[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 5, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S3892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING HANDS ON EXCAVATING

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Hands On Excavating of Radcliffe, IA, as the Senate Small Business of 
the Week.
  Hands On Excavating was founded by brothers Brett, Brian, and Jacob 
Handsaker in 2010. Farming is in the blood of the Handsaker family. The 
brothers are fourth-generation Iowa farmers who grew up on their family 
farm. Following Jacob and Brian's graduation from Iowa State 
University, they saw a need for agriculture excavation services and 
tile repair with their brother Brett. Family friend Bob Lepper advised 
the brothers on the excavating business, and shortly after, Hands On 
Excavating was born.
  Over the past 13 years, Hands On Excavating has evolved to include 
other services to help farmers. They have worked with local farms to 
improve their drainage systems to ensure that Iowa's farmland remains 
the best in the United States. They have expanded their efforts to 
include conservation work by helping to build bioreactors to help 
filter nitrates out of waterways using natural methods.
  The Handsaker brothers are also actively involved in the Radcliffe 
community and have been recognized for their contributions to the Iowa 
agricultural industry. Jacob is a member of the Radcliffe Fire 
Department as a volunteer and is involved with the EMS and serves as an 
EMT. Jacob was recognized by the Iowa State University College of 
Agriculture and Life Sciences as the 2020 Emerging Iowa Leader. The 
award was presented by Senior Associate Dean Joe Colletti at center 
court of an Iowa State Cyclone women's basketball game. In 2022, Hands 
On Excavating was awarded the Leader in Conservation Award by Iowa 
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. Recently, Jacob was featured in 
Drainage Contractor magazine's GroundBreakers class of 2023.
  Hands On Excavating's commitment to providing quality excavation and 
demolition services in Radcliffe is clear. I want to congratulate the 
Handsaker family and the entire team at Hands On Excavating for their 
continued dedication to the Radcliffe community. I look forward to 
seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.

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