The Advantage February 2019

CHANGING
ALANDSCAPE
For the landscaping industry it has become clear that
it’s the day of the millennial. This is the generation
born from 1981 to 1996. They are the 22-37 year
olds who are often mocked for the perception that
they are easily triggered and never plan on leaving
home. But that’s not the story for a handful of young
business people who have helped shape the current
world of landscaping.
Landscaping is a 1.5 billion dollar industry in British
Columbia. Recognizing the opportunity is there for
those willing to work hard, some of these kids left
their parents basement and went digging for gold.
These young people have seized the moment and
have grown successful businesses across the
province.
big machines and trucks, and being outside.”, says
Grayden about his motivation.
Grayden, like most of Avenue Machinery’s
customers, is passionate about the work he is doing.
You can hear it in the way he talks about his work.
“Creating usable spaces from a pile of basically dirt
and bricks is very rewarding and we get to do that
every day.”
Avenue Machinery knows it’s a privilege to serve
hardworking visionaries. It’s rewarding to partner
with people willing to put in the hard work to provide
for their families and build a better future.
One such entrepreneur is Grayden Quinn who owns
and operates Castle Contracting. He’s been winning
business since 2012. The company has seen
revenue increase year over year.
“I attribute our growth to our attention to quality.”,
says Grayden when asked why he’s seeing success.
Castle Contracting has garnered a reputation for their
focus on quality. Grayden can’t just focus on being a
great landscaper though, he has to dance around the
same pitfalls as any business; competition, taxation,
and labour.
“The biggest struggle we face, and have faced for
years, is finding employees that are able and willing
to work hard. Young people, a lot of my age bracket
included, seem to want to sit on their butts and get
paid for it.”.
Castle Contracting is making art
What has set Grayden, and the other young go
getters who Avenue serves, apart from their millennial
cohorts? What drives them to put the work in?
“As far as motivation goes, I see it as being fortunate
enough to get to make my hobby my day job. I
have always loved building things, working with
6
Castle’s business, and fleet, is growing