Then and Now | Rifenburg's History, Growth, & Legacy

overview

Over six decades of building a legacy

Growth and Evolution

Time in business is a milestone but it’s what you do with the time that creates a legacy. While building better infrastructure, we built a business that leaves our people and planet better off — a legacy we’re proud to carry through each evolution of Rifenburg.

Opportunity

In the spirit of doing good by our people and planet, we’ve expanded our capabilities so we can carry out this mission to its fullest extent. Now, with a fleet and workforce capable of anything, the opportunity to have an even greater impact stands before us.

A Message from Jack & George Rifenburg

Our father started the business with a dedication to customer service and high-quality work. Employees are all family, and every project we undertake is a labor of love.

Rifenburg’s reputation continues to be built on the satisfaction of our clients.

The key to our success includes respect and appreciation for our employees, emphasis on safety, and responsiveness to our customers.

Two large dump trucks drive on a dirt construction site.

The Rifenburg Family Photo Album

From humble beginnings to a leading name in construction, Rifenburg’s story is built on a foundation of hard work, integrity, and family.

Building Through the Decades

Join us on our journey from a small, family-run business to heavyweights of heavy civil construction.

1958

The late Ken Rifenburg founded Rifenburg Construction as a local contractor, completing small site projects. Over the years, Rifenburg gradually expanded into larger, more complex projects.

1972

Upon Ken Rifenburg’s passing, sons George and Jack carried the business forward. With 30 employees, the company focused on small projects for the New York Department of Transportation.

1989

RCC was created to spread the values and capabilities of the Rifenburg name through a standalone, union-based company specializing in challenging projects.

1991

Looking to expand their workforce to support company growth, Rifenburg purchased Gallo Brothers, a sitework contractor based in Boonville, NY. This added around 30 people to their team.

1996

Rifenburg North Carolina was created to expand Rifenburg’s reach, while the Equipment Services division was formed to manage the company’s growing fleet and support external customers.

2008

Rifenburg purchased Marcy Excavation Services to expand the company’s capabilities in the landfill market. This brand operated under the Marcy name until it was rolled into Rifenburg in 2025.

2019

Rifenburg NC brought on an experienced electrical team to complete airport electrical projects, a specialization that would mark one of the company’s core competencies.

2024

Rifenburg started its Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) to give back to those who helped build Rifenburg into what it is today. Jack and George remain on the Board of Directors.