05/12/2026
we’re back for another MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY!!🕺
Let’s get to know the heart behind Dig Doug, everyone meet Papa Pani!!
“Hey everyone, I’m Papa!
I’m the oldest of six kids, born and raised in Collinsville, Illinois, where I grew up on a dairy farm milking cows. Those early mornings taught me the value of hard work and a good pair of boots!
I headed off to the University of Missouri and came home with a degree in Animal Husbandry—basically a fancy way of saying I went to college to learn how to take care of animals even better than I already did. After that, I spent 30 years at the Harbison Walker brick plant in Fulton, helping build things that last.
These days you’ll still find me happiest when I’m outside, whether I’m tinkering on a project, working in the yard, or out in the shop doing what I love most—woodworking. There’s nothing better than turning a piece of wood into something useful with my own two hands.
Above all, I’m a family man through and through. Nothing beats spending time with my kids, grandkids, and the whole crew. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Happy to be here—let’s get to work!”