About Us
Higher Ground Land Management LLC was founded by Ryan Smith in 2020. As an Air Force veteran with a strong background in logistics, Ryan brings extensive experience in moving equipment and assets globally. His lifelong passion for landscape design and operating heavy machinery, combined with his logistical expertise, ensures that every project is completed with exceptional quality and precision.
Our team at Higher Ground Land Management comprises seasoned operators with over 20 years of combined experience in site development, excavation, and finish grading for small to large-scale construction projects. We are united by our love for the outdoors, often enjoying hunting and fishing trips together. This passion for the outdoors translates into a commitment to conservation and sustainable practices in our work.
At Higher Ground Land Management, we are dedicated to transforming our clients' visions into reality. We leverage our extensive knowledge and expertise to provide exceptional service, ensuring each project meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. Whether it's excavation, grading, or site preparation, our team is committed to delivering outstanding results for every client.
As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Higher Ground operates with military discipline. Our certification confirms our eligibility to compete for federal set-aside opportunities, ensuring we bring the highest level of service to government and commercial clients alike.
A Stand Against the Industry Standard
The construction and land services industry has a problem.
It’s an industry that too often accepts mediocrity as the standard. It’s plagued by:
- crews who don't show up
- contractors who don't return calls
- timelines that are constantly broken
- and a widespread lack of accountability.
We founded Higher Ground Land Management to be the solution.
It’s an industry that too often accepts mediocrity as the standard. It’s plagued by:
- crews who don't show up
- contractors who don't return calls
- timelines that are constantly broken
- and a widespread lack of accountability.
Our Standard is Non-Negotiable
Integrity First
Our word is our bond. When we give you a timeline, we adhere to it. When we provide an estimate, it's clear and transparent. We do what we say we will do. Period. We believe in doing the job right, especially when no one is watching.
Total Ownership
We take full ownership of our role in your project. We don't blame vendors, the weather, or "unforeseen circumstances" for failures in our plan. We identify problems, we create solutions, and we communicate them to you proactively. We own the project from start to finish.
Uncompromising Quality
Your goal is our goal. Whether it's a perfectly graded pad for a new home, a secure retaining wall to protect your property, or a simple on-time dumpster swap, we treat it with the seriousness it deserves. We show up prepared, with the right equipment and the right plan, to get the job done efficiently and correctly.
The Higher Ground Advantage: How We Deliver
Talk is cheap. Results are all that matter. Here is how our philosophy translates into a better experience for you.
We Own Our Equipment
This is a critical part of our strategy. By owning and meticulously maintaining our fleet of excavators, dozers, skid steers, and dump trucks, we eliminate the single biggest point of failure for our competitors: rental schedules. We are not at the mercy of a third-party vendor. This gives us the freedom to mobilize faster, control the timeline, and ensure the right machine is on your site, ready to work. It's a disciplined approach that guarantees reliability.
We Are Proactive Communicators
You will never have to wonder "what's going on" with your project. We don't just "answer the phone"—we make the calls. We provide proactive updates, we confirm schedules, and we are always available to answer your questions. This isn't a "nice to have"; it's a core part of the job.
We Are a Team of Professionals
We don't just hire "labor." We build a team of skilled, professional operators who share our commitment to a higher standard. Our crews are respectful of your property, and focused on safety and efficiency. We maintain a clean, orderly job site because a disciplined site is a safe and effective site.
