Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Arnold.
Hi Ryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been in excavation for about 25 years and I’ve really worked my way up through the industry. I started out as a laborer down in the trench, learned the ropes as an equipment operator, moved into a foreman role, and eventually into management. Each step taught me something new about the trade and about people, from the hard work it takes in the field to what it takes to lead a crew and manage big projects. Four years ago, I made the leap and started Vanguard Excavating. After spending years with one of the biggest excavation companies in Douglas County, I knew it was time to build something of my own that reflected my values, quality of work, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Since then, Vanguard has grown steadily, and I’m proud of the reputation we’re building for reliability and craftsmanship.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a business means stepping into a lot of uncertainty from managing cash flow to making sure every project meets the standard I set for Vanguard. There were moments early on where it felt like the challenges outweighed the opportunities. But I was fortunate to have some seasoned excavation owners step in and share their knowledge and even rent me equipment that gave me a fighting chance to get started. Those relationships and that mentorship really helped me bridge the gap. Looking back, I see those struggles as the foundation, they forced me to get resourceful and stay humble.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Vanguard Excavating, we handle a wide range of excavation services, everything from site prep and grading to utilities, ponds, and earthmoving. With the equipment we’ve invested in, we’re able to take on both residential and commercial projects of different scales.
What I think we’re best known for is customer satisfaction. We don’t leave a job before ensuring the customer is happy with project. That’s something clients notice, and it’s why most of our work comes from word-of-mouth.
What I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built in just four years. In a competitive industry, we’ve been able to stand out by focusing on relationships as much as results. I treat every project as if it were my own property, and I make sure my clients feel confident from the first bucket in the ground to the last pass of the dozer.
What sets Vanguard apart is that we combine 25 years of hands on experience with the flexibility of a smaller, owner/operator business. Clients get big company quality with small business attention and that balance is something people really value.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the kid always pushing limits. I didn’t like being told what to do, and I definitely didn’t like school. I ended up dropping out of college, but not because I wasn’t capable, I just wasn’t built to learn sitting behind a desk. I’ve always learned better by getting my hands dirty, making mistakes, and figuring things out the hard way. At the same time, I’ve always been hungry to grow so I turned to books and real-world experience to teach me what I needed to know. That rebellious streak never really went away, I just try to channel it into work, into leadership, and into building a business on my own terms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vanguardexcavating.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanguardexcavating_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Vanguard-Excavating/100085026073285/
