Wayne Cox
Continued from page 113 keep it looking manicured and green. I suggest that my clients install grass only where it is needed for functional purposes, such as recreation, rather than to satisfy a visual need or for a “sea of green carpet.” As the cost of water continues to rise, I anticipate that more Californians will reduce the size of their lawns. What job of yours are you most proud of? One of RDS’ first jobs was the design of the estate of local private oil company businessman Chad Hathaway. The project was a blank slate with only the existing residence given. The project offered the ability to work with a site that has nice topography, allowing for nice dynamic of changes in elevations. We were allowed to be creative. The client worked with us to create some really beautiful “outdoor rooms,” each with a separate function. The installing contractors involved did a phenomenal job. It is currently the gem of our portfolio.
Javier Lesaca Javierisa landscape contractorw ho becam e partnerof hisfather’sbusiness,Lesaca Landscape Co.,in 1990.N ow he and hisw ife,Benita,m anage the business.H e hashisbache114
Bakersfield Life Magazine
March 2013
lor’sdegree in plantscience-ornam entalhorticulture from Fresno State.Aftercollege,he w orked atvariousnurseriesasa production m anager,and returned to Bakersfield w here he gothiscontractor’slicense and started hiscareer. What made you choose this career path? When I was young, my father would take me to work with him on the weekends and during the summers. I grew to enjoy working with plants and landscapes. Where can we find your work around town? Right now, you can find us working at San Joaquin Community Hospital. We provide them with landscape maintenance services at their various properties. Is your job more creative or hands on? A little of both, but mostly creative. On smaller jobs, where there is no landscape plan, the client is looking to me to create a beautiful landscape. So it’s my job to put the right plant in the right place and build an efficient irrigation system, as well as hardscape, landscape lighting, water features, patio structures, soil preparation and drainage. What is the most difficult part about being a landscape contractor? We have the same difficulties as any small business has that is trying to survive and grow. But as a landscape contractor we are competing with unlicensed operators that will underbid us every time. They can become a hazard to the consumer because they do not