A 4th-Generation Family Heritage

• Kafer Tiling and Excavating Inc. designs and installs drainage systems (main tiles shared by neighbors and random tile lines) and handles tile repair, downspouts, septic systems, waterways, ditch cleaning, pond creation, tree grinding, directional boring, terraces and demolition. 
• They continue to use current technology, including the use of GPS for mapping and machine control, and carry on the family heritage of hard work, integrity, and a look toward the future.
• When asked about the secrets to success and longevity for a business such as theirs, the owners at Kafer Tiling & Excavating recognize the value of learning from the past, preparing for the future, and choosing today to serve customers as they would want to be treated.

​ “We believe everyone can and does make mistakes. It’s the way you handle them that makes the difference. To stay in business for years and have repeat business, we must provide our customers with a quality product at a competitive rate. We try to treat people the way we would want to be treated.” - Kafer Tiling & Excavating

Kafer Tiling begins...

• ​1948 – Shortly after WW2 ended, the elder Ben Kafer works as a foreman for the railroad.  When the railroad strike happens, Ben needs to provide for his family of eight children, so he starts digging drainage by hand.
• 1953 – Ben’s son, Duane, uses his savings to purchase a Jeep trencher and works alongside his father
• 1962 – Duane purchases a Speicher wheel trencher as well as a backhoe, one of the first in the area
• 1972 - Duane adds laser on his trenching machine to replace the targets
• 1979 – Ben Kafer begins working full time for the family business
• 1983 – Ben Kafer purchases the business (which was then known as Kafer Tiling & Ditching) from his father, who continues as an active part of the company for many years

Growth & Expansion

• 1990 – A Port Industries Hydratandem II wheel trencher is purchased and used for many years to install mostly clay tiles
• 2002 - A member of the fourth generation, Kafer’s son Chris, starts full-time work in the family business
• 2006 - The business starts offering excavation services
• 2009 - Becomes incorporated and changes the business name to Kafer Tiling & Excavating
• 2011 - Josh, Chris, & Ben all become part owners. A Hydramaxx 2500 chain trencher is purchased for easier backfilling. As more customers want system drainage on their farmers, Kafer adds a Hydramaxx 3500 plow in order to be able to offer the installation of plastic tubing
• TODAY - Kafer Tiling & Excavating continues to use current technology and dedicated employees to carry on the family heritage of hard work, integrity, and a look toward the future.