Growing up in a family that owned a lawncare business, Larry Svoboda was working with a crew as soon as he was old enough to safely push a lawn mower. Knowing he always wanted to work outside and continue the family business, he had a ready made career early on. Ray’s Lawn & Home Care is a family owned and operated business celebrating their 45th anniversary this year. They employ over 30 individuals specializing in lawn treatments, mowing, tree and shrub care, sodding, seeding, landscaping and a wide variety of other lawn and landscape needs.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Day to day challenges include dealing with all the different weather conditions. You never know what Mother Nature is going to throw at you. Of course, with 30 employees, there are 30 different challenges. My biggest challenge though would have to be recovering from a devastating fire in 1995 that destroyed our business’ building and all its contents and all just 45 days before the beginning of our season.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Carrying on the business that mom and dad started and living up to the values of hard work and honesty they instilled in me.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife Janet and I have been married for nearly 27 years. We have two daughters, Ashley, 25 and Jennifer, 23 and a son Tyler, 17. We have one grandson, Dominic, one year old and a granddaughter due in August.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Getting married and starting a family.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spending time with the family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I enjoy working with our employees. I also enjoy finishing a project and taking pride in what was accomplished.
What are you the most proud of?
My entire family.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To be the best you can be and treat others as you wish to be treated.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
To be financially secure so I can spend more time with the family.
How would your friends describe you?
Hard working with a great sense of humor. Extremely high family values.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Wood carving and wood working.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I always wanted to be a little taller.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
I have very little time to read.
What is your favorite movie?
Christmas Vacation
What is your favorite TV show?
Modern Family
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
Hu Hot
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Tom Landry
What is the best way to contact you?
Call 402-476-8614 or see us online at http://www.RaysLawnCare.org