Tunneling Contractor

His life was an example of working hard to establish a successful career as a business owner – earning enough money to support himself, his family, and his employees – without having to attend college. Then he encouraged others to follow his path. 

FAMILY BACKGROUND

Lindbergh Goodwin (LG) was one of 12 children born in South Carolina. When he was a teenager, he moved to Baltimore, Maryland, to live with an aunt. 

“People said he was unique as a child,” his daughter said. “He always knew what he wanted.”

EDUCATION

LG graduated from high school. Ever curious and eager to debate the issues of the day, LG read extensively to research and find the answer to life’s most profound questions. “He constantly educated himself,” his daughter said. 

MILITARY EXPERIENCES AID CIVILIAN SUCCESS

Following high school, LG joined the Army and was assigned to overseas combat for the next three years, where he distinguished himself in combat and leading troops, earning a dozen medals including the Purple Heart (wounded in action) and Bronze Star (bravery). LG rose in the ranks, earning promotion to Sergeant Major, serving as a liaison between his commander and the troops. 

Already self-disciplined, LG’s military service reinforced his belief in the value of getting out of bed early and working hard at your job all day. 

Later in life while relaxing at home with his family, LG shared stories of the hardships he endured during combat, described the men with whom he fought and even showed the injuries he suffered. After weekend drills as an Army reservist, he delighted his children with presents when he returned home. “We used to sit out front and wait for his car,” said his daughter. “He served with pride, dignity and integrity – in everything he did, both in the military and afterwards while owning his own business.”

INTERN

Before LG joined the Army, he learned construction techniques from his brother-in-law. 

TRANSITIONING FROM THE MILITARY TO A CIVILIAN CAREER

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, LG founded his own tunneling contractor business, which involved underground excavation and construction. He worked on highways and elsewhere with developers, contractors, and other excavators. 

The company specialized in building tunnels. Using his military skills and construction experience, LG was demanding of his employees and exacting in his standards. “He did not tolerate mediocrity and strove for perfection, especially in any tunnel, where danger was imminent at every turn,” his family said. 

CAREER SATISFACTION

In addition to earning military promotions and later starting his own contracting business, LG served as a mentor to many young Black men from his neighborhood, showing them how to succeed, too.

While LG was self-disciplined and demanded the same from his troops and later from his employees, he could be patient and offer gentle guidance when the circumstances permitted his leadership patience understanding more than being saluted. Said a fellow veteran in an online tribute to LG: “I attributed my success in life to the advice I received from LG. I will always reflect on the words of encouragement which he spoke to me while I served under him. I honor LG by applying what he spoke into my life from that day to my present time today.”

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This career story was based on an obituary written by Gary Miles, published by the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper on October 20, 2022.