Earth Development: From Humble Beginnings to Turnkey Precision Partner
Built on Grit. Grown on Precision.
At Earth Development, we prepare construction-ready sites for Metro Atlanta’s commercial, mixed-use, and industrial projects, delivering every detail, from initial clearing to final paving, with precision, professionalism, and no compromise. Our GPS-guided fleet, industry-leading safety protocols, and tightly integrated team structure ensure that projects stay on schedule, on budget, and on track for vertical construction.
But before we were the trusted partner for 5–60 acre developments, we were a family-run operation with a backhoe and a vision.
Foundations in Pennsylvania
In 1973, Ed Morgan founded Morgan Construction Company shortly after graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. What began as a remodeling and insurance restoration business soon expanded into homebuilding. When local infrastructure improvements created new demand, Ed bought a truck and a backhoe and began contracting for sewer lateral installations, laying the groundwork, quite literally, for what Earth Development would eventually become.
A Strategic Move South
The early 1980s recession brought construction in Pittsburgh to a near halt. Ed saw an opportunity in Atlanta’s booming economy and relocated his family and core team to the south.The same resolve that still defines Earth Development today: a commitment to adapt, serve, and lead, drove this bold move.
The Power of Partnership
In 1984, Ed’s brother-in-law, Guy Rimoldi, joined him. Guy brought a sharp business mind and a deep understanding of operations and client satisfaction. Together, they scaled the company, and in 1986, they incorporated as Earth Development, Inc., marking the beginning of a new era of focused growth.
Reputation Built on Relationships
The company’s early success was fueled by trusted partnerships with visionary developers, such as Jim Andrews of American Residential Properties and Mercer Dye of Dye Construction. These relationships weren’t just transactional, they evolved into long-term collaborations built on transparency, performance, and integrity. Under Guy and Ed’s leadership, Earth Development quickly became Atlanta’s go-to site grading partner, with more than 80% repeat business.
Earning Trust Through Execution
From 1987 to 2005, Earth Development managed site preparation for multiple Dart Container Corporation expansions, executing high-stakes projects with the precision and consistency that became our hallmark. That success opened doors into turnkey site contracting.
By 1989, Earth Development was offering comprehensive packages, from walls and underground utilities to paving and finishing, making us a single-source solution for demanding commercial projects.
Mastering Complexity With Confidence
Whether it was preparing a 650-acre rock quarry for Florida Rock Industries in 1997 or managing every facet of a 130-acre Planned Unit Development near North Point Mall in 2005, Earth Development consistently demonstrated that we thrive under pressure. We do our best work when others fear complexity.
A Brand Defined by Precision and Safety
By 1988, even Caterpillar took notice, featuring Earth Development on the cover of their national publication as one of the fastest-growing site development firms in the world. Our investment in nuclear-grade safety protocols, GPS-controlled equipment, and hands-on leadership transformed Earth Development from a local contractor to an elite strategic partner.
By 1989, Earth Development was offering comprehensive packages, from walls and underground utilities to paving and finishing, making us a single-source solution for demanding commercial projects.
Earth Development Today: Turnkey Partner. Precision Operator. Trusted Ally.
Today, Earth Development continues to lead Atlanta’s site development industry by focusing exclusively on high-impact commercial projects ranging from 5 to 60 acres. Our unique business model intentionally limits our active project count, ensuring that every client receives focused attention from senior leadership.
In 2021, private equity partners Chris Mihaletos and Steven Hudson became captivated by Earth Development’s mission to partner with general contractors and developers, delivering a service value that surpasses that of any competitor. They were impressed not only by the value of customer service but also by the organizational transparency, the clear pathways for employee advancement, and the company culture that fosters market superiority, which ultimately led them to acquire the company. Mihaletos and Hudson contributed their expertise, systems, and procedures from managing over thirty business operations nationwide. Furthermore, they invested five million dollars in Capital Expenditures within the first year to enhance customer service value, expand employee opportunities, and boost our overall market share.
In 2025, private equity partners Chris Mihaletos and Steven Hudson of MACK Management acquired Jimmy Hickman Excavating Company, based in Orlando, Florida. This acquisition not only significantly expanded the service area into two states but also greatly enhanced overall organizational efficiencies through better equipment utilization and synergies between the two site development firms.
From suburban tracts to infill challenges, we meet you early in the process, develop a comprehensive plan, and execute every detail with precision, so your financing flows smoothly, you meet your timelines, and your project breaks ground with confidence.
Ready To Partner With a Turnkey Site Development Expert in Atlanta?
We do it all, erosion control, clearing, grading, utilities, paving, because one partner doing everything right is better than five doing it halfway.