Vic Cvijanovic: Landscape of Opportunity
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
WALNUT CREEK — Originally from the former Yugoslavia, Vic Cvijanovic brought his family to the United States because he was lured by the prospect of a better life. He found the “Land of Opportunity” to be true to its namesake, but it was ultimately his own work ethic and determination that earned him the prosperity he sought. “After coming here with my wife and two children, I needed a way to support my family, so I took a job doing landscaping,” he recounts. “As time went on, I found I didn’t agree with the way the company did things—particularly their low standard of quality. To carve my own professional niche, I started doing small jobs on the side, and eventually I was able to start my own business.”
Today, as owner of Pacific Landscaping, Vic says he continues to appreciate the same attributes that initially attracted him to the landscaping field. “When I first started in this industry, I really liked the creativity involved, and I still have a passion for it today. I find it very fulfilling to work with my customers and help them achieve their dreams and expectations for their landscapes.”
As a resident of Walnut Creek (where he lives with his wife, Tinka), Vic expresses his appreciation for life in the Bay Area. “If there is paradise on this Earth, this is the closest thing to it,” he says. “The weather is wonderful, the people are great and there are almost unlimited opportunities to make something of your life.”
Outside of work, Vic engages in a variety of pastimes, from skiing at Lake Tahoe to vising family in Europe. He also enjoys spending time with his immediate family, particularly since he recently became a grandfather. “My kids are both grown up, but we still do lots of family activities together,” he affirms. “My wife and I now have a beautiful baby granddaughter, so that’s been a real joy for us.” Vic also likes reading, attending church and working on his business. “I’m very passionate about my work, so I invest a lot of time into developing my company.”
In his life and career, Vic espouses the importance of doing what you love, as well as the value of self-sovereignty. “I work hard, sometimes 14 or more hours a day, but at the same time, I also enjoy life,” he says. “After all, this is something I choose to do. Since I create my own schedule, I’m able to run my business and live my life how I want to. It’s a good feeling to have that kind of control over things.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Vic says he would continue to stay involved with his profession. “I don’t think much about retirement because I enjoy what I do. Even if I sold my company, I would still want to do something in the field of landscaping, like consulting or design.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite book?
A: “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. I think few authors were able to penetrate the human soul like Dostoyevsky.
Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Coffee.
Q: What’s your favorite season?
A: Fall—it reminds me of my childhood and the beginning of the school year. Plus, I like the smell of the air, the changing weather and the rain.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird. I love to wake up early and get a lot accomplished.
Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Little mortadella and salami sandwiches—I used to eat them a lot as a child.
Read moreRead less
