Kristi Post
Kristi Post is the Owner of Post Excavating & Landscaping, LLC, a certified woman-owned business based in Fort Recovery, Ohio. She began her journey in the landscape industry through a high school Career Compact program, where horticulture science classes sparked her passion for landscape design and the transformation of raw spaces into environments people can enjoy. She went on to earn an Associate Degree in Horticulture Science from Ohio State ATI in Wooster, building a strong technical foundation in nursery management and landscape development.
In February 2004, Kristi and her husband launched their business part-time while both maintained full-time careers. Through consistent quality and word-of-mouth referrals, the company experienced steady growth, leading her husband to transition into the business full-time, and eventually Kristi as well to manage daily operations and office leadership. In 2008, they expanded into excavation services after local farmers began requesting silo and barn demolitions. Since then, the company has demolished 82 silos and secured 17 of 21 county grant-funded demolition projects—an achievement that reflects both capability and community trust. Becoming certified as a woman-owned business and trademarking the company’s name and logo marked significant milestones in the company’s evolution.
Today, Post Excavating & Landscaping provides comprehensive services ranging from dirt work and basement installation to full landscape design, patios, outdoor furnishings, and property maintenance. Guided by the motto, “Your First Choice – From Start to Finish,” the company manages every phase of a project so clients can rely on a single, trusted contractor. Kristi oversees marketing, billing, customer relations, and design consultations while managing a three-person crew that includes her daughter. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, she remains committed to demonstrating that women can lead and excel in both landscaping and excavation through expertise, innovation, and determination.
• Woman-Owned Business Certification
• Associate Degree in Horticulture Science
• Ohio State ATI
• Wooster
• Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce
• Ohio Green Industry Association (OGIA)
What do you attribute your success to?
My drive has always been fueled by people telling me I can't do something. I was in college and got pregnant with my first child, and she was sitting right next to me in class when she was just weeks old. People always said, oh, you're not gonna be able to finish college, oh, you're not going to be able to start your own business because of this. And I'm like, I'm gonna prove you wrong. That's my drive - when people tell me, oh, you can't do that, watch me. I just want to prove them wrong, you know? There's no end to what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it. That's my biggest drive.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I face is that I'm a woman in an industry where most business owners, whether in excavation or landscaping, are men. It's a constant challenge to prove that I know what I'm doing and that I'm capable. I have to prove to them that I fit in just as well as they do. People look at me and think, oh, you're just a woman, you can't do that. Well, yeah, I can. There's no reason why I can't. When I go to bid openings for demolition projects, people stare at me and ask if I'm just a secretary, and I have to tell them, no, I own this business. This is my pride and joy. My biggest struggle is that people look down on me because I'm a woman owning a landscape excavation business. But I'm hopeful that I'm gonna start proving that it doesn't have to be a male-only industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I was raised on a horse farm, where I developed a deep appreciation for land stewardship, hard work, and the value of caring for something bigger than myself. Those early experiences instilled a strong work ethic and a respect for the outdoors that continue to influence both my career path and the way I approach responsibilities today. Family is also central to my life. With five children and one grandchild, coordinating schedules can be complex, but I value every shared experience and the time we spend together. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and sightseeing, creating meaningful memories while staying connected to the people and places that matter most to me.