ABOUT US
Our Story
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Barnhart Excavating is a Native American–owned, full-service site development and civil construction contractor based just south of Tulsa, Oklahoma. For more than 75 years, the Barnhart name has been synonymous with earthmoving, innovation, and dependable execution.
The Barnhart legacy began in the 1930s when Herb Barnhart started excavating with mules and slips. When he encountered his first motor-powered dozer, he recognized the future of the construction industry and purchased the company that owned it. That decision established a generational commitment to progress, adaptability, and leadership in heavy civil construction.
In the decades that followed, members of the Barnhart family continued building excavation and site work companies throughout Oklahoma. Established in 2002, Barnhart Excavating carries that legacy forward by combining multi-generational field experience with modern systems, technology, and professional project management. Today, the company continues to build on a foundation of hard work and accountability.
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Barnhart Excavating operates as a complete site development and civil construction partner for commercial and public projects throughout Oklahoma.
Our core services include:
Mass earthwork and site grading
Pad preparation and building site development
Underground utility installation (storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water lines)
Detention systems and drainage infrastructure
Public infrastructure and government contracting
GPS-controlled fine grading and precision earthmoving
Developers and general contractors rely on Barnhart Excavating to deliver complete site packages with accuracy, efficiency, and schedule awareness. By utilizing advanced GPS machine control and modern fleet technology, we ensure that projects are executed with precision from clearing to final grade.
We understand that successful development depends on proper site execution. Our team focuses on coordination, communication, and performance that supports the overall project timeline.
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As a Native American–owned contractor, Barnhart Excavating is proud to partner with Native American tribes throughout Oklahoma. We have extensive experience working on tribal projects and understand the coordination, compliance, and communication required to deliver successful outcomes in tribal development environments.
Our team values long-term relationships built on trust, transparency, and consistent performance. We work alongside tribal leadership, development authorities, construction managers, and consultants to deliver civil construction solutions that serve communities for generations.
Barnhart Excavating is committed to honoring the partnerships we build and contributing to meaningful economic development across tribal lands throughout Oklahoma.
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Barnhart Excavating partners with private developers, general contractors, municipalities, Native American tribes, and government agencies to construct infrastructure that supports long-term growth.
We believe that every project is more than dirt moved or pipe installed. Each project is an investment in the future of a community. Our commitment is to make business decisions that lead to lasting, positive outcomes for our clients, employees, and the communities we serve.
With over seven decades of generational experience behind the Barnhart name and a forward-thinking approach to technology and leadership, Barnhart Excavating continues to raise the standard for site development and civil construction in Oklahoma.
Our Core Values
We are committed to maintaining these core values as the foundation for how we operate, make decisions, and build lasting relationships.
Generational Excellence
We are continuing a legacy through the quality of our work, long-lasting relationships, and standards we refuse to lower in order to be a company who endures.
No Regrets
We make disciplined decisions that protect our people, our relationships, and our future.
Financial Stability
We operate with financial discipline to protect our employees, support our growth, further our clients, and withstand any obstacle.
Straightforward Communication
We value honesty, responsibility, awareness, and transparency in all relationships and communication.
No Excuses
We take ownership, solve problems, and follow through without blame or shortcuts at every level.
Company Certifications
City of Tulsa IDP
City of Tulsa Small and Large Meter
City of Tulsa Street Repair
City of Tulsa Right of Way
City of Tulsa C - Paving and Bridge Construction
City of Tulsa D - Utility Construction
City of Jenks Meter Contractor
City of Sand Springs Meter Contractor
City of Tulsa SBE
Cherokee Nation Tero
Muscogee Creek Nation, CESO
ODOT DBE
Osage Nation Business License
Leadership in Practice
At Barnhart Excavating, leadership is grounded in focus, responsibility, and respect for the people doing the work. Clear communication, practical solutions, and getting it right the first time are not just the expectation, but the standard. This mindset shapes the culture and guides every project from start to finish.
Bret Barnhart shares insight into Barnhart Excavating’s history, values, and approach to excavation and utility work.