59Philip Garland is the esteemed president of Lexington Land Developers, a firm he established in 1981 in Lancaster, PA. His leadership has propelled the company to complete numerous significant housing developments throughout Pennsylvania, including a 122-unit multi-residential project and several 98, 45, and 46 developments. With a keen understanding of the nuances of building a business from the ground up, he has also contributed to the success of others by providing startup funds for ventures like Reed Concrete.
Garland's academic pursuits at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, where he completed a two-year program in carpentry and graduated in 1981, set a solid foundation for his career. He excelled academically, earning the most prestigious annual award given to a single graduate since 1920. The college, originally founded as Stevens Trade School in 1905, offers extensive programming to prepare students for high-demand careers. It now supports over 1,400 students with associate degrees and certificates.
While studying, he also demonstrated leadership as the cross-country and indoor track team captain. His commitment to the institution has persisted, and a decade-long tenure has marked his significant contributions as treasurer on the Alumni Foundation and Association Boards.
In his personal life, Garland married in 2002 and has two sons and a stepson, whom he has raised and mentored from a young age. His commitment to fostering leadership and integrity extends beyond his family, evidenced by his eight years coaching youth lacrosse. During this time, he implemented a unique motivational program rewarding high school seniors who exemplified the values he promoted.
He has been deeply involved in the Boy Scouts, leading his son's Cub Scout pack and serving as an Assistant Boy Scout Leader. His efforts were recognized in 2022 when he received the Order of the Arrow, an award for those who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law. One of his proudest achievements was mentoring his son to receive the Eagle Scout Award in May 2024.
Garland's compassion is also evident in his support for his family during challenging times, including assisting his stepson through recovery from alcohol dependency and helping his nephew redirect his life toward positive outcomes. Moreover, his community engagement is extensive, involving contributions to local schools and churches and efforts to aid homeless children in Ukraine.
As an avid runner, he maintains a competitive edge in his age group, underscoring his dedication to personal health and lifelong fitness. Through his professional achievements and community involvement, Philip Garland inspires and influences those around him in Lancaster, PA.