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What is LinQ Outdoor Living Academy

West Coast's Only Hands-On Training Event!

Bend, OR April 2nd - 5th, 2025

LinQ Outdoor Living Academy

is a unique learning experience that allows you to:

CONNECT with manufacturers and other professionals

CREATE longstanding industry relationships

LEARN new skills while honing your craft

BUILD beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces 

Our expert team of manufacturers and professionals will guide you through the process of pond building, hardscape design & installation, landscape lighting design & installation, irrigation design & installation, tool demos and more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced landscaper, our hands-on courses will help you hone your craft and become a master of the trade.

Our Build Team

Our LinQ Outdoor Living Academy Build team is made up of top-notch professionals, each bringing a unique set of skills to the table. Whether it's cutting-edge concrete installations, innovative hardscape design, advanced lighting setups, or creating the most breathtaking water features on earth—these experts have it all. You won't find a better group to learn from. Handpicked for their exceptional talents, they are ready to teach you how to excel in your future projects.

Eric Dutchuk RYRIC Landscape

My entrepreneurial journey started at 13 when I rode my bike to pick blueberries by the pound. It was my first taste of hard work and independence. By 15, I was working on a major excavation project, widening a five-mile stretch of I-5 in Salem. Balancing machinery maintenance and manual labor taught me the importance of perseverance and grit.

At 17, I enrolled in the civil engineering program at OSU while working full-time at Chevron. Juggling college and work was challenging, and I eventually had to make the difficult decision to drop out. A good friend in Corvallis introduced me to landscaping, and I began working for a top firm, building high-end custom houses. This experience ignited my passion for creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.

After moving back to Portland, I spent nine years designing and managing landscaping projects for two major companies. I handled multiple housing developments, some with as many as 260 homes, and honed my skills in project management and design.

In 2009, I took the leap and started my own company, Ryric Landscape LLC. We reorganized as an LLC in 2011, and our reputation for quality work quickly spread through word of mouth. This is where I fell in love with the design process. During the height of COVID, we grew to 17 employees and managed seven crews. Today, we operate with a close-knit team of 12 employees and average four working crews.

RYRIC Landscape

Sal Villa Calco Partners

With a lifelong connection to the landscape industry, my journey began with invaluable insights gained from growing up in a family of landscape contractors. This early exposure instilled a deep understanding of the business and inspired me to formally pursue my passion. After completing high school, I enrolled in a comprehensive landscape design and construction program at my local community college, where I dedicated four years to refining my expertise.

For 16 years, I played a pivotal role in managing the commercial landscape division of my family’s business, contributing to its growth and success. While landscaping has always been integral to my life, I discovered a profound passion for concrete craftsmanship over the years. This passion led to a pivotal career shift in 2020, when I founded CalCo—a company dedicated to delivering exceptional concrete solutions. Since its inception, CalCo has been committed to excellence, and the journey has been both fulfilling and inspiring.

CalCo Partners

Evan Newcombe Pride Hardscape

My entry into the landscaping industry was a natural progression, rooted from my childhood experiences with my father's business. My hands-on work from a young age laid the foundation for my eventual takeover of Pride Landscape in 2010. The significant growth I achieved by 2018, transitioning into Pride Hardscape Construction, showcases my commitment to elevating the family business.

My accomplishments along the way include expanding the team from a solo endeavor to a crew of six, demonstrating leadership and business acumen. My passion for the industry is evident in every aspect of our work, from client interactions to the physical act of landscaping and hardscaping. I find joy in the entire process, which is a testament to my love for the craft.

Pride Hardscape

Luke Neathery Neathery Landscape

At the young age of 12, Luke began his entrepreneurial journey in 1998, pushing a lawnmower down the streets to contribute to his family during tough times. His determination and work ethic helped him grow his business throughout his high school years.

Post-high school, Luke pursued his interest in landscaping at MJC, specializing in Irrigation & Landscape Design. His academic endeavors further fueled his passion for landscape installations, with a particular fondness for ponds and waterfalls.

Luke's love for these water features is more than just a profession; it's about enhancing the outdoor living experience. He believes in the power of nature's symphony, the soothing sounds of water, to draw people outside, encouraging them to enjoy their patios and fire pits.

For Luke, it's about creating a complete experience that harmonizes the elements of nature with human interaction, making the outdoors an extension of the home where memories are made and cherished.

Neathery Landscape
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What to Expect

Industry Tool Demos

Get hands-on with the latest tools used in landscaping. Learn how to wield them effectively for tasks like getting your elevation readings, back saving paver/rock/block tools, rolling compactors, blades, paver/block saws, and more. 

Irrigation Design and Installation

Discover the art and science behind efficient irrigation systems. From drip irrigation to sprinklers, you'll explore methods to keep your plants hydrated without wasting water.  Also learn how to install and program smart automated sprinkler controllers.

Landscape Lighting Design and Installation

Illuminate your outdoor spaces! Learn about strategic placement of lights, different types of fixtures, how to use the tools of the trade, smart landscape lighting controls, and how to create captivating nighttime landscapes.

Water Feature Building

Dive into the world of water features—whether it's a serene pond, a babbling brook, or a cascading waterfall. Understand construction techniques and design principles.

Hardscape Design & Installation

Explore the non-living elements of landscaping, such as pathways, patios, permeable pavers, steps, and retaining walls. Discover how hardscapes enhance the overall aesthetic.

Technology Demos

Stay up-to-date with tech innovations in landscaping. From software that will help you manage your numbers, to 3D design collabs, and elevation tools that can save you time, learn how technology can elevate your green spaces.

Design Software Collaboration

Unleash your creativity! Explore software tools that aid in landscape design. Collaborate with a fellow designer who's staff can save you time with design, estimating and can bring your visions to life virtually.

Have questions, reach out.