Lynch enjoys uplifting career with his Tonka Crane Service business
Nancy Dashwood
Staff Writer
Herald Journal
Matt Lynch has always had a thing for heavy equipment.
Lynch, who is the owner and operator of Lester Prairie’s Tonka Crane Service, named his business after the heavy duty toy trucks he played with as a kid.
“The idea to get into the crane service business was because I’ve always loved driving truck and operating equipment,” he said. “The business gives me a chance to do both, yet still be home with family.”
Excavation then elevation
Lynch was raised on a hobby farm in Hollywood Township, near the Luce Line Trail.
Following graduation from Watertown-Mayer High School, he went to work for Burns Excavating.
“As a heavy equipment operator, I became very proficient in an excavator. The majority of my time was spent digging residential basements on some very large and complex projects around Lake Minnetonka.”
After gaining 18 years of experience, Lynch lent his services to several other companies before finishing his excavating career with Schneider Excavating and Grading in Young America. Some of his final excavating projects included work on a reconstruction job in Winsted, and pond and pipe work behind the new Millerbernd building.
Finally, Lynch decided it was time to work for himself, and Tonka Crane Service was born.
“I’ve always dreamed of owning my own business because I love to work,” he said. “This should give me something to do every day.”
Lynch said the main focus of Tonka Crane Service’s operation will be working with framers on residential framing projects, primarily with trusses and wall panels.
Tonka Crane Service also works with Span-Crete, commercial HVAC companies, tree service companies, and more.
Lynch said the business’s service area includes the entire metro area and approximately an hour surrounding his shop in Lester Prairie.
He said he doesn’t let different job types or distance limit him.
Tonka Crane Services’ business address is 1690 Hwy. 7, Lester Prairie. Lynch may be reached by calling 612-720-6161.