Our co-owner and operator, Rudy Van Tongeren, has been operating heavy machinery since he was a young man. His story began when he was just a small boy. In 1977 Rudy’s grandfather, Henry Van Tongeren built Yorkfarm Esates in Yorktown Heights, right next to his childhood home. Rudy vividly remembers watching his father and grandfather break ground like it was butter with machines that seemed so large, it was hard to conceptualize as a young boy. As Rudy grew older, his marvel & fascination for these powerful machines, and how to properly operate them, never seemed to dim.

Upon graduating from Cornell University, he maintained the family property much of his adult life, and has owned Blossom Nurseries, which is a beloved Nursery & Garden Center located in Yorktown Heights. There he used the machines daily to unload trucks, plant trees, clear property for customers, and much more.

Rudy’s passion for moving earth safely and responsibly has bloomed into what is now known today as Van Tongeren Excavation. His goal is to make every home owner feel at ease when it comes to the project at hand. He prides himself on his ability to thoroughly explain how he would approach each and every job, the materials needed, and work with you on a fair and reasonable price.