Serving Wisconsin Counties: Marathon, Oneida, Villas and Lincoln Counties

Meet Your Expert - Jennifer & Joel Knauf

"Expect the best and get it!"

Meet Jennifer & Joel Knauf, Owners of Knauf Excavating LLC

At the heart of Knauf Excavating LLC are Jennifer and Joel Knauf, a husband-and-wife team whose shared passion for excavation and dedication to customer satisfaction have shaped one of the most trusted excavation companies in North Central Wisconsin.

With more than 25 years of experience, Joel brings hands-on expertise as an operator, while Jennifer manages the business with precision, professionalism, and care. Together, they’ve built a family-owned company known for reliability, honesty, and exceptional workmanship.

Founded in 2021, Knauf Excavating LLC was born out of the Knaufs’ love for transforming land into something functional and beautiful. Whether it’s a small residential project, a large commercial site, or municipal infrastructure work, Jennifer and Joel approach each job with the same goal — to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality results that exceed expectations.

A Family-Owned and Operated Excavation Company

Knauf Excavating LLC is a proudly family-owned and operated company. Jennifer and Joel lead the business together, often with help from their two sons when needed. Their hands-on approach ensures that every project receives the personal attention it deserves, from planning and estimating to the final grade.

This family-driven commitment has allowed them to serve over 300 clients throughout Wausau, Minocqua, Tomahawk, Rhinelander, Eagle River, Arbor Vitae, and Marathon County. Clients appreciate the Knaufs’ open communication, transparency, and ability to adapt to any project — regardless of its complexity.

Decades of Experience and Proven Results

Jennifer and Joel’s combined experience in the excavation and construction industry has earned Knauf Excavating LLC a strong reputation for excellence across North Central Wisconsin. Their record speaks for itself:

○ 83 septic systems installed

○ 800+ septic systems pumped

○ 15 full site prep jobs completed

○ 67 acres cleared

○ 11 demolition projects finished

Every number represents hard work, precision, and a dedication to completing each project safely and on time.

What Makes Knauf Excavating Different

Jennifer and Joel believe that success in excavation is about more than just heavy equipment, it’s about understanding people. They take time to listen to their clients, address concerns, and craft excavation solutions that meet both the technical and personal needs of every project.

Their guiding values include:

○ Honesty: Clear communication and transparent pricing on every job.

○ Safety: Strict adherence to excavation safety standards and OSHA regulations.

○ Quality: Every site is finished with precision, accuracy, and care.

○ Customer Focus: Projects are completed with the client’s satisfaction and peace of mind in mind.

Their balance of technical know-how and personal attention has helped Knauf Excavating LLC stand out among excavation companies throughout Wisconsin.

Comprehensive Excavation Services

Under Jennifer and Joel’s leadership, Knauf Excavating LLC provides a full range of excavation and site preparation services designed to handle any type of project — from residential to municipal.

Residential Excavation

Knauf Excavating works closely with homeowners, general contractors, and licensed plumbers to deliver safe and precise residential excavation work. Services include basement digging, driveway grading, site preparation, utility trenching, shoreline restoration, and septic system installation.

Commercial Excavation

For businesses and developers, the company offers demolition, land clearing, culvert installation, drain tile systems, grading, earthwork, and foundation site prep. Each project is managed with efficiency, safety, and the latest excavation technology.

Municipal Excavation

Jennifer and Joel are proud to support local communities, villages, and townships with public works projects such as sewer repairs, culvert replacements, erosion control, pile installation, and utility trenching.

Emergency Response Services

When disaster strikes, Knauf Excavating is available 24 hours a day to handle emergencies like fire damage, storm cleanup, water and structural damage, and accident recovery. Their quick response and professional service help property owners recover safely and efficiently.

Safety and Quality: The Foundation of Every Job

Safety and quality are more than priorities for the Knaufs — they are the foundation of the business. Jennifer and Joel ensure all operators are trained in the latest safety protocols, and every job site is managed with care to protect both workers and the public.

Their attention to detail and commitment to safe practices guarantee that every project is completed responsibly, efficiently, and to the highest professional standards.

Advanced Equipment and Technology

Knauf Excavating LLC operates with modern, well-maintained machinery capable of handling Wisconsin’s diverse soil types — from clay and silt to solid rock. Using laser grading technology, the team ensures perfect leveling and accuracy on every site.

The company also works closely with engineers, zoning inspectors, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, maintaining strict compliance with local and federal regulations for every project.