Landscaping business branches out into real estate development

Twenty-three years ago, Martin Landscaping Co. was only a dream for Leticia and Martin Ramos.

Armed with much motivation and four years' experience, the couple decided to start their own landscaping business.

"At the time, my husband worked in a gardening company that did Oasis Del Este," Leticia said. "But the owner decided to transfer the business, so my husband offered to stay with the contract and gave him an estimate."

Oasis Del Este accepted the proposal, and the couple started working the business from their home.

From that humble beginning they've grown a thriving landscape business and recently have ventured into real estate development.

It wasn't long before they had outgrown their home office and moved their business to its current location at 327 E. 10th St. After some years they realized the need to get a license to perform other jobs related to garden care and landscaping, such as planting trees, installing sprinkler systems, measuring water pressure and decorating with rocks.

"In order to do more than cutting grass, in 1988 we obtained a special license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors," Leticia recalled.
"That gave us more opportunities."

Now with 10 employees, Martin's Landscaping Co. offers its services in San Luis, Somerton, Yuma and Wellton.

Their business interests also have expanded beyond fixing gardens. The Ramoses recently ventured into the real estate world, establishing their development company named Marlet de Yuma from their first names combined.

The real estate venture happened by pure chance, Leticia said.

"We had bought some land and one day we decided to develop and sell lots on it," she said. "That's how the Bonita Estates subdivision got started."

Bonita Estates Subdivision Phase 1 is a 30-lot, single-family residential development at 22nd Avenue and Colorado Street where Club Latino previously was located. It's close to Joe Henry Park, West Wetlands and the historic downtown area.

"We are just getting started, and we recently hired the services of a contractor because we are already building the first house in the subdivision," Leticia said.

For more information about Bonita Estates, call 782-6286 or visit www.BonitaEstatesYuma.com.

The Ramoses believe that to start a business, it is necessary first to have faith, then work hard, have skills in accounting and never give up.

"To start a business, ability is very important," Leticia said.

She attributes the success of the business to knowledge of accounting and payroll, "but above all, to have a good partner like my husband."

Leticia emphasizes the motto that rules the way the Ramoses conduct their business and the services they offer their clients is: "Reliability, good work, trustworthy staff and our work is guaranteed by more than 28 years of experience."

Martin and Leticia Ramos, who have six children, have lived in the Yuma area nearly all of their lives. Martin is from Guanajuato, Mexico, and Leticia was born in the United States.

When they're not busy with their two businesses, they both serve as softball coaches.