Spencer Tellkamp
CEO
Dan’s Excavating
Great leaders bring together innovation, determination, and compassion. They don’t just drive their company to success—they make a real difference in their industry and community. Spencer Tellkamp, CEO of Dan’s Excavating Service, is a perfect example. As a nominee for ABC’s Young Professional of the Year award, Spencer stands out for his achievements, his work to close the construction industry’s skills gap, and his dedication to building a vibrant, safe, and welcoming company culture.
A Visionary Leader at the Helm of Transformation
Becoming CEO of Dan’s Excavating Service at just 26 wasn’t an easy move, but Spencer took on the challenge with determination and a clear vision. After acquiring the family business from his father, he set out to transform the company’s culture and streamline its operations.
But Spencer’s changes weren’t just about systems and processes. His focus was on building a strong, connected team with shared values like quality work and top-notch customer service. He made it a priority to create a workplace where everyone felt valued and aligned with the company’s vision for excellence.
Under his leadership, Dan’s Excavating Service has grown its reputation for exceptional service, while also becoming a place where the team’s passion for construction really shines. Spencer’s ability to guide the company through growth and change speaks volumes about his dedication to his team and to his craft.
Driving Workforce Training and Development
One of Spencer’s main goals is tackling the growing skills gap in the trades. The construction industry is in serious need of young, skilled workers, and Spencer is committed to helping solve the problem.
Spencer’s goal is simple: to turn Dan’s Excavating Service into a place where people can learn, grow, and build successful careers in the trades. He’s all about creating a safe, hands-on environment that sets everyone up for success. By focusing on learning and growth, he’s helping shape the future of construction professionals.
Under his leadership, the company has grown into more than just a workplace—it’s a place where potential develops into expertise. He’s passionate about giving young, inexperienced people a chance, showing his commitment to growing the construction industry.
Championing Safety and Well-Being
For Spencer, safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a core value. He believes every employee should head home in the same or even better shape than when they showed up, and he makes sure that’s the focus on every jobsite.
Spencer takes a broader approach to safety that goes beyond physical precautions. Understanding the importance of health and fitness in workplace safety, he introduced a new resource for his team: a fully equipped gym in the company’s office, open for all employees to use. This effort highlights Spencer’s commitment to a well-rounded approach to safety and employee well-being.
Dan’s Excavating Service is proud to be part of ABC’s STEP program, a framework designed to help businesses achieve top-notch safety standards. Spencer’s commitment to safety shows how much he cares about his team and sets a great example for the entire industry.
Building Community Connections
Spencer’s contributions extend well beyond his role as CEO. He is actively involved in his local community, giving his time and resources to initiatives that make a meaningful impact.
From supporting the county fair to volunteering on his church’s security team, Spencer embodies the spirit of community leadership. His love for teamwork and mentorship is evident in the time he dedicates to coaching basketball, where he has had the chance to help young athletes grow and prepare for life beyond high school.
Advocating for ABC and the Merit Shop Philosophy
As CEO, Spencer has grown even closer to ABC’s values and mission. Being part of ABC’s Executive Leaders Peer Group gives him the chance to connect with other professionals who share his passion for moving the construction industry forward. This group not only helps him grow but also sparks fresh ideas to take his business to the next level.
Spencer emphasizes the importance of being involved with ABC events and opportunities, not just for himself but for his entire team. He strengthens ties with the broader industry community by encouraging employee participation and promoting the association within his organization.
Spencer is committed to ABC’s principles, promoting open competition, and raising industry standards. He’s a leader who’s passionate about creating opportunities for others and giving back to the industry that’s been such a big part of his journey.
A Bright Future
Looking to the next decade, Spencer’s vision for his industry is ambitious yet grounded in practicality. He aims to continue being a catalyst for workforce development, empowering young individuals to build meaningful careers in the trades. His passion for fostering talent is matched only by his commitment to safety, quality, and community.
Spencer’s leadership, both at Dan’s Excavating Service and in his community, serves as an inspiration to young professionals aspiring to make a difference. His ability to merge innovative ideas with compassionate leadership is impacting lives today and building a foundation for a stronger tomorrow.
Recognizing Excellence
Spencer Tellkamp’s nomination for ABC’s Young Professional of the Year award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to the construction industry and the communities he serves. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and devotion to people.
His drive, humility, and dedication to mentoring and developing others embody what it means to be a leader in today’s construction industry. Spencer’s work serves as an example of the impact one person can have when they lead with vision, purpose, and heart.
