Growing up, my Dad was (and to some extent still) my Superman. From an early age, I can remember him taking us along to construction sites with my younger brothers. While he did what he needed to do, we climbed on the sand and dirt piles pretending they were mountains, throwing dirt clods – sometimes at each other, collecting scrap lumber to build things later, and running around foundation walls pretending we were “at war” running through the trenches. Occasionally on a concrete pour, we’d get to put our handprints in the wet concrete.
At one point in our childhood, we lived just outside of town on a “huge and vast” (it felt like it) 5 acres. For three boys, it was land with all kinds of possibilities. We took scrap lumber we collected from construction sites, and re-used it to build forts. As soon as we’d build one fort and play in it for a couple days, “Inspiration” would strike and we staked out a new location, tore down the old fort, “designed” and built the new one. One fort never staying in one location too long. We (or at least me) liked the adventure and creating new forts. I loved making it and seeing my brothers enjoy/play in them.
From a young age through high school, I spent a lot of time drawing and creating various art projects. I received compliments and encouragement from family, friends, teachers, etc. I enjoyed making things and the validation and positive feelings that came with it. At the same time, I watched my Dad run and eventually own a heavy construction company. Along with running a business, he lived the example of servant leadership with his friends, and various community organizations. I had a front row seat watching a real life version of the movie, “It’s a Wonderful LIfe”. Like the main character in the movie, George Bailey, he was highly respected among his family, friends and community. I grew up with a dream and desire to “do business”, “own a business”, “run a business” or whatever you want to call it. I wanted to be like my Dad.
When it was time to go to college, I told my Dad I wanted to get a degree in business. He listened, and gave me some of the best advice I’ve ever received. With my high scores/good grades in math & science, he encouraged me to go into engineering. He told me, “You can always do business with an engineering degree. Not everyone can be an engineer. You have the skills and to do it.” So, I changed my path. But, it wasn’t engineering.
I chose Architecture. I applied and got accepted to the school of Architecture at the University of Kansas. It was perfect – a blend of my art, creativity, math & science, and construction. Except, I didn’t look at the curriculum in detail and eventually found out it was a five year degree. At 18 years old, that seemed like an eternity. So, I explored something else.
During a campus summer orientation visit, my Mom and I met with an advisor. I told the advisor I wanted to go into civil engineering (it was only a 4-year degree). It was the degree that encompassed the industry I grew up around – infrastructure and the construction of it. But, the advisor saw my math/science scores (which were strong, but borderline for being good enough for engineering) and recommended maybe I pursue something different than engineering. Little did he know, telling me I couldn’t (or not to) do something made me want it more.
Early in college, my creative side met my entrepreneurial side and I built a business that created and sold screen-printed and embroidered t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. for college groups and various local businesses. I enjoyed building relationships and helping my clients bring their ideas to life and seeing their enjoyment when wearing the finished products.
Eventually, I would graduate with a Bachelor and Master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Kansas and join a small civil engineering firm. Soon, fresh out of college, I enthusiastically accepted an opportunity with the company to manage and grow a branch office in Lawrence, Kansas. I helped grow the business by calling on developers and businesses in need of engineering. I started getting involved in the community and building relationships. I loved it, except I wanted to try starting and owning my own business. I had a desire to know what that felt like.
The opportunity to leave and join a “new engineering firm start-up” presented itself. I jumped. I was excited, eager, inexperienced, business illiterate, naïve, but ready to “go for it”. I joined a small (4 people) firm that had planning and surveying, but needed/wanted engineering (me). I was 28 – yeah, that young! Ever heard the saying, “Young and Dumb”?
We built and grew a company that provided design, development and construction for private (businesses and developers) as well as public clients (local municipalities, etc.). It was an exciting journey with ups and downs, successes and failures, as any business owner will attest. Our culture was unique and fun. It fostered a spirit of “there’s nothing we can’t do” and “how do we find opportunities for our Clients”. Eventually, it would end.
The great recession hit us hard and most of our clients were significantly affected by the economic downturn. Consequently, we couldn’t hang on. We eventually “sold” the business for a few dollars (I would say, “I lost it”). The journey to “re-find myself” began. At this time, it may have been the lowest point of my life. No team. No company. No direction. I felt alone.
Alone. But, I missed creating for and helping people with real estate, engineering and construction. Helping them find and/or execute projects. So, I formed The Johnson Group, LLC, and began rebuilding a business. Friends and past client relationships put their faith in me, supported me, and provided opportunities. The business grew. I got to a point where I felt I could look ahead and did.
I re-branded the company to Land Inspired. I wanted it to be and become more than just me (my namesake in the title) and positioned to invite others in. I missed (and still miss) the team from Peridian. I wanted to create a place where the team could feel inspired, valued, and grow. A culture that encourages and supports that – a place where someone can feel like they’re living their purpose. Land Inspired is that type of company.
The little boy that grew up with ideas, creating and building things believed anything’s possible. The little boy that listened and watched his Dad build relationships, serve his community, and lead a business learned values.
The older boy that saw the impact a team could have on a company, and a company on a community learned to cherish and seek relationships.
The man that learned the value of employees, clients, and what it feels like for someone to trust you enough to pay you to help them – what “doing good business” feels like.
The older man through the sum of all his life’s experiences, is driven because he loves the emotion and feeling of being inspired and wants to share that with others – wants others to feel it too.
I created Land Inspired to build upon this purpose. We look for ways to pursue opportunities that spark inspiration for those that work with us, create a vision and help make it happen.
We do it by uniquely combining our decades of experience and knowledge in real estate, engineering, construction and development. We help our clients buy, sell, lease, design and develop real estate.
We see the world around us like an artist sees a blank canvas – possibilities are endless and only bound by our imagination(s) and willingness to paint (execute/go).
Our Hope is whatever is created will evoke the emotion and feelings we felt when first inspired. For us, we start with the land. It’s our canvas.
-Lance Johnson
