When Joel Shirn started his business in 2012, he was just 22 years old with a pickup truck, one employee, and a couple of skid steers. Today, Redemption Excavating & Utilities LLC has grown into a highly efficient, faith-based excavation company serving its local community with a focus on septic systems, driveways, underground utilities, and water and sewer projects.

Joel’s path into the excavation industry began at Penn College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he studied Heavy Equipment. After graduation, he worked in general construction during the natural gas boom, sometimes putting in as many as 90 hours a week. That experience helped prepare him to take the leap and start his own company at just 22 years old.

When Joel Shirn started his business in 2012, he was just 22 years old with a pickup truck, one employee, and a couple of skid steers. Today, Redemption Excavating & Utilities LLC has grown into a highly efficient, faith-based excavation company serving its local community with a focus on septic systems, driveways, underground utilities, and water and sewer projects.

Joel’s path into the excavation industry began at Penn College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he studied Heavy Equipment. After graduation, he worked in general construction during the natural gas boom, sometimes putting in as many as 90 hours a week. That experience helped prepare him to take the leap and start his own company at just 22 years old.

In 2025, Joel brought his cousin, Luke Perry, on as a full-time business partner. Luke brings an extensive background in underground utility work, complementing Joel’s experience and helping the company continue to expand its capabilities.

Today, their company proudly operates under the name Redemption Excavating & Utilities LLC, reflecting the Christian values and faith-based foundation that are important to both partners.

Redemption Excavating & Utilities currently operates a previously owned Steelwrist X07 on a John Deere, along with a Steelwrist X18 purchased from A&D Equipment for their John Deere 120. The company also purchased an A&D Rotastar 8-14 screening bucket. For Joel, these attachments have made a significant difference in the way his small crew operates. With a smile, Joel says that his two-man crew can accomplish the work of a four-man crew because of the efficiency provided by their equipment. In fact, he proudly says, “We don’t do any hand work anymore.”

The productivity gains have allowed Redemption Excavating & Utilities to take on demanding work while keeping their operation lean and efficient. Joel already has a few items on his A&D Equipment wish list, including a smaller Rotastar screening bucket for his smaller excavator, a plate compactor for the Steelwrist X07, and an asphalt cutter.

While Joel appreciates the performance of the equipment he has purchased through A&D Equipment, what stands out most to him is the relationship and service he has received over the years. After 14 years in business, Joel says that A&D Equipment is the best vendor he has ever worked with. He describes A&D as more responsive than any other vendor he has dealt with. When he needs a part, he knows he can make a call and often have it delivered to his door the next day. When he has a question, he knows he can call Anthony LaFata and get an answer. Joel even remembers being on a video call with Anthony on a Sunday to troubleshoot a question, something he says he simply would not expect from most other vendors. Tim, A&D’s Parts and Service Supervisor, is also a valued contact for Joel. Tim traveled to Pennsylvania to install the Steelwrist X18 and, according to Joel, was great to work with throughout the process.

For Joel, it all comes down to communication and responsiveness. When something goes down, he knows A&D will work to get him what he needs as quickly as possible.

Redemption Excavating & Utilities is a great example of what can happen when hard work, the right equipment, and strong vendor relationships come together. From a pickup truck and a couple of skid steers to a growing excavation and utility operation, Joel has built his business by working hard, investing wisely, and surrounding himself with people he can trust. At A&D Equipment, we are proud to support customers like Joel and Luke and to be part of their continued growth.

Thank you to Redemption Excavating & Utilities for trusting A&D Equipment to be part of your team!