Driving Development: RIPA & Associates Sees Success

RIPA & Associates, led by President Chris LaFace, has grown into a premier site contracting firm in west central Florida. With a workforce of 1,250, RIPA offers full-service site development, focusing on residential, commercial and industrial projects. Their success is attributed to a strong team, customer-centric approach, robust equipment fleet and strategic partnerships with suppliers like Linder Industrial Machinery Co. RIPA's commitment to quality, innovation and community involvement positions them for continued success and leadership in the site contracting industry.

#12 June 5, 2025 - Southeast Edition
Updated: October 17, 2025
Linder

RIPA & Associates, a cornerstone in west Central Florida site contracting, was founded in 1998 by Frank Ripa and has grown from a small startup with 10 employees to a workforce of 1,250 today. Operating in a 90-mi. radius from its Tampa headquarters, RIPA provides full-service site development, including clearing, earthwork, utilities, roadways and paving.

"Our scope of work is comprised primarily of residential communities, commercial and industrial sites, schools, and hospitals," said Chris LaFace, president and CEO.

Additionally, RIPA's sister company, Florida Asphalt & Concrete (FAC), plays a crucial role in handling asphalt and concrete work for many of RIPA's projects. FAC, established to complement RIPA's services, has been a pivotal addition to the company's capabilities.

"Having Florida Asphalt & Concrete allows us to self-perform the paving and concrete scopes in our contracts," LaFace said. "This not only streamlines our processes but ensures we deliver a consistent, high-quality product to our clients on our schedule."

RIPA's remarkable growth stems from its commitment to fostering strong relationships and maintaining a customer-focused culture. After weathering the economic downturn of 2008, RIPA emerged stronger by investing in talent and emphasizing repeat business.

"Our success comes from having a phenomenal team and an unwavering commitment to customer service," LaFace said. "Our business is built entirely on private work — no hard-bid government contracts — which keeps us focused on our clients' needs."

Expanding Fleet

The team's expertise is complemented by a robust equipment fleet and strategic technology integrations. Among RIPA's preferred machines are Komatsu D51PX-24 dozers, Komatsu HM300-5 and HM400-5 articulated trucks, Komatsu WA320-8 wheel loaders, BOMAG BW 211 D single-drum vibratory rollers, BOMAG BW 11 RH-5 pneumatic tire rollers, and BOMAG RS 360 soil stabilizers/recyclers. This specialized equipment enables RIPA to deliver exceptional results efficiently and consistently.

"We introduced Komatsu machines as rentals initially, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive," said Casey Dowling, fleet director. "The operator interface is simple and intuitive, and the visibility on the D51PX-24 dozer, in particular, enhances safety and productivity."

Dowling added, "We prefer BOMAG rollers because of their ease of use, reliability and serviceability. Their uptime is much higher than other ones we've tried."

The equipment's versatility is critical, as RIPA handles a variety of projects, including master-planned communities like Two Rivers in Wesley Chapel and large-scale developments in Parrish, such as the Seaire community. The Seaire project alone involves thousands of residential lots and a new hospital, showcasing RIPA's capacity to manage multifaceted developments.

"For a project like Seaire, we're using a mix of Komatsu dozers for earthwork, BOMAG equipment for soil compaction, and Kubota tractors for utility work," Dowling said. "Having the right equipment ensures each phase of the project moves smoothly."

In addition to its core fleet, RIPA relies heavily on Superior brooms and Kubota MX5400 tractors, which Dowling praised for their reliability and ease of maintenance. These machines are used across various projects, from road maintenance to residential development, thanks to their adaptability.

"We use the MX5400s with either a box blade or broom attachment, and our operators love them," said Dowling.

Managing this extensive fleet efficiently is possible thanks to advanced telematics systems, such as Komatsu's Komtrax. It provides real-time data on equipment performance, location and maintenance needs, allowing RIPA to maintain high uptime and minimize delays.

"Technology is an important part of our fleet strategy," Dowling said. "With integrations like Komtrax, we've automated processes and improved data quality, enabling us to make informed decisions quickly."

RIPA's innovative approach extends to training programs that utilize simulators to upskill operators and improve safety. These initiatives are part of the company's broader strategy to maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.

Partnering With Linder

RIPA receives support from Linder Industrial Machinery Co., especially Vice President Vince Aguayo and sales representative Randy Thomas. The partnership ensures that RIPA's fleet remains well maintained and operational.

"Randy has been solid since day one," said Dowling. "He is extremely personable, helps with a lot of problem-solving, and is always responsive. Vince and Randy are top notch in making sure we have some of the best service and support."

LaFace added, "Randy is always there when we need him, and that's important to us."

The support from Linder extends beyond equipment sales, with dedicated product support and Total Maintenance and Repair (TM&R) contracts ensuring uptime for RIPA's fleet of 72 Linder-supported machines.

"We rely on TM&R contracts for all heavy equipment," Dowling said. "This shifts the risk of maintenance to the dealership, allowing us to focus on operations."

Focusing On Consistency, Quality

Looking ahead, RIPA is optimistic about its prospects, with a strong backlog of projects and plans to continue refining its operations. While the company remains rooted in its Tampa community, it is open to opportunities for sustainable growth.

"Our future is about consistency and quality," LaFace said. "We're proud of our team and our culture. We'll stay true to our roots by doing the right thing and taking care of the customer."

In addition to its business achievements, RIPA is deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting local initiatives such as the Tampa Pig Jig and the Fishing for Wishes Tournament.

"This is our community; this is our home," said LaFace. "Taking care of it and giving back is a major part of our organization."

With a strong foundation, innovative strategies and a dedicated team, RIPA is poised to continue leading the way in site contracting and community engagement.

*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.