings of the company, eventually serving as its controller from 2000 to 2004. Following this role, he assumed the position of Vice President before ultimately becoming President upon his father's retirement.
Seth’s journey with the company has been unique; witnessing its changes and growth since his youth has grounded him in humility and respect for the hard-working individuals who drive Partners Excavating's operations forward. Additionally, his deep ties to the community where he has always resided instill in him a commitment to conducting business ethically, ensuring that the dreams of community visionaries can be realized with the assurance of quality and longevity.
Outside of work, Seth finds joy in exploring the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley with his family. He enjoys activities such as fishing, hunting, and contributing to various community boards, among other pursuits.

Adam Berkey

Adam Berkey has been an integral part of the Partners team since 1994. His journey at Partners began at a young age, where he started by washing dump trucks and cleaning the shop. Over time, he worked his way up from laborer to running utility crews, serving as a site superintendent, and eventually becoming a project manager and Vice President.
Adam is passionate about enhancing operational efficiencies in the field. He takes pride in witnessing the growth of the Partners team, from individuals starting out in the trenches to achieving superintendent status. His commitment to integrity, growth, respect, and family aligns perfectly with the Partners culture.
Outside of work, Adam cherishes spending time with his wife and five children. You’ll often find him at the family farm in Broadway, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Adam’s journey from washing dump trucks to leading as Senior Vice President or Land Development exemplifies dedication, hard work, and a strong sense of family within the Partners organization.

Brad Grove

Brad Grove, has been with Partners since 2005, currently serving as the Executive Vice President. His journey began as a general laborer, and he has since held various roles in field operations, including Operator, Foreman, Superintendent, and Project Manager. Brad’s expertise extends to managing the Estimating and GPS departments. Outside of work, he cherishes moments with his wife, Denise, and their three children: Zach, Brady, and Paisley.

Frank Oncken

Frank Oncken, has served as CFO at Partners since February 2022. He has held various executive roles throughout his career in Hampton Roads and the Shenandoah Valley. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Administration and Finance and CFO of two other construction companies in the Shenandoah Valley. He uses his passion for leadership and finance, as well as varied other interests and abilities, to head up the Administrative Department at Partners Excavating. Frank is married to his wife Meg and has twin boys, Eric and Andrew. He spends his spare time coaching youth sports, fishing, and traveling.

Chris Ruddle

Chris Ruddle, Chief Operations Officer for Partner's Excavating, started his journey as a laborer in 2006. Through dedication and progression, he transitioned through various roles including Equipment Operator, Pipe Foreman, Superintendent, and Project Manger before assuming his current position. His affinity for working outdoors and with heavy equipment led him to pursue this career path, where he finds fulfillment in bringing clients' visions to life. Chris has learned that perseverance and commitment are crucial in overcoming challenging projects and meeting deadlines. Outside of work, he cherishes moments spent with his wife and children, indulging in his passion for the outdoors. His philosophy—"It is what it is, and it becomes what you make of it"—guides his approach to life and work

Cyndi McDaniel

Cyndi joined the Partners workforce in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Tech, an HR Certificate from Blue Ridge Community College, is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and maintains multiple safety certifications. Although her career initially did not revolve around Human Resources or Safety, she quickly gravitated toward these fields upon discovering her passion for ensuring employees' professional success and well-being. Cyndi is dedicated to delivering excellent customer service and providing a supportive, positive atmosphere for our team members. Apart from her HR and safety responsibilities, she also assists the marketing team in capturing content for our website and social media platforms.
Cyndi shares her life wonderful husband, two children, and their German Shepherd. She enjoys singing with her church worship team, gardening, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Marcia Stutzman

Marcia Stutzman, Office Manager at Partners, has been a part of the team since 2004. Throughout her years, she has performed nearly every office job at one time or another. Currently, she handles accounting and payroll, and serves as the office's computer guru. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Eastern Mennonite University and a Master’s degree in Accounting from James Madison University. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, trivia, and playing the piano.

Kyle Showalter

Kyle joined the Partners team full time in 2025 after interning with the company through college. He holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from James Madison University. His primary roles are to assist the Controller in accounting functions such as payroll while also handling the company’s subcontract needs. He enjoys the diversity of work he gets to do within the company. When he is not working at Partners, he is working on the family farm in Broadway. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outside with his fiancée Ashlyn, woodworking, and playing golf.

Jeremy Knight

Jeremy Knight, Field Resource Director for Partners Excavating, has served the company since 1998. His career at Partners began as a Utility Laborer, then he moved up to a Utility Foreman, Project Superintendent, now facilitating field training programs, and directing workforce and equipment resources. After work, he enjoys traveling the roads with his wife on their motorcycle and spending time with his two daughters and three grandchildren.

Gisselle White-Palacios

Gisselle White-Palacios joined Partners as a Human Resources Generalist in 2023. Her journey in HR began in 2013 as a Human Resources Assistant, and she obtained her SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification in 2016. Passionate about recruitment, benefits, and onboarding, she thrives on fostering relationships with both internal and external clients.
Before relocating to the Shenandoah Valley area in 2013, Gisselle garnered valuable experience working for two large investment management companies. Her professional portfolio also includes roles within nonprofit and government agencies.
Gisselle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Massachusetts-Boston and is fluent in Spanish. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds fulfillment in traveling, reading, and cherishing moments with her family.

Eric Yoder

Eric Yoder has filled multiple positions within the Partners team over the years. He started in the field in 2003 with pipe installation and equipment operation. However, his position transitioned in 2018 when Partners discovered his skill with numbers and his computer background. He began building models, loading those models into our GPS-enabled equipment, setting control points, and managing our GPS technology. Eric is also a Certified Remote Pilot and is responsible for flying the Partners' GPS-enabled drone equipped with high-tech imaging capabilities.
When not at work, Eric enjoys outdoor activities with his wife, hunting, and following sports.

Ben Swarey

Ben brings more than 25 years of construction industry experience to the team. He began his career in residential construction, spending 10 years as both a foreman and estimator where he developed a strong foundation in project management, field operations, and cost estimating. He then spent seven years specializing in site concrete and structural concrete estimating, gaining extensive experience in commercial construction and complex concrete projects
Today, Ben oversees all aspects of preconstruction at Partners Excavating, including project pursuit strategy, risk analysis, budgeting, estimating, and client collaboration. His expertise spans site development, earthwork, underground utilities, concrete construction, asphalt paving, and public infrastructure projects. He works closely with owners, developers, engineers, and public agencies to help projects move from concept to construction with clear expectations and effective planning.
Ben takes pride in helping build the communities where he lives and works while supporting Partners Excavating's mission of delivering quality projects with integrity, reliability, and professionalism.

Jason Gilkeson

Jason joined the Partners team as an estimator in 2025. He previously worked in the precast concrete industry for 17 years and spent 15 of those in estimating and sales. Jason enjoys being part of a team that takes pride in getting the job done right. Every project is an opportunity to learn, solve problems, and deliver results our customers can count on.
Outside of work Jason cherishes spending time with his wife Laura and two children. You’ll often find him at his kids sporting events or out hunting, golfing, or skiing.

Travis kelley

Travis Kelley has been part of our Estimating Team at Partners since 2019. He previously worked for a local mechanical contractor for 26 years and spent 22 of those years as an HVAC Estimator. Travis is the definition of loyalty and dependability. His faith in Jesus Christ is what drives him, and he desires to be known as honest and trustworthy.
In 1997, Travis married his high school sweetheart, Stormi, and together they have two daughters, Brooke, and Alyssa. Travis has a passion for being outdoors, especially for hunting. He serves as a deacon at his local church and is also part of the production team. Travis is an avid sports fan, following baseball, football, and hockey. He has a goal to see a baseball game in every MLB stadium, as well as visit every National Park, and he is slowly chipping away at the lists.

Greg Ours

Greg Ours, Estimator at Partners Excavating, began his journey in the field in 1983. Over the years, he transitioned into the roles of Paving Division Manager and ultimately Estimator. Drawing from his 20 years of experience in Utility Installation, Greg applies his expertise to his estimating duties. He enjoys sharing his knowledge in Paving with the community, offering guidance to those seeking driveway or parking lot paving solutions. Outside of work, Greg finds joy in playing golf, spending time at the cabin, and being with his four grandchildren.

Bill Sheppard

Bio incoming.

Jerry Hilbert

Jerry started his driving career in 1998 as an OTR Driver before entering the management side of Logistics in 2015. He then started a new career with us in 2023 as a dump truck driver, before moving into a new role as Logistics Manager to provide support to our Operations Department. When not working, he enjoys hunting, fishing & camping with his family and 3 dogs. He also enjoys perfecting his grilling & smoking meat skills.

WES CAMPBELL

Bio incoming.

Trent Fadeley

Trent Fadeley, our dedicated Concrete and Paving Division Manager, joined Partners in 2016, bringing over 24 years of site construction experience to the team. Known for his communication skills with both customers and crews, Trent ensures projects are not only completed in a timely manner but also within budget.
Beyond his professional expertise, Trent is an avid golfer, finding joy on the links. He also shares wonderful moments with his daughter at amusement parks and concerts, enjoys traveling, kayaking, and starts his days with early morning workouts.

Mike Hohenstein

Mike started his career in the construction industry in 1989 as a laborer for a local construction company. He soon found he had a passion for all things related to building projects. Through dedication and hard work, he held various roles including Team Lead, Forman, Superintendent and Project Manager. Later in his career he worked on several projects where Partners Excavating was the site contractor. Through this working relationship with Partners he learned about their dedication to customer satisfaction and quality work. Mike joined the Partners team in 2024.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys hunting, fishing , riding ATV’s and spending time with family.

Tye Morris

Tye interned with Partners Excavating for two summers while earning his degree in Construction Management from East Carolina University. During his time at school, he also worked remotely, assisting with projects and supporting operations behind the scenes. After completing his degree, Tye returned to the Harrisonburg area and stepped into his full-time role as a Project Manager. His passion for construction stems from his love of creating things and seeing dreams come to life. He is proud to be part of such a progressive and growing industry and values the relationships and connections built along the way. Tye values being part of the team at Partners Excavating and appreciates working alongside a group that is honest, genuine, and committed to doing things the right way.
Outside of work, Tye enjoys anything sports-related, duck hunting, boating, golfing, traveling, and designing for his clothing brand. He also enjoys spending time with his chocolate Lab, Titan. Tye is an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Commanders and continues to support his alma mater, East Carolina University, as a football season ticket holder.

Elliott Peachey

Bio incoming.

Chris Showalter

Bio incoming.

amy hopson

Amy Hopson joined Partners Excavating in 2019 as the Project Coordinator/Billing Specialist. Her daily work involves collaborating closely with Project Managers to track job costs and manage the billing process each month. Amy places a high value on effective communication and diligently follows through on tasks. When she’s not at Partners, you’ll find her enjoying quality time with her fiancé, Jeff, and their dog, Bo. At home, Amy’s passions extend to cooking and gardening.

Ez Cardoso

Bio incoming.

Brian Comer

Brian Comer, began his career at Partners in 2010 as a laborer-operator and has since progressed through years of guidance and experience to reach his current position of Superintendent. As a young man, he always enjoyed operating equipment on the family farm, which helped him identify his desired occupation in life. One of the things he enjoys most is the challenges associated with being a Superintendent and the opportunity to assist clients in achieving their jobsite goals from start to finish, regardless of the task at hand. Outside of work, Brian finds pleasure in spending time with his wife and two children, engaging in tractor pulling, and tinkering with antique vehicles.

Lance cross

Bio incoming.

Forrest Hisey

Forrest Hisey started his journey with Partners in 2018. Prior to joining Partners, he worked in the building industry, specializing in residential construction, stone masonry, and landscape design. Transitioning into excavating, Forrest found a particular interest in the utility side of the work. He started as a pipe crew laborer, advancing to the role of pipe foreman, where he enjoyed the challenges of utility work and crew management. Currently serving as a site superintendent, Forrest appreciates the atmosphere at Partners, which has motivated him to progress in his career. He takes pride in his work, striving to deliver the best possible finished product to customers. The reputation of Partners for quality and craftsmanship aligns well with Forrest's values, making it an ideal fit for him. He finds fulfillment in overcoming challenges in the field and collaborating with customers to find solutions. During his leisure time, Forrest enjoys spending quality time with his wife and son, attending his son's baseball, football, and wrestling events. As a family, they engage in various activities such as working on home projects, camping, saltwater fishing, hiking, kayaking, and snowboarding.

seth hopkins

Seth Hopkins joined the partners team in 2026. With over a decade of experience in the excavating industry, as well as having family members in the field since the 1950's, it's safe to say that this profession was in his blood. With a strong passion for quality, efficiency, safety, being true to his word, and delivering on commitments to ensure critical deadlines are met, Seth hopes to inspire and shape future leaders within the Partners organization as he was inspired by all of those that influenced him along his journey in excavating.

Jason Rhodes

Jason Rhodes, Superintendent, joined Partners in 1994. As a young child, Jason was fascinated with backhoes and excavators, but he never imagined that operating them would become part of his career. Jason takes pride in the work he performs at Partners and finds satisfaction in the quality execution of a project. When he’s not working, Jason enjoys traveling, seeing live music, and camping with friends and family.

Seth Rhodes

Seth Rhodes, came on board in 2001 as a 20 year old farm boy with a love for equipment. Seth came up through the ranks as a laborer, equipment operator, and Class A CDL driver with the majority of the time operating a GPS Finish Dozer. Seth eventually moved into a leadership role, guiding crews and overseeing job sites from start to finish. He loves seeing the satisfaction on the customer's face when a project is completed with just some iron, diesel fuel, technology and hard work!
When Seth’s not at work you can find him working on his family farm with his wife and four children, growing cattle, poultry, and crops. He enjoys hunting, smoking meat, and just being Dad. He does NOT however enjoy helping his wife in her vegetable garden!

Jeff Schrimscher

Bio incoming.

Walter Shifflett

Walter joined the Partners team in 2021 as a Field Producer and worked his way up to Utility Crew Leader, then Forman, and is now running entire job sites as a Superintendent. He enjoys the fast pace work and the expectation to always put quality first.

Shawn Showalter

Bio incoming.

Juan Cardoso

Juan Cardoso, Superintendent in the Asphalt Division at Partners, has been a part of the team since 2005. He truly enjoys what he does, with the greatest satisfaction coming from completing projects and seeing customers satisfied with the quality of the work delivered.

Justin Sheets

Bio incoming.

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