RJM Ellner

RJM Ellner

Based in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, RJM Ellner LLC is a growing Southern Illinois excavation and contracting business owned by Randy Ellner. The company specializes in excavation and site work projects and has completed work for organizations including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), local levee districts, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and other regional businesses.

Their capabilities include tree removal, ditch dredging, soil preparation and seeding, roadway access installation, road maintenance, and culvert and water control structure installation. Like many small businesses, RJM Ellner LLC had hands-on experience and industry knowledge but wanted to better understand how to navigate government contracting opportunities and become more visible for project bidding opportunities in Illinois. After learning about the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU through IDNR, Randy received guidance for the state government contracting process.

Through assistance from the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU, RJM Ellner LLC received step-by-step support on becoming a bidder for Illinois small business projects and navigating contracting processes. That support helped position the company to pursue and secure additional government-related work opportunities. Since working with the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU, RJM Ellner LLC has been awarded multiple projects and continues to grow. One notable awarded project through IDNR included tree removal, ditch dredging, soil preparation and seeding, road access installation, road maintenance, and culvert installation with water control structures. 

“The business is thriving and ready to take on more jobs,” Randy shared. “Without them I would not have gotten the jobs I have and be where I am today. Brenda has been amazing to work with.” Looking ahead, RJM Ellner LLC plans to continue growing throughout Southern Illinois by taking on additional projects, expanding visibility, and continuing to build experience within the government marketplace.

“Illinois APEX Accelerator and SBDC at SIU have been incredible to work with. Their services and employees are top notch.” – Randy Ellner, RJM Ellner LL