Once upon a time in the picturesque Bay of Islands, New Zealand, a young boy named Gareth Tipene spent his days surrounded by the lush, green landscapes of his small town in Kawakawa. With a heart full of dreams and an industrious spirit, he was determined to create something meaningful that would make a positive impact on both people and the environment.
Throughout his early years, Gareth explored various industries and careers, from aluminium joinery to the glazing industry, and even the world of information technology. But it was after a serendipitous encounter with the film industry that Gareth found his entrepreneurial calling. As a featured gladiator in a US TV production called Spartacus, he was inspired to establish his own business, a talent agency in New Zealand.
Gareth’s talent agency thrived, providing actors and extras for renowned productions such as The Hobbit, Shortland Street, and Spartacus. At the same time, he also set up an online seafood store called Big Fat Oysters, further demonstrating his keen business acumen and determination.
Inspired by his passion for sustainability and technology, he stumbled upon the high-growth industry of artificial grass.
And so, Eco Lawn was born.
Gareth’s journey with Eco Lawn began with thorough market research to determine the best suppliers and pricing for artificial grass. He designed the logo and built the company’s first website, driven by his self-taught skills in Photoshop and an unwavering determination to succeed.
Starting with a local turf supplier, Gareth quickly learned the ins and outs of the industry. He faced numerous challenges, from securing the first job to managing logistics without a company vehicle. But, as always, his resourcefulness and ingenuity prevailed.
From borrowing a friend’s car to assess job sites, to learning installation techniques from YouTube videos, and collaborating with landscaping companies, Gareth completed his first project without a hitch, leaving a satisfied customer in Remuera.
This marked the beginning of Eco Lawn’s incredible growth.
From its humble beginnings, the company rapidly expanded. Gareth moved from contracting out ground preparation to handling full installations, eventually hiring a dedicated team to help with the increasing demand. Eco Lawn’s fleet grew to include vans, trailers, and specialized equipment, and the business began turning over more than $1 million per annum.
As the company grew, Gareth’s focus shifted to finding the best artificial grass technology and supplier in the world. His persistence led him to a premium quality, recyclable artificial grass product that aligned with his environmental values. This groundbreaking innovation positioned Eco Lawn as a leader in the industry, setting new standards for artificial grass in New Zealand.
With a state-of-the-art warehouse and office facility in Auckland, Eco Lawn continued to thrive, employing over 20 people and maintaining a fleet of 10 vehicles. Gareth’s dedication to innovation and efficiency led to the development of software solutions that streamlined operations and improved customer service.
Eco Lawn’s commitment to sustainability extended beyond its products. As the only company in New Zealand recycling almost all of its artificial grass offcuts, Eco Lawn proudly donated materials to those in need or processed them at a local recycling plant, turning them into new, usable artificial grass recycled products.
Today, Eco Lawn is a well-known and respected brand in Auckland and throughout New Zealand. With thousands of happy customers and strong relationships with industry competitors, Gareth’s vision for a sustainable, eco-friendly artificial grass company has become a reality.
Gareth Tipene’s journey with Eco Lawn is a testament to his unwavering determination, passion for sustainability, and entrepreneurial spirit. From humble beginnings in a small town in New Zealand to create a thriving, eco-friendly artificial grass company, his story serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to make a positive impact on the world.
With key achievements such as introducing recyclable artificial grass to New Zealand, creating a great company culture, satisfying thousands of customers, fostering friendly relationships with industry competitors, and employing highly intelligent and positive key personnel that play an invaluable role in driving the ship that is Eco Lawn, Gareth has set the stage for the company’s continued success.
As Eco Lawn forges ahead, driven by Gareth’s vision and dedication, the company will undoubtedly continue to break new ground in the artificial grass industry, setting new standards for environmental sustainability and technological innovation. The legacy of Gareth Tipene and Eco Lawn is poised to leave a lasting, green impact on the world for generations to come.
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