Raymundo Gonzalez

Project manager/owner

The Lawn Guy Complete Landscaping

Age: 39

Current city of residence: Pasco 

Briefly describe your company:

Proudly serving the Tri-Cities with commercial and residential landscaping. Founded in 2008, The Lawn Guy is a premier lawn care company in the Columbia Basin area. We strive to provide a higher level of service to customers, making sure that their vision for their property is brought to life.

How long have you worked there?

18 years 

Briefly describe your job and what you do. Tell us how you got into it. 

An opportunity to pick up what started as a side job to pay for school became something I truly enjoyed doing. From there it’s all history. I learned that working hands-on with projects was very rewarding. Now I specialize in transforming properties into outdoor living spaces that homeowners can enjoy. 

Tell us about your work history.

My initial career goal was to become a pharmacist. I worked as a licensed pharmacy technician for years before jumping fully into running my own business. 

Tell us about your first job.

In high school, I worked at Yoke’s Fresh Market on Road 68 in Pasco as a courtesy clerk/day runner. In this job, I learned that customer service is very important in creating trust with customers. 

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

Staying consistent will help you master your craft. 

What was your dream job as a child?

Car designer. I used to draw out different variations of car models all the time as a kid. 

Who are your role models – and why? Tell us what you learned from them. What do you consider your leadership style to be?

My first pharmacy manager, Randy, is a role model to me. He showed me how to lead by example and to set your standards high. 

My leadership style is to lead by example while supporting others and teaching them to do the same. 

What would be your top three priorities to make our community a better place?

Having community programs that allow the youth to get involved and become positive members of the community they live in. 

More support to the nonprofits such as Elijah Family Homes, which helps community members turn their lives around and get out of bad situations. 

Improving the infrastructure of our community to help economic growth for all. 

Tell us about your community involvement/community service:

I am an active volunteer with the American Red Cross. My favorite campaign to be a part of is the Sound the Alarm campaigns that are done throughout the region. This campaign allows us to install fire alarms and help families learn about home fire safety.

I have also donated my time to provide professional support to local nonprofits. 

List any awards/honors you have received.

The Lawn Guy received an Entrepreneurial Award from the Richland Rotary Club and TRIDEC in 2018 for outstanding entrepreneurial contributions to the region’s economy. 

What else should we know about you?

I am a part of an awesome networking group that I respect very much. I have learned so many great lessons from my fellow business owners. Never underestimate the power of surrounding yourself amongst success. 

How do you achieve work-life balance?

Setting days aside to make sure I make time for family and friends. 

Do you have family? Pets? Tell us about them.

I grew up with four sisters and miraculously survived! I have been married to my spouse for 18 years and we adore our two fluffy dogs, Queso & Balas. 

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?

I moved here from Mexico when I was 2, and I have lived in Pasco since then.

What’s your dream vacation?

Taking my wife to Europe.

Planner or procrastinator?

Planner 

First car?

1989 Nissan Maxima 

Introvert or extrovert?

Extrovert 

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

Fishing 

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

That I was a pre-med student before starting my business. 

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

Angel’s Cafe 

Favorite day of the week?

Sunday 

Text, email, phone call?

Text 

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

Future