By CAROLINE KRUG, Editor, The LICA Contractor
Adam Faeth grew up on a family farm in Seneca County, Ohio, where working the land was simply part of everyday life. Long before he ever ran an excavator for a living, he was a kid who loved playing in the dirt and learning how things worked. That early connection never left him.
After graduating from New Riegel High School, Adam went to work for a local electrical company while continuing to help on the family farm. Like many contractors, his path into excavation didn’t begin with a formal business plan. It started with a backhoe, a few small side jobs, and a growing realization that there was an opportunity to build something of his own.
Early Risk and Family Support
The early years were not easy. Securing equipment, lining up enough work to pay the bills, and managing cash flow were constant challenges. To make it work, Adam kept one foot in both worlds for a while, working as an electrician during the day and excavating nights and weekends.
Family support played a critical role. His father helped wherever he could, including providing storage space for equipment. Adam is quick to credit his wife, Kristy, for her support. “She’s always been there for our family and for my goals,” he says. “That made it possible to grow the business into something that could last.”
That long-term mindset shaped the way A&D Excavating evolved. What began as small, manageable projects steadily grew into a broader scope of work. Today, A&D Excavating continues to provide residential site work and drainage maintenance, while becoming especially known for full-service septic system installation and repair.
That growth never came at the expense of standards. A&D Excavating holds an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and Adam attributes that reputation to simple habits: returning phone calls, being clear and honest, standing by his word, and addressing problems fairly.
“Our name is on every project,” he says. “We function as a team, and we stand behind our work.”
Efficiency Built from Experience
Over more than two decades in business, A&D Excavating has developed a reputation for efficiency, particularly in septic system installation. Videos circulating online show Adam installing and backfilling long runs of chamber systems in a matter of minutes, but that level of productivity is the result of years of refinement, not shortcuts.
“With the right setup, we can install a basic leach field in about an hour,” Adam says. “That efficiency allows us to do more work in a day and serve customers better.”
Still, Adam is clear that equipment alone does not make a company efficient. Each morning begins with a crew meeting in the shop to review the plan for the day, load equipment, and prepare materials. By the time they arrive on site, everyone knows their role, and the work moves smoothly.
Adam enjoys the problem-solving side of ownership and is constantly looking for ways to improve how the operation functions. He designed the company’s headquarters himself and has developed custom trailers, truck beds, and toolboxes tailored to how his crews work.
A T-Shirt and a Turning Point
Some of A&D Excavating’s most meaningful opportunities came through simple, everyday interactions. Early on, Adam had company T-shirts made and shared them with friends and family, and one was noticed by the owner of Foxfire Campground in Nevada, Ohio.
That brief conversation led to a call and a bid for a sewer line extension. The project opened the door to years of additional work at the campground, including utility installations, new campsites, driveways, drainage, and grading, allowing A&D Excavating to expand its capabilities and strengthen the relationship over time.“Driving past places like that and seeing what we’ve built over time is really rewarding,” Adam says.
Finding Community Through LICA
Adam’s involvement with the Land Improvement Contractors of America began on a jobsite, when a fellow contractor arrived with Jerry Biuso and encouraged him to join. Adam signed up that day, unsure of what to expect.
That changed after his first LICA convention. “Everyone was so willing to talk to me,” he says. “I made so many friends.”
Through LICA, Adam built relationships with contractors willing to share knowledge, offer advice, and support one another. Those connections led him to take on leadership roles, serving as vice president and later president of Ohio LICA. While he approached those roles with some hesitation, the experience proved well worth it.
“Joining LICA opens doors,” he says. “The education, the networking, and the support are valuable no matter the size of your company.”
Work, Family, and the Long View
Outside of work, family comes first for Adam. He and his wife, Kristy, stay closely connected with their children despite busy schedules. Their daughter, Madalyn, is a sophomore at the University of Findlay, and Adam enjoys visiting campus to spend time with her over a good meal.
Aiden, a senior at New Riegel High School, balances school, varsity basketball, and time working alongside Adam, while Drew, the youngest, is already comfortable around equipment and enjoys hunting and time outdoors with his dad. Alongside Adam’s father, the family continues to work together on their cash grain farm, while still making time for vacations and new memories.
When asked what advice he would give someone starting out in excavation today, Adam comes back to the basics. Treat people with respect. Honor your word. Never stop learning.
“Our world is always changing,” Adam says. “The key is to adapt with it and surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed. None of us build something like this alone.”