"The Only Gators in Missouri"
Byline: Jim Haught
Southwestern Missouri may seem an unlikely spot to find alligators, but the rural community of Brookline Station (near Springfield) is headquarters to Gator RC, run by Chris and Diana Lakin and their sons Micah (age 11) and Andrew (age 13).
Chris is familiar to many as a top-level RC Pattern competitor and a participant in the Tournament of Champions. He's also the owner of Professional Builders, a construction company that remodels retail stores. "We had looked for a side business," said Chris, "and this is the perfect outlet for the kids to be able to work from home."
The Lakins acquired Gator from original proprietor Ron Chidgey, a well-known Pattern flier and administrator. Chidgey remains involved through a three-year arrangement as a consultant and product developer. "Designing airplanes and developing products is the fun end of the business for me," said Chidgey. "You can't take the engineer out of Ron," said Diana. "We can and do go to him for help. He's a real asset to us."
Products and facilities
The Gator product line includes:
- Wing tube and socket sets
- Wing and stabilizer adjusters
- The Gator Tongue, a fuel pump caddy
Gator is housed in buildings on the Lakin property, which includes a private model airstrip where Chris can put in the practice time necessary to remain a top Pattern competitor.
Family life and business growth
Things have not always been easy for the family. "In 1979 I couldn't even afford to buy fuel," said Chris. "We're fortunate that the construction company has done so well." Diana summarizes their uniqueness: "We're the only gators in Missouri."
Andrew and Micah are paid hourly wages, and company profits will be turned over to their college funds. Flexible hours allow the boys to juggle schoolwork, sports and other activities while gaining real business experience.
Roles and daily tasks
Andrew and Micah share responsibilities at Gator:
- Andrew
- Takes most phone orders and answers customer questions
- Handles inventory
- Packages some parts and fills customer requests
- Gives orders to Diana for invoicing
- Micah
- Acts as stockboy and "Inspector #4"
- Helps with deburring wing tubes after they are cut
- Assists with assembling products and packaging orders
Chris cuts wing tubes, assembles products and packages orders. Diana advises and assists the boys, handling invoicing and oversight.
Experience, attitudes and future plans
The boys appreciate the mix of work and learning. "I'm slower at it than he is," said Andrew, "but it's great. It gives you the opportunity to make money and learn about business." "It's work, but it is fun," said Micah. "Sometimes packaging products gets kind of boring, but it is rewarding. We get orders from all over the world." Their friends admire the opportunity.
If the boys decide not to continue with the business, Chris may operate it himself as a part-time post-retirement venture. "After 30 years in the hobby, it's not something that you lose easily. And I don't know how much longer I can compete at this level," he said. But Chris and Diana are not going to push their kids to maintain the business. "I would like nothing more than them to choose what they want to do," said Chris. "We're just putting the opportunity in front of them."
At this point, neither Andrew nor Micah has designs on following fully in their father's flying footsteps. "I've never really taken the time," said Andrew. "I haven't really gotten into it." "I've done some buddy-box flying," said Micah, "but I do get scared. I do fly some Control Line, though, and I hope to be a part-time flier some day."
Soccer, golf and baseball take up much of the boys' spare time; they typically work at Gator three to seven hours during the week. The reaction from older modelers at trade shows has been positive and respectful. "Mom and Dad really stress the importance of the 'work' part of things for the first month or so, but now it's OK," said Micah. "It has been good for both of our parents, too."
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
