Camarillo / California / United States
Brian Staben, 35, is a very lucky man: he found his passions very early in his life. He has been riding motocross his whole life, raced professionally for five years, and continues to ride and race with his sons, Mitchell, 14, and Jacob, 10. Brian is lucky in another way: he shares his passions with both his dad and his two sons. Brians dad, Frank, started taking Brian to work with him when Brian was about 2 years old. Frank has been in the equipment and grading business for more than 30 years, and he and Brian co-own Dirt Works Engineering. "While other kids were playing with Tonka trucks, I was driving a tractor, " said Brian. "I learned everything I know about equipment from my dad, and we still work together every day." Dirt Works handles any and all grading and excavation work for high-end residential projects but, honoring the family passion, they also design and build motocross tracks. Also in keeping with family tradition, Mitchell and Jacob have been operating equipment and working with their dad on projects since they were little. "Theyre growing up the way I did, " said Brian proudly. Brians mom, Connie, does bookkeeping and office management, so its a true family business. Brian had another amazing stroke of luck about fifteen years ago when he happened to meet Julian George, who pioneered decorative rock work and created much of the landscape at Disneyland. Sensing Brians enthusiasm, Julian took him under his wing and taught him everything he knows-pure joy for Brian, who just loves hanging out with Julian. Brian then started Rock Shop, Inc Also targeted to the high-end homeowner, Rock Shop specializes in custom artificial rock formations, including waterfalls, swimming pool decking, grottoes, caves, water slides, fountains, hardscape and landscape. In addition to homes, Rock Shop has enhanced commercial buildings, hotels and theme parks; in addition to doing decorative rock work, Rock Shop is a fully licensed structural engineering contractor. The Rock Shop team comprises Brian, Frank and a team of professional foremen and job superintendents that have been in the business 25+ years-some of whom used to work for Julian George. Brian is now in the process of expanding to other areas with Rock Shop franchises. Brian, Frank, Mitchell and Jacob all really enjoyed participating in TLCs Backyard Nation this season. The tropical-themed fantasy backyard, with its lagoon, water slide, fire pits, hammocks, BBQ island and concrete "sand" areas, was a true challenge, especially considering the condition of the yard before the transformation took place. But the extreme sports backyard was nearest to their heart, because it represents their true passion. "We made a concrete skate park, a motocross track, waterfalls and ponds, and a fire pit, " Brian said. "We built it for a family with two boys ages 5 and 8, and they absolutely loved it. Its every little kids dream."
