Hall Of Fame Inductees

 

The individuals nominated should have made a significant impact or positive influence that assures the future of our industry in the lives of generations to come.

 

Once nominated, an individual’s biography and photo are updated on the site, and he or she is placed in the polls for voting. At the end of the year the committee takes into consideration the votes and decides which candidates are inducted.

 

Those with a star (*) next to their name below were either inducted posthumously or have passed away since being inducted.

 

Nomination Qualifications

  • Person with integrity and passion
  • Minimum 20 years in industry
  • Someone who has developed  or invented  new technology
  • Has made contributions that resulted in change
  • Contributed to mankind’s needs in his field
  • Provided education and encouragement  with self-sacrifice
  • Changed the industry

Gary Vallen *

Superior Sod (1993 – 2010)

Los Angeles, California

  • Territory included all of Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Inyo, and Mono County
  • Played an instrumental role in developing the Home Depot and Lowes accounts
  • Managed over $4 million per year in sales
  • Managed a 300 acre sod farm in Castaic, California
  • Led a team of over 25 employees

G. Vallen Landscape Services (1987-1993)

Valencia, California - Landscape installation, maintenance, consulting, sod sales, and irrigation systems

Owner-Operator

Vallen/Mills Landscape Contractors (1985-1987)

Newhall, California - Landscape and masonry installation

Owner-Operator

Tropicana Nursery and Landscape (1978-1985)

Newhall, California -  Landscape and masonry installation

Owner-Operator

Education

  • Landscape Architecture Program, UCLA Extension Program, Los Angeles, California (1990)
  • Contractors License School, Ventura, California (1976)
  • Ornamental Horticulture, Moorpark Jr. College, Moorpark, California (1971-1972)
  • Ornamental Horticulture, Ventura Jr. College, Ventura, California (1968-1970)

Affiliations

California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA)

  •     Chapter President (1985-1987)
  •     Chairman / Co-Chairman of Chapter Presidents Council (1988-1989)
  •     Associate Member Representative (1993-2010)
  •     Associate Member of the Year (2005)
  •     Chairman of Landscape Industry Show (2005 – Present)
  •     State Trophy Awards Judge (2005, 2007, and 2010)
  •     Allegiance Award (2010)

 California Association of Nursery and Garden Centers (CANGC)

  •     Member (1978 – Present)