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What is LinQ Outdoor Living Academy

West Coast's Only Hands-On Training Event!

MILLERSBURG, OR May 14th-17th, 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.

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

Dan Harp Mark the Pond Guy

Dan Harp, a Tacoma, Washington native, is the lead designer and artist at Mark The Pond Guy, a family-run business where his lifelong journey in water feature design began. As the son of the company’s founder, Dan joined the install crew full time after graduating high school in 2005 and has since dedicated his career to perfecting the artistry of naturalistic water features.

Driven by a passion for nature and design, Dan has spent years studying natural water movement and learning how to sculpt stone and water into seamless, serene environments. His unique approach—focused on creating naturally filtered, aesthetically harmonious water features—earned him the prestigious “Artist of the Year” award in 2018, a once-in-a-lifetime honor in the industry.


With every project, Dan continues to push his creative boundaries, bringing beauty, tranquility, and lifestyle enhancement to every space he touches. His mission is simple yet powerful: to make each water feature better than the last.

Mark The Pond Guy

Mark Marshall Lawn Stripes & Hedges

Mark Marshall is the owner-operator of Lawn Stripes & Hedges, a digital content creator, and a seasoned landscaper based in Macclesfield, United Kingdom. With years of hands-on experience in the field, Mark has earned widespread recognition not just for his craftsmanship, but for his generosity—offering free backyard renovations to his YouTube viewers.

Through his engaging and educational content, Mark trains contractors from around the world, sharing step-by-step guides on everything from resin binding and landscape design to full-scale installations and stunning water features. His passion for transforming outdoor spaces and helping others grow their skills has made him a standout figure in both the landscaping and online creator communities.

Mark Marshall
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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.