From Tree Spades to Fire Engines: How Gavin Lingo Grew His Landscaping Business to 50 Employees

The Municibid Podcast

Gavin Lingo shares his 38 years of experience in building and growing his landscaping and nursery company. He highlights some of his favorite projects, such as a large cobble driveway on a farm, which involved complex elevations, grades, hardscaping, and lighting. He also mentions big pond jobs with walls, retaining walls, and integrated lighting and audio systems. Gavin emphasizes the importance of logistics and coordination in executing these projects successfully.

When it comes to his fleet and equipment, Gavin admits to having a wide variety of trucks and machines, including Mack trucks, Internationals, Freightliners, tractor-trailers, hook trucks, and various trailers. He considers hook trucks and tree spades to be the most essential for his business, as they help move materials and large trees efficiently.

Gavin shares his experience with government auctions, particularly his favorite win on Municibid – a Vermeer trencher with low hours that paid for itself on a single large project. He also mentions purchasing fire trucks, which he uses for watering, advertising, and even birthday parties.

For those starting a landscaping business, Gavin advises controlled growth, focusing on being really good at what they do, and prioritizing customer needs. He emphasizes the importance of personal connections and communication in today's tech-driven world.

Gavin also discusses the challenges and rewards of running a family business, stressing the significance of effective communication among family members working together.

About the Guest:
Gavin Lingo is the owner of Lingo Group Incorporated, a landscape nursery operation that handles various aspects of outdoor projects, including design, build, maintenance, and installation. With 38 years in the business, Gavin has grown his company to 50 employees, 45 trucks, and 22 acres of nursery stock. He runs the business alongside his wife, two sons, and daughter.

Key Takeaways:

• Lingo Group Incorporated offers a wide range of landscaping services, focusing on delivering high-quality work and customer satisfaction.
• Effective logistics and coordination are crucial for executing complex landscaping projects successfully.
• Hook trucks and tree spades are essential equipment for efficiently moving materials and large trees in the landscaping industry.
• Government auctions, such as those on Municibid, can provide valuable equipment and vehicles for landscaping businesses at a fraction of the cost of new items.
• When starting a landscaping business, controlled growth, specialization, and personal connections with customers are key factors for success.
• Running a family business requires effective communication and balance between family time and business responsibilities.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about Lingo Group
• Explore the wild world of government surplus at Municibid
• Learn more about Government Surplus Vehicles: https://blog.municibid.com/the-government-surplus-vehicle-guide/
• How Much Does a Fire Truck Cost? https://blog.municibid.com/how-much-does-a-fire-truck-cost/
• Creative Fire Truck Conversions: https://blog.municibid.com/fire-truck-conversions/

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