21-year-old Mason Berlinghoff launched Four Silos Land Management LLC in 2020. The Amenia, NY, native talks about the intricacies of owning and operating the business, which has a primary focus on land management work including excavation, forestry, and gardening.
How did you decide to start this business? How did you come up with the business’ name and branding?
I have a passion for equipment and working outdoors. I saw new equipment on social media that completely changed how this work was completed, saving huge amounts of labor, and it spiked my interest.
The branding resembles our home base, which is my parents’ farm in Ancram, NY. The logo represents the silos of the farm, as well as an excavator and trees to demonstrate some of the aspects of our business.
Are your educational background and past experiences influential in how you operate your business?
I’m not sure education plays a huge part in the operations as we learn new things every day. I didn’t have a lot of experience in this line of work, but I had been on heavy equipment here and there since I was little and worked on an estate doing all aspects from mowing to driveway maintenance.
How did the first year of your business go?
The first year went well; it was during the beginning of COVID, which played a large role in our rapid growth as this type of contracting was in high demand, but there were definitely mistakes made that resulted in some not-so-profitable projects.
What was your plan when you started your business and has that plan changed since?
My plan was to stay small with limited employees doing specialized work and I feel we are still on that same path.
What is one of the most important things you learned?
Definitely that it takes time. You really cannot rush experience; everything from operations to understanding customers all becomes easier with time.
What was the most challenging thing when you started?
In the beginning, the largest challenge was understanding clients’ expectations, as I took every comment or word to heart and reacted. But I have since learned that it’s most important to balance what you know and expect and blend it with the client’s expectation, as it is our job to be the experienced professionals.
Was anyone else an instrumental part of developing your business?
My mother and business partner Viviann played a large part in starting this business. Having someone who could come help in a pinch was greatly helpful and in the day to day, having a business partner really helps to reinforce some of the decisions you are nervous about or when you need that second set of eyes on something. She also manages our landscape design portion and her eye for design is unmatched.
What was most fun about starting this business?
Definitely growth and learning new things, as well as seeing some of the most amazing properties and views around! I also love acquiring new equipment that makes our lives easier.
How has your business changed over time?
It has grown and shifted from mostly me to a group of people involved in the day-to-day work.
How do you manage a work-life balance?
I’m not good at it at all, but I find that ensuring I am budgeted properly so that I have a monetary cushion makes it more comfortable to take time off. And setting a stricter schedule has helped.
What did you wish you would have known before you started?
I don’t think there is anything I wish I had known. Learning hands-on seems to create the most satisfaction and have the most impact for myself.
To learn more about Four Silos Land Management LLC, please visit foursilosllc.com. You can also get in contact via email at mason@foursilosllc.com or phone call at (518) 965-2871. Support the business on Facebook and Instagram at @foursilosllc.