Distinguished Graduates 2017: Jeffrey Musselman receives award in business

Jeffrey (Jeff) Musselman graduated from Linganore in 1983, and is the 2017 Distinguished Graduate honoree in Business.

“I felt extremely surprised, honored, and blessed when I found out I was being recognized as a Distinguished Graduate. I was actually very nervous about coming back to Linganore after 34 years. Public speaking has never been my strong suit,” Musselman said.

He is the co-owner of his family business, Musselman Excavating Inc, an earth moving construction corporation located in Libertytown. They specialize in residential, commercial, and agricultural excavation, providing many services to Frederick, Montgomery, Howard, Carroll, and Washington County.

Musselman Excavating Inc. was founded by Earl Musselman, and he passed it down to his two sons, Jeff and Duane, who now co-own the company. “My parents have tremendously impacted our success. They started the company and built the foundation,” he said. “My brother, Duane, is also a huge part of the company’s success, and he is as deserving of this honor as I am.”

“My sister and I were not surprised at all when we found out that our father received the Distinguished Graduate Award. He works so hard and he deserves this more than anyone else,” said Jeff’s daughter, Jessica Musselman. Both of Musselman’s children graduated from LHS also, and his other daughter, Jennifer, is the Office Manager at Musselman Excavating Inc.

While at Linganore, Musselman participated in JV and Varsity football, JV and Varsity basketball, as well as Indoor & Outdoor track. He was also very involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The Musselman family has become a fixture at Linganore High School. There has been a Musselman at Linganore every decade since the 1960s. Musselman’s nephew, Ben, is currently a sophomore and plays running back on the varsity football team. His other nephew, Nathaniel, graduated in 2015 and currently plays football at Fairmont State University.

“When I’m not working, I really enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing, as well as riding motorcycles,” he said about his life today.

Musselman’s career history before co-owning his family’s company includes working at many excavating and construction companies based in Mt. Airy and Libertytown, where he took on the position of laborer, equipment operator, crew foreman, estimator, and project manager.

He also served as a Deacon, Trustee, Finance Committee Member, and Building Committee Consultant for three years at Bush Creek Church of the Brethren in Monrovia, as well as a Nonmember Volunteer at the Libertytown Volunteer Fire Department for fifteen years.

Musselman’s advice for graduating students is, “Try to be above average and excel in school. Put yourself forward and your academics first.”