Staying on Track
It wasn’t that long ago that installing drainage pipe meant reading topography by eye, relying on instinct and hoping your laser level held steady in the wind. However, over the last two decades, GPS has revolutionized how pipes are installed in the field, influencing everything from trench depth and slope accuracy to project documentation and efficiency.
Founded by George Karczewski, a lifelong farmer and excavator, and now run alongside his son Tim, this two-man operation has carved a niche in the drainage world by combining old-school values with cutting-edge technology.
Field Journal: Keep Moving
Success on the job site doesn’t just come down to grit—it also comes down to what you bring with you. The right gear, packed with a little thought, can mean the difference between a smooth day and one full of avoidable headaches.
Field Journal: Ride Out the Slow Season
All season long, there’s a list of things that get pushed aside—dull blades, worn-out gloves, busted tail lights. Winter is the time to catch up. Maintaining gear, organizing tools and fixing what’s broken now sets you up for a smoother start when things pick back up.
Frozen Ground, Moving Goals
At a glance, winter seems like a time when the land rests. Fields sit idle, machines are parked and the ground freezes over. But beneath the surface, winter is anything but still. Frost lines shift. Water finds new paths. Soils lock up, release or reshape in ways that aren’t obvious from above. If you’re in the drainage world, this is a season worth paying attention to—because winter has a way of exposing what’s working, and what’s not.
Founded by George Karczewski, a lifelong farmer and excavator, and now run alongside his son Tim, this two-man operation has carved a niche in the drainage world by combining old-school values with cutting-edge technology.
A Partnership with Purpose
In the southeastern corner of Iowa, Mount Pleasant is a community built on hard work, shared values and steady growth. For Fratco, operating a plant in this city has meant becoming part of a place where industry, agriculture and community support all intersect. The partnership between Fratco and Mount Pleasant continues to thrive through mutual respect, local investment and strong relationships.
Founded by George Karczewski, a lifelong farmer and excavator, and now run alongside his son Tim, this two-man operation has carved a niche in the drainage world by combining old-school values with cutting-edge technology.
Meet Janell Odom
For Janell Odom, joining Fratco was more than a career move—it was a homecoming. A native of the Francesville area and graduate of West Central High School, Janell returned to her roots after building a career in quality and manufacturing leadership.
Blueprint for Success: Do the Work
There’s a moment between having an idea and taking action—and in that space, a lot can get lost. We hesitate. We overthink. We wait for the timing to be perfect, for the conditions to be just right.
Raised on Dirt & Hard Work
Nestled in the fertile ground of Union Grove, Wisconsin, George’s Grading and Son LLC has earned a reputation for quality through hands-on work and a no-shortcuts approach.
Founded by George Karczewski, a lifelong farmer and excavator, and now run alongside his son Tim, this two-man operation has carved a niche in the drainage world by combining old-school values with cutting-edge technology.