Who we are?

The way we work today reflects the lessons we’ve learned growing up. Early on, I was taught the value of doing things right, working hard, and keeping my word. My dad’s small excavation company shaped my foundation, teaching me the basics of the industry. After high school, I craved adventure and found myself in the rugged logging industry of the Pacific Northwest. On the cold, wet slopes of western Washington, I learned the importance of a strong work ethic and a safety-first mindset—principles that guide me to this day. The teamwork and dedication I saw in the woods showed me the value of strong company culture. In 2010, after marrying a Minnesota native, we decided to settle down here. Working for several excavation companies, I gained invaluable experience and began seeing opportunities where others saw problems. 

In 2017, I founded Levanen Underground, where we've built strong relationships and had the privilege of working with incredible people. Each year has been a journey of growth and learning, but it’s also revealed the challenges of building a business with an unskilled labor force. In Minnesota, our short eight-month working season makes it difficult to adequately train young workers and retain them for the following year. This ongoing challenge led me to ask: how can we create a lasting solution to this persistent issue? 

 Now, it’s time for our next chapter: Midwest Excavation Academy. Like many of you, we’ve faced the challenge of finding young, skilled talent, and that’s exactly why this academy was created—to bridge this critical gap. While it may not align with every company due to differences in culture or vision, we believe that by teaching in a positive and supportive environment, we can reshape how the next generation views the blue-collar industry. Together, we can inspire pride in these essential trades and create a stronger, more capable workforce for the future. 

Today, over 60% of young people live in suburban environments. Many young individuals are missing out on the hands-on skills that earlier generations developed naturally. Midwest Excavation Academy is more than just an educational institution—it’s a community dedicated to teaching real-world excavation skills. Our programs blend technical knowledge with immersive, hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates not only understand the theory but can confidently apply it in the field.

I am thrilled to provide this opportunity to companies likes yours. Partnering with us at Midwest Excavation Academy provides a competitive edge. By training safety-conscious, skilled workers, we help improve operations and reduce accidents, delivering a workforce that’s ready to meet industry demands.

One of the most innovative aspects of our program is the Student Questionnaire process, which gives companies deeper insights into each student’s journey. It begins with a pre-training interview, where we ask 10 questions to understand the student’s background, culture, and initial impressions of the industry.

The second phase takes place during training, where students reflect on their newly acquired skills and future goals. This helps us and the students track their growth and interests, particularly regarding the equipment or roles they’re excited to pursue.

Finally, after graduation, a post-training interview provides a clear picture of their progress. What makes this process so impactful is that it reduces the pressure of traditional interviews. Employers can access these interviews, offering them a deep understanding of the student’s skills, aspirations, and personality before they even conduct their own interview.

At Midwest Excavation Academy, our 10-course curriculum equips students with vital industry skills. Our courses include:

• GPS Training Systems

• Blueprints and Plans

• Estimating and Computing

We offer critical safety certifications:

• OSHA 10

• Confined Space

• Trench Safety

• Competent Person

• Pipe Layer

• Asbestos

In our Heavy Equipment module, students get hands-on experience with light machinery, hand tools, and heavy iron. We also cover Environmental and Erosion, and Pipe installations (sewer, water, and storm). Our students earn a Pipe Laying License where required in Minnesota. Additionally, our CDL Training ensures students earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), covering trailer loading, equipment chaining, and more. 

Our final course, Careers and Development, focuses on leadership and company involvement. We encourage companies to engage in this two-week program, giving them a chance to identify future hires and contribute to student development.

We invite companies to actively engage with Midwest Excavation Academy through sponsorships, internships, and career placement opportunities. This collaboration creates mutual benefits—ensuring our students are trained to meet your industry’s specific needs, while allowing you to shape a workforce tailored to your company. Throughout our focused 20-week training program, companies have the chance to interact

directly with students, helping to foster the next generation of skilled labor. This partnership elevates the quality of the entry-level workforce by placing motivated, talented individuals into roles where growth is driven by dedication and skill.

At Midwest Excavation Academy, we’re more than just a training platform; we serve as a bridge connecting future skilled workers with forward-thinking companies like yours. By partnering with us, you’re investing in top-tier industry training and safety-conscious employees, while also contributing to a sustainable and dynamic future workforce. Instead of relying on outdated methods, we focus on creating a pool of highly qualified candidates ready to meet your company’s needs. The mission is to ensure that every graduate leaves with both the technical expertise and the core values—respect, accountability, teamwork, and integrity—needed to thrive in any growing company, whether union or non-union. We’re excited to collaborate with businesses that are committed to driving the future of excavation forward.

Our Blue-collar excavation industry has never seen anything like this before—a pool of young, motivated individuals, fully trained and ready to step into roles that traditionally took years of on-the-job learning to master. At Midwest Excavation Academy, we’re reshaping how companies approach hiring by creating a workforce that’s pre-equipped with technical expertise, hands-on experience, and a commitment to safety. For the first time, excavation companies will have access to a steady stream of talented workers who are not just entry-level but industry ready. This isn’t just a solution; it’s a revolution in how the excavation industry meets its growing labor demands!