About Harness

Ben grew up on a farm in Southeast Iowa and started his first business working with horses at the age of 10. After moving to Middle Tennessee in 1996, he managed a heavy equipment rental location that gave him tremendous exposure to the site utilities and grading industries. With a strong work ethic and incredible aptitude with people, he decided to branch out on his own and formed Harness, LLC in 2006. Ben enjoys the process of turning unusable land into something that becomes a place for life to happen in communities. His expertise is in job oversight and business development. When he’s not working, he enjoys hunting, riding horses, and spending time with his wife, Melanie, and their two children.

Ray considers himself a native of Middle Tennessee, having moved here as a young child. He began working with a family concrete business when he was a young man and at 13, he decided he wanted to attend a private school. He worked multiple jobs to pay his tuition and upon graduating, attended a Bible college, majoring in pastoral theology. He started his own plumbing company in 2003 and was owner/operator until he joined the local sheriff’s department in 2011. After three years on the streets working patrol, he was promoted to Chief Deputy. Ray joined our team as a Project Executive in 2020 and enjoys building community. His motto is— “If you want it, go work for it, and don’t take no for an answer”. In his rare free time, he enjoys Titans football, Predators hockey, and family time with his kindergarten sweetheart, Courtney, and their two mostly grown, fantastic children.

In March of 2021, Jason joined Harness as our full-time internal accountant. He is a native of Middle Tennessee, currently residing in Lewisburg with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children. As a Veteran, he served in the Tennessee Army National Guard from 2006 to 2012 and deployed with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment to Mosul, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After earning a B.B.A in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University, he joined LKQ Corporation as an Accounting Systems Administrator. During his time with LKQ, Jason had the privilege to be a part of many nationwide and global financial projects. When not working, Jason enjoys spending time working on projects around the home and cheering on the Titans, Vols, and Predators with his family.

Craig is a graduate of CSU Fresno School of Engineering with Emphasis in Heavy Construction and has 44 years’ experience in site work, including grading and underground utilities. Craig joined Harness, LLC to help grow and expand the company while bringing his expertise in the most modern methods of design and pricing. He offers a wealth of construction experience and insight from his years in this industry, having been a part of the vast changes in methodology for evaluating, estimating, and executing all kinds of projects with which he has been strategically involved. His free time is spent with his wife Kimm motorcycling, “jeeping”, and enjoying life in Middle Tennessee, which he calls “God’s country”.

Corey grew up on a farm in northern Indiana and moved to Tennessee in 2012. With a strong work ethic developed at an early age, he was determined to accomplish any new challenge put before him. Corey's ability to solve problems with creativity and ingenuity make him a key player leading future generations in the middle Tennessee market. He joined Harness in the fall of 2017 as an operator, quickly rising to management. Corey is best known for his positive attitude, industry acumen, and having the best drink cooler that's impossible for anyone else to open. When not working he enjoys watching NASCAR, off-roading, working on his truck, and spending time with his wife, Tiffany, and their baby girl.

Amaris was born in Atlantic City, NJ and moved to Clarksville, TN in 1994 where he started his career in land development. He started on the ground as a grade checker and moved up to heavy equipment operator. Within 5 years he had been promoted to foreman. He is a superintendent at Harness, LLC and continues to learn and grow. Amaris loves that his job allows him to work outside. He finds enjoyment in watching a wooded area transform. He sees the final project in his head long before it’s completed and loves to watch it take shape. Amaris loves to grow people into leaders. He has high expectations of his crew and has a “no excuse” attitude while not micromanaging his crew. His leadership style is characterized by building up his people. He is a father of four children. In his free time, he enjoys boating, fishing, and hunting - specifically bow hunting. He is a Chicago Bears fan who loves to travel – New Orleans is a favorite – and he also enjoys a good cruise!

Josh is a native of Southwest Ohio, having moved to Middle Tennessee in 2019 with his wife, Monica. At the age of 24, he attended a Heavy Equipment Operating course at a trade school where he learned to operate and maintain various pieces of heavy machinery. This began his love for the excavation industry and a passion to improve field standards. He is a gifted Foreman with Harness, joining us in 2019. In his free time, he enjoys watching baseball, football, and fishing.

John was born and raised in Clarksville, TN and comes from a long line of heavy equipment operators. He joined the Harness Team in 2019 as an operator, quickly rising to Safety Coordinator and then was promoted to Foreman. He brings 15 years of industry experience to our team. We value his drive and determination to get the job done right the first time. He is extremely detail-oriented and invests in his people. He is always looking for new ways to grow his crew exactly where they are planted. He expects a lot out of his crew members but expects more out of himself, as their leader. Communication is important to John and his flexibility on the job is an asset. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his new bride, Sarah, 4-wheeling and playing golf.

Milton Alsdorf is very dedicated to his family and his career. He maintains a balance between them that allows for success in both. Milton comes from a mining and construction background. He has 20 years combined experience in Construction, Mining and Engineering. Milton started in construction and mining as a laborer and worked his way to equipment operator, then foreman, and finally, project manager on the engineering side, overseeing QA/QC efforts. Milton’s experience in this field has brought value to Harness, LLC that has allowed us to move forward with more projects that hold greater complexity and diversity. Milton also has a background in firefighting and EMS where he served as a volunteer for the community where he was raised. He is pursuing an education in Construction Management and Engineering. He hopes to further his career with Harness and pass his knowledge on to others for their success. In his free time, he enjoys motorcycling, golfing, reading, hiking, bicycling, and playing card games at the table with his family.

Tracy grew up in Nashville, but his parents are from North Alabama. He has been in the construction industry since 1992. His career started in the ditch, and he worked his way to loader operator and then track hoe operator. He ran a drill and blasted for nine of his construction years. He began installing underground utilities full-time in 2003. He was first promoted to foreman in 2006. He also has three years’ experience as a utility superintendent. Most of Tracy’s career has been developed right here in middle Tennessee. He joined our team as Foreman in early 2022 and has proven to be an asset with his extensive experience, work ethic and “no excuses” attitude. He is a fantastic example to his crew that you can’t let life circumstances stand in the way of your success. He says he’s just grateful to be a part of the Harness family. He’s also a fan of NASCAR and enjoys attending the races when he gets the chance. Tracy is a huge Alabama fan and we still let him work here! He and his wife have five wonderful grand kids and love time with them as it presents itself.

Aaron is originally from northern Indiana and moved to middle Tennessee with his family in 2020. He worked in irrigation through high school and college before discovering his love for big dirt and heavy equipment. Aaron values investing in relationships and loves seeing his team grow in their skills and as people. He believes in excellence in the ordinary and the importance of character on and off the job site. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, being outside, and woodworking.

Joyce thought she'd retire after a 4 decade long career in nursing but Ben had other plans for his mom. With her accuracy, dependability and a friendly demeanor, we knew she would prove to be just the right fit for our office. Joyce manages our accounts receivable, payroll and general office duties. She's of German ancestry and is famous for her homemade egg noodles and delicious pies. Joyce enjoys spending time with her husband of 50 years, Randy, and their 4 adult children and families.

Brannon was born and raised right here in middle TN. He joined our Team when he was a mere sixteen years old. His first paying job was at a little gas station/restaurant where he cooked and cleaned when he was thirteen. From there, he began working with his grandfather, a plumber, and learned many skills of that trade. He has always had an incredible work ethic that makes him a key player wherever he goes. His career at Harness began in the ditch as a Laborer, and he worked his way to Pipe Layer. When our job opening “Takeoff Specialist” was posted, he was one of the first to apply. Brannon has always enjoyed math, logistics and problem solving. He knew that this job would be the perfect fit for him. He works closely with Craig, our Senior Estimator, to take off bids that give our clients accurate estimations. He builds the 3D models for each of our jobsites. Brannon is proof that you don’t always have to have a fancy college degree to pursue your dreams. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Tala, and their Frenchie, Engles. Saying that he loves TN Titans football and Chess is an understatement! You can always count on him to join you for a Predators hockey game or a round of Secret Hitler.

Ryan Baker is a hardworking, determined individual that sees the best possible outcome of any opportunity you put before him. Ryan was born and raised right here in Middle Tennessee. He went to college in Los Angeles, CA and met the love of his life. Ryan and Madison completed their bachelor’s degrees, got married, and moved back to Tennessee. Ryan joined the Harness team as Assistant Project Manager in 2022 and aids in maintaining project schedules, timelines, due dates, and client relations. Ryan thrives on relationships with people and is in his best environment when he is part of an efficient team. Harness, LLC has helped Ryan to enter challenges with a can-do attitude and supports him as he finds creative solutions to opportunities that arise. When Ryan is not working, you will find him soaking up every second he has with Madison and their daughter, Cora. Ryan brings a unique asset to the team and claims that he is Ray Jeter’s favorite employee.

Nick Bell is a native Texan, but after a family trip back in 2006, he and his wife fell in love with the Middle Tennessee area. They moved in 2007 and have lived in Maury County ever since. Nick joined the Harness team in June of 2022 with nearly twenty-three years of manufacturing experience within the packaging, digital and commercial print and mailing industries. He started his career on the reprographic side of the construction print industry back in 2000 while working at Reprographics Fort Worth, Inc. Nick has extensive experience including management, lean production, project management and product implementation. Since his time in Tennessee, he has lead production manufacturing teams for both the private and public sector. Nick’s most recent role was working for the State of Tennessee, where he was a Director for Document Solutions with General Services. As an active and sworn law enforcement officer, he has served Maury County since 2017. Starting as Reserve Deputy from 2017 to 2021 and now as Constable, Nick is passionate about volunteering his time and serving the community. Nick and his wife Kacey adopted their son from Ethiopia in 2011 and are loving life! In his idle time, you can find him in the yard, swimming, playing with his dogs or watching scary movies.

Megan grew up in Northeast Ohio and moved to the Middle Tennessee area with her husband, Dave, in 2018. She loves Tennessee and considers it home. She joined the Harness team as our HR manager in 2021. She enjoys connecting with people and learning their unique stories. There is no problem too large or too small for Megan. She is always first to jump in whenever anyone around her needs help. People are her specialty, and she cares with her whole heart. Just like the GPS provides precision and speed on our dozers, Megan provides precision and speed in the HR Department. We call her our HR Ninja. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their daughter, Nicole, reading, baking, and hunting. She’s an incredible cook—don’t ask her to make something for you unless you really mean it—because she will!

Diane grew up in the Midwest but got to the South just as soon as she could! She’s been a Tennessee resident for the past 30 years. She is new to the construction industry but not new to business, with experience in a medical office setting trained on all positions and dispatching experience with both Milan Express and Yellow Freight. Diane spent 25 years as a successful entrepreneur building a business in the Nashville area and is now enjoying her position as Harness LLC’s recruiter. She’s pretty proud of her three adult children and is over-the-moon excited about her 2 year old granddaughter Cora. Just ask her – she’ll show you a picture! A new granddaughter will be joining the family this summer. In her free time, you’ll usually find her reading a book, making yummy food or at her piano. Diane loves people and approaches life with a cheerful, can-do attitude. Her office door is open – pop by and say “Hi!”