The Ground Up
Friday, June 20, 2025
Our Roots —
Lazar’s Road to Terrain
Lazar’s Road to Terrain
Our Roots
Written by Mekki Jaidi
Photos by Taylor Glenn
Updated June 20, 2025
Vergiliu Lazar, affectionately known simply as Lazar, embodies resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of the American dream. Born in Moldova in 1992, just a year after his home country declared independence from the Soviet Union, Lazar’s life story is one of determination and adventure.
Learning the Value of Hard Work
From the beginning, Lazar understood the true meaning of hard work and sacrifice. Raised primarily by his grandparents while his parents sought employment opportunities in Russia, Lazar quickly learned the value of resilience. At just five years old, he donned boxing gloves under the mentorship of his semi-professional boxer father, who competed across Russia, Poland, and Ukraine. Boxing became more than a sport—it was a treasured family tradition and passion.
Trading Gloves for Opportunity
Lazar’s talent and unwavering dedication to boxing earned him an athletic visa to the United States, marking the start of a significant chapter in his life. Driven by admiration for legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr., Lazar settled in Pensacola, Florida, a vibrant community known for its white-sand beaches and as a hub for Moldovan expatriates. Immediately focused on supporting his family back home, Lazar made the difficult decision to give up boxing to fully commit to earning a sustainable income. He threw himself into numerous jobs, working as a bartender, bouncer, and engaging in skilled labor such as tile installation, drywall work, hardwood flooring, and electrical projects.
Skill Mastery
His relentless work ethic soon secured him a management position at the bustling Bud and Alley’s restaurant, a popular spot in the Pensacola area. Here, Lazar not only honed his managerial skills but also expanded his impressive linguistic capabilities, becoming fluent in Spanish alongside Russian, Romanian, and English — spoken with a charming southern accent.
Creating a Family Sanctuary
Life took another positive turn when Lazar met Courtney, his future wife, at a wedding. Courtney, an entrepreneur from Missouri, successfully founded and currently manages her own consulting business, all while raising their two sons. Together, Lazar and Courtney purchased a home, which Lazar personally renovated from top to bottom, transforming it into their family sanctuary complete with a fully landscaped yard and irrigation system.
Jackson Hole Beckons
Impressed by Lazar’s meticulous care and unparalleled dedication, Mekki Jaidi, who owned a vacation home in Pensacola, soon invited Lazar to oversee operations at his property. Mekki quickly noticed Lazar’s extraordinary attention to detail and exceptional reliability. When Mekki's brother-in-law, Charlie, relocated, Mekki immediately recognized Lazar as the ideal candidate to join him in Jackson Hole, Wyoming—a mountain town Lazar and Courtney had long dreamed of making their home.
Dedication and Community
Today, as the General Manager of Mekki’s Landscaping and Snow Removal company in Jackson Hole, Lazar continues to demonstrate exceptional diligence, rapid adaptability, and genuine enthusiasm. His natural talent for communication, combined with his heartfelt commitment to serving others, has made him an integral part of the community and company culture.