About us

Our Story: A Legacy of Digging Deeper

Since 1921, Lidel Construction has been more than an excavation company—we’ve been a driving force in building South Dakota’s communities from the ground up. What started with Carl Lidel in Chester, SD, grew into a family legacy carried on by his son, Merlin, and then his grandson, Craig. Today, Chris and Todd Lidel proudly lead the company into its historic fourth generation, continuing a tradition of precision, integrity, and hard work.

Over the past century, Lidel has evolved with the industry while staying true to its roots. In 2021, we acquired Kempf Construction, expanding our expertise beyond mass excavation to include underground utility installation, ensuring that the communities we serve are built on a foundation of strength and reliability.

From our deep South Dakota roots to our future-focused innovations, we’re committed to digging deeper—not just in the work we do, but in the relationships we build and the workforce we develop for the next generation.

What Makes Us Different

At Lidel Construction, excavation is just the beginning—what truly sets us apart is our commitment to excellence, innovation, and accountability in everything we do. We don’t just move dirt; we build trust, drive progress, and strengthen the communities we serve.

We don’t take shortcuts, and we don’t do “good enough.” At Lidel, we dig deeper, work smarter, and build stronger.

Behind every project is a grounded team—a blend of seasoned veterans with decades of hands-on expertise and driven new talent bringing fresh, innovative ideas. This combination of experience and energy fuels our success, allowing us to tackle challenges with confidence and precision. Our team is committed to quality, safety, and efficiency, ensuring that every project is executed to the highest standards.

Our People.

Meet the team.

  • Chris Lidel

    CEO/ Sales and Estimation

  • Todd Lidel

    Director of Operations and Management

  • Mandy Lidel

    HR/Marketing

  • Steve Olson

    Project Management

  • Kendra Rechtenbaugh

    Office and Financial Administration

  • Bo Atkins

    Project Management

  • Harrison Berg

    Estimation

  • Lidel Office Team

Committed to our community

We believe in giving back to the communities we help build. Whether it’s through local partnerships, workforce training programs, or community involvement, we are proud to support the growth and success of South Dakota. Our commitment includes:

  • Training and mentoring the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

  • Partnering with schools, trade programs, and community organizations.

  • Ensuring our work contributes to long-term, responsible development.

  • 100+

    Years Experience

  • 40+

    Skilled Team Members

  • 500+

    Successful Projects Completed

  • On-Time

    Proven Track Record of Completing On Schedule

Let’s Work Together.

Ready to break ground on your next project? Whether you're looking for excavation expertise, site development solutions, or a trusted construction partner, Lidel Construction is here to deliver.