Business of the Week: R. Brigante Excavating
For most 25 year olds, an off-kilter economy, looming unemployment rates and large amounts of students receiving both undergraduate and graduate degrees have muddled the possibility of finding one’s dream job.
Even more so, the likelihood of starting one’s own business seems highly unattainable, let alone maintaining operations to establish a decent profit. Russ Brigante, however, exemplifies this seemingly rare breed of young business owners who have not only formed their own business, but have found success over a significant period of time, as well.
The 2004 Carmel High School graduate established his excavating business, R. Brigante Excavating, Inc., in March of 2007, and since then has achieved significant success in his field. Though the young entrepreneur has been in the business for just four years, Brigante has always shown interest in working with his hands.
“I chose excavation because I’ve always loved machines,” Brigante said. “I was always playing Tonka Toys as a kid, and now I’m working with the real deal.”
Because his operations are based out of his home, Brigante has complete control over his own work. With some help from his brother Tom, he has been able to provide residents of Putnam, Westchester and Dutchess counties with a wide variety of services—on his time, and under his supervision.
“I just didn’t want someone telling me what to do my whole life—I didn’t want anyone else but me deciding the kind of lifestyle I’m going to provide for my family,” Brigante said. “I’m not a book smart kind-of-guy, and this came natural to me.’
Brigante Excavation services a multitude of residential housing problems, many of which flourished after Hurricane Irene—from drainage to sewage problems, septic systems, foundation work and drywells. The physical work highlight’s Brigante’s services, and the end result is what keeps the young operator content with his business.
“I really enjoy seeing the finished product,” Brigante said. “And helping people and solving problems is really what I enjoy most about this business.”
As for the “business end” of business, Brigante said one of the most difficult aspects of operating one’s own company is maintaining upkeep on paperwork and bookkeeping.
With the fourth year of R. Brigante Excavation, Inc. in full swing, Brigante has set his eyes on the future, with the possibility of expanding his work to house construction. When asked how to properly describe the hard work and effort put into his business, Brigante responded: “Do it once, do it right.”
For more information, contact Russ Brigante at (845)590-6557.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.