Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Excavation Partner in Northern Michigan
Established in 1968 by Perry and Katie Darrow, our company has built a legacy of excellence in excavation and site preparation across northern Michigan. With four generations of family leadership, we combine decades of hands-on experience with a commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. Our team specializes in land clearing, grading, foundation excavation, shoreline restoration, and material delivery services tailored to residential, commercial, and municipal projects. We maintain a fleet of specialized equipment and employ skilled operators to tackle complex challenges, from harbor dredging to wind turbine installations.Our reputation for reliability and quality workmanship has been earned through consistent delivery of projects that meet exacting standards while adapting to evolving industry demands. We prioritize safety, environmental stewardship, and community partnerships in every operation. With deep roots in the Straits area, we remain dedicated to supporting local development through personalized service and technical expertise. Our success stems from repeat clients who trust our ability to transform challenging sites into functional spaces that meet their vision.
Services
Site Prep
Grading
Clearing
Foundation Excavation
Sewer/Septic
Water Services
Landscaping
Demolition
Trucking
Snow Removal
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- Four generations of family leadership since 1968
- Specialized in complex shoreline restoration projects
- Owns equipment for immediate response to emergencies
- Experienced in Mackinac Island material deliveries
- Maintains long-term relationships with local contractors
Services
Site Preparation
Our site preparation services transform raw land into development-ready spaces through vegetation removal, debris clearing, and terrain leveling. We handle projects ranging from small residential lots to large commercial developments, ensuring proper grading for drainage and foundation stability. Our team uses modern equipment to complete earthwork efficiently while minimizing environmental impact.
Foundation Excavation
We provide precise foundation excavation for residential and commercial buildings, including digging footings, basements, and utility trenches. Our operators use laser-guided equipment to achieve exact depth and slope specifications. We prepare sites for concrete pours while maintaining safety standards and protecting surrounding structures during the excavation process.
Shoreline Restoration
Our shoreline restoration services protect properties from water damage through rock revetments, retaining walls, and natural stabilization methods. We've completed major projects along Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, including work at Emmet County's Dark Sky Park. Our solutions balance structural integrity with environmental preservation for long-term protection.
Material Delivery
We deliver topsoil, stone, gravel, and road mix to construction sites and properties across northern Michigan. Our fleet handles standard deliveries and challenging projects requiring barge transportation to Mackinac Island. We offer precise load measurements and scheduling flexibility to support ongoing construction and maintenance needs.
Demolition Services
Our demolition services safely dismantle residential and commercial structures, including older buildings and cottages. We handle debris removal and site cleanup while following safety regulations. Our team prepares sites for new development, working from initial demolition through final grading for new construction projects.
People
Katie Darrow
Founder
Co-founder of Darrow Brothers Excavating since 1968, Katie Darrow has guided the company's growth from its early crane purchase to a multi-generational business serving northern Michigan communities.
Darby Darrow
Operator
Second-generation team member Darby Darrow continues the family tradition of hands-on involvement in excavation projects, maintaining the company's commitment to quality workmanship and customer service.
Dylan Darrow
Operator
Representing the fourth generation, Dylan Darrow contributes to daily operations while upholding the family business's standards of excellence established since its founding in 1968.
Questions
What excavation services do you offer?
We provide site preparation, grading, foundation excavation, shoreline restoration, demolition, and material delivery services for residential and commercial projects.
How long have you served northern Michigan?
Our family-owned business has operated in the region since 1968, completing projects across the Straits area and surrounding communities.
Can you handle Mackinac Island projects?
Yes, we specialize in material deliveries to Mackinac Island using barges and specialized equipment for projects of any scale.
Do you offer emergency services?
Our team responds to urgent requests including shoreline repairs, property access restoration, and critical infrastructure maintenance.
What equipment do you operate?
We maintain a fleet including excavators, dozers, dump trucks, loaders, and specialized machinery for challenging terrain and projects.
