Gregg Lunsford, owner of Talmo, Georgia-based Lunsford Grading & Hauling, has had one clear mentor as he’s guided his company through 40-plus years in construction: his grandfather, Glenn Lunsford. “Had it not been for him, I probably wouldn’t be doing this,” Lunsford says. “I hung out with him a lot and he had a big influence on what I wanted to do.”
Unfortunately, his grandfather, who concentrated on site clearing and grading in rural areas, did not see Gregg’s start in construction.
“He passed away before I even brought a tractor, so he didn’t get to see any of it,” Lunsford says. “It would have been cool for him to see what’s happened.”
Even though he wasn’t there, his grandfather’s reputation gave Lunsford a leg up with a local equipment owner, who gave him access to a loader and dump truck. “He let me use his yard and shop just like it was my own,” Lunsford says. “I was 20 years old, and it was slow getting started.”
Although Lunsford started working on residential jobs, he now focuses almost exclusively on commercial site development, clearing, demolition and hauling work.
Gregg’s sister, Patti Bynum, handles the Lunsford Grading & Hauling office, and the siblings have also formed RPR Development Group, offering the services of four dump truck to other companies.
The reputation he’s gained after 30-plus years in the field comes in handy.
“When someone starts here, I feel responsible for him,” Lunsford says. “We’re a pretty tight-knit group.”
Lunsford also makes it clear that no job is beneath him. “I do what needs to be done, and everybody here is the same way,” he says. Depending on what needs done, “you might see me down in the ditch or moving a piece of equipment.”
Lunsford is one of 12 finalists for Equipment World's 2023 Contractor of the Year program. The Contractor of the Year program, which has been sponsored by Caterpillar since its inception, recognizes contractors who display the highest standards of business acumen, equipment management expertise, attention to safety and community involvement. Each year, 12 finalists receive an expense-paid trip to Las Vegas to participate in roundtable discussions and an awards ceremony. To be notified when the 2024 nomination period opens, click here.
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