Gardenland Mission Inc

Farewell Aries Buildings, Welcome Sunbelt Rentals

In the Spring of 2023, Gibsonton was graced with the arrival of a new business, Aries Buildings, a provider of mobile offices and modular classrooms. On the very first day that Aries began moving inventory to their Nundy Avenue site, the East Regional Operations Manager, Thomas Sullivan, reached out to the surrounding neighbors and began building positive relationships.

For long time resident, Richard Cackling, Founder of Gardenland Mission, a local animal sanctuary, a new business occupying this particular location presented a possible threat to the vulnerable wildlife and wetlands which lay hidden in the center of that acreage. As the volunteer caretaker of the acreage for decades, Richard toured Thomas though the wooded areas and advised him about the fragile ecosystem and ancient history of the land. As an environmentalist himself, Thomas recognized and appreciated the importance of this parcel. Thomas assured Richard that neither he nor Aries had any intention of changing this unique environment.

In the months that followed, under the leadership of Thomas Sullivan and the local management of Ron Sparks, it became evident that Aries was an invaluable partner in the community. Aries held a nationwide reputation for remarkable corporate social responsibility. From providing shelter for disaster victims to supporting youth programs that build tomorrow’s leaders, Aries was heralded for its philanthropic efforts. The Aries location in Gibsonton has upheld that national reputation by obliging countless acts of charity.

Gibsonton residents highly appreciated Aries for their commitment to preserving the wetland areas on their business property and for their dedication to service in the community. When Aries first moved to Gibsonton, they established relationships with neighboring businesses. Aries recognized that Gardenland Mission, a 501c3 nonprofit organization was in need of an office and donated one of their retired buildings. In the Fall of 2024, that donated office became a safe shelter for six local senior citizen residents, 3 dogs, and 12 cats during both Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

When dawn arrived following the horrendous night Hurricane Milton came ashore, Aries manager, Ron Sparks, was already going house to house in the community ensuring the welfare of the neighbors and assessing property damage. He sent his employee on a twenty mile mission to obtain fuel for generators. In the days that followed Hurricane Milton and despite losing the roof from their own office, Aries’ crew, including manager, Ron Sparks, volunteered their labor and with a front-end loader, chain saws, and brute strength, helped the local community to quickly recover from the tragedy.

A total of seven residences on Trinity Lane and Nundy Avenue received immediate post-Milton disaster assistance from the Aries crew. Examples of the projects included:

Tarped the roof that was lost and cut up the twisted metal.
Removed two trees that had fallen on power lines and restored the positioning of the power poles, enabling the expedited restoration of electricity to those homes.
Provided fuel for generators.
Placed a 20' roll-off container for neighborhood use to dispose of tree debris and then emptied the container three times.
Loaned a front-end loader and chain saw enabling Gardenland Mission to move the neighborhood's tree debris into the roll-off container.
Assisted with removal of the tree that fell on a pole barn.
Coordinated a local charity group to assist with debris removal.

In addition to the disaster response and environmental support, Aries helped the Trinity Lane residents in seemingly small yet incredibly meaningful ways. Once burdened with heavy local illicit drug traffic in the community, the physical presence of the Aries crew and the coordination with law enforcement helped deter the gathering of undesirable street people on and around Trinity Lane. Aging homes have been revived with the use of donated scrap lumber, paint, and other construction materials that would have normally been disposed of. Wild bee hives have been captured and moved to safer locations to protect bees and human lives as well. Even the honey was donated to the neighborhood!

In 2025, the residents of Trinity Lane seized an opportunity to express their appreciation to Aries by advocating for changes in the Hillsborough County zoning codes needed for Aries to continue operating at their location. As a community organizer, Richard Cackling, led the Trinity Lane residents in a coordinated effort and convinced County Commissioners to grant the special zoning, and at the same time, to formally protect the wetland ecosystem located in the center of the Aries property.

In recent days, the Trinity Lane residents have learned that new corporate owners, Sunbelt Rentals, acquired Aries Buildings. We are delighted to know that the Aries crew including Thomas Sullivan and Ron Sparks will be continuing in their current roles. The Trinity Lane residents look forward to extending the valued community partnership forged with Aries on to the new owners. We feel blessed to know that according to Sunbelt Rentals, “Our communities are an extension of our team members and their families. Sunbelt Rentals aims to positively impact these areas by leveraging our time, talents, and financial resources. Our work with numerous organizations throughout North America helps support both communities and emergency response needs.”

Please help us care for the cats

Your support and contributions help Gardenland Mission to achieve our goals to care for the abandoned and feral cats in our community. In addition to TNR and other veterinarian fees, every month we use 500 pounds of dry cat food, 450 cans of wet cat food, 300 pounds of litter, 50 rolls of paper towels, 50 pounds of newspaper, and endless amounts of flea treatments, and medicines. We provide the love and care, but we need your help to cover these necessary expenses.

Aries Buildings gives back to the community

In the Spring of 2023, Gibsonton was graced with the arrival of a new business, Aries Buildings, a provider of mobile offices and modular classrooms to industries across the US and Canada. On the very first day that Aries began moving inventory to their Nundy Avenue site, the East Regional Operations Manager, Thomas Sullivan, reached out to the surrounding neighbors and began building positive relationships.

Having heard the sound of machinery and with total apprehension, Richard walked through the community garden and onto the wetland to investigate. Richard was anticipating a negative response as he approached a person on a small front end loader. However, to Richard’s amazement, Thomas immediately stopped his equipment, greeted Richard by name, and extended his hand, welcoming Richard onto the property. Knowing of Richard’s community involvement, Thomas assured Richard that neither he nor Aries had any intentions of changing this unique environment. As the caretaker of the acreage for decades, Richard toured Thomas though the wooded areas and advised him about the fragile ecosystem and ancient history of the land. As an environmentalist himself, Thomas recognized and appreciated the importance of this parcel.

In the months that followed, it has become evident that Aries, under Thomas Sullivan’s leadership, is an invaluable business partner in the community. Aries has hired resident talent, engaged neighboring small businesses, and stimulated the local economy. Aries embraces a caring organizational culture which nurtures employee empowerment and exhibits positive company values of integrity, accountability, and trust.

Additionally, Aries has a nationwide reputation for remarkable corporate social responsibility. From providing shelter for disaster victims to supporting youth programs that build tomorrow’s leaders, Aries is heralded for its philanthropic efforts. Aries in Gibsonton has followed suit and donated a mobile office to Gardenland Mission which has ignited a new spark in Richard’s efforts to rescue and shelter local animals in need.

Gibsonton Dream Project

Gardenland Mission strives to protect a wetland ecosystem that supports migrating species and local wildlife. This vital land also has a rich history of Native American inhabitacy. The small property of about 7 acres provides sanctuary for owls, eagles, hawks, falcon, sandhill cranes, white ibis, woodpeckers, tufted titmouse, cardinals, purple martins as well as several species of pollinators, turtles, fox, and many other critters.

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