A progressive mindset

Tomlinson is built on three core values. These principles, defined through internal sessions and field team feedback, shape how the company manages its people and how it evaluates new equipment and systems. For Downing, these values also explain why Tomlinson has been able to stay ahead of the tech curve.

The first core value highlights that Tomlinson is driven to push boundaries to deliver the best results possible. With the second core value in mind, the company is committed to its customers’ success. And Tomlinson’s growth mindset is focused on team and organizational development.

This includes leveraging platforms like VisionLink to turn job site data into decisions. “We’ve grown into it,” Downing says, noting that tools like Cat Grade and VisionLink didn’t just arrive; they were adopted with purpose.

The tone for embracing new tools and technologies is set by CEO Ron Tomlinson, whom Downing credits as a relentless champion for change.

“Ron pushes us to find technology and to use that technology to make the business better,” Downing says. “Sometimes he’ll even go out and buy the tools before anyone else is on board, just because he knows they’re going to be good for the company.”

That mindset isn’t new. Ron’s father, Bill, who led the company through its second generation, had the same forward-thinking approach. And now, with weekly leadership meetings that include cross-departmental decision-making, Tomlinson treats technology adoption not as an isolated initiative, but as a shared operational priority.