The story of Elder Corporation is, at its core, a family story—one built on grit, vision, and a single rubber-tired Ford tractor. On May 7, 1960, Jerry and Judi went on their first dinner date and soon after made a life-changing decision to partner with Jerry’s father. Together, they laid the groundwork for a basement excavation business in Des Moines, founding RG Elder and Son. With Jerry operating the tractor and his father working to grow the business, they forged ahead guided by five enduring principles: Safety, Character, Commitment, Competence, and Integrity.
Today, Elder Corporation stands as a testament to that legacy of perseverance and innovation. From digging basements to tackling complex earthmoving and underground projects, there’s no mountain too big to move, or pipe too deep to lay.
With a workforce of dedicated individuals, our contributions may often be hidden beneath layers of asphalt, concrete, and grass—but the sturdy foundations we create are built to stand the test of time. By embracing technology, from GPS-guided excavators to drones and virtual reality, Elder Corporation continues to push the industry forward while staying true to our roots.
Amidst all the advancements, the groundwork laid by father and son remains unshaken. What began as a family endeavor is still a family endeavor. For Jerry—and now J.—Elder Corporation remains deeply rooted in family values, where every employee is treated as a member of the family. No matter how advanced our tools become, there’s no substitute for having the right people in the right roles.
On May 7, 1960, Jerry and Judi went on their first dinner date and soon after partnered with Jerry’s father to make a life-changing decision. Together they started with a single rubber-tired Ford Tractor digging basements. That humble start laid the groundwork for decades of growth and gave life to the original Elder Bug. Mascots were all the rage then, and Jerry’s dad and grandfather hired Virgil Carlson to bring their idea to life, creating an iconic symbol that’s remained a cherished part of our story ever since.
In 1981, Jerry and Judi purchased the property in Pleasant Hill that would become Elder Corporation’s new home. The original metal “building”, salvaged from a demolition, still stands on the property today. At one point, our office housed both office and shop under the same roof. Over the years, the property has grown through multiple remodels and additions, evolving into the headquarters we know today.
Jared Elder II (J.) took over as majority owner and rebranded the company as Elder Corporation. Under his leadership, the company grew to 350+ employees and expanded its capabilities, all while keeping its family-driven values at the core.
We celebrated 60 years inbusiness—right in the middle of a global pandemic. A milestone made possible by generations of grit, resilience, and dedication.
Now turning 65 years strong, we brought back the Elder Bug in a special way. This commemorative logo is a nod to our rich history, tireless innovation, and the hardworking people who make it all happen. It doesn’t replace our official logo, but it will proudly mark this milestone.
The Elder Corporation you see today is a testament to decades of hard work and dedication. While we’ve grown and evolved, one thing has never changed: we have a strong foundation, top-notch equipment, and—most importantly—great people.
