Unbreakable Determination: How Mario Coss Rebuilt His Life and Business with Bobcat Equipment
Witness the inspiring journey of Mario Coss, a resilient business owner whose determination and the support of his wife, Hilda Garcia, helped them overcome adversity. With Bobcat® machines featuring joystick controls, they transformed their firewood business, Hildawood, into a thriving enterprise despite life-changing circumstances.
A Life-Altering Moment and an Unshaken Dream
For Mario Coss, becoming a business owner was more than just a goal—it was a lifelong dream. For over 20 years, he worked tirelessly as an HVAC foreman, taking on side jobs whenever possible to provide for his wife, Hilda Garcia, and their three children. In 2020, that dream started to take shape when Mario and Hilda purchased a rural property near San Bernardino, California. The land was full of trees that needed clearing, and Mario saw an opportunity. What started as a simple effort to clean up their new property quickly turned into a promising business venture: Hildawood, a firewood operation named in honor of Hilda.
Just as the business was gaining momentum, everything changed in an instant.
On July 23, 2021, Mario was driving home on the 60 Freeway east of Los Angeles when he noticed one of the cargo belts on his trailer had come loose. A fellow driver signaled for him to check it out, so Mario pulled over to the shoulder. As he inspected the issue, a car suddenly veered off the freeway and slammed into him before speeding away into the night.
Lying on the pavement, Mario immediately knew—he had lost his left leg.
At that moment, his dreams could have ended right there. Instead, Mario made a choice: he would not let this tragedy define him.
A Business on the Brink: Finding the Strength to Move Forward
In the hours following the accident, Mario faced a decision that would shape his future. As he lay in the hospital, doctors informed him that a second surgery would be necessary to properly fit a prosthetic leg. With his family's future in mind, he agreed without hesitation.
“I yelled out a prayer,” Mario recalls. “‘God, I know I lost my leg. Please give me the strength to keep going.’”
While he was still in the hospital, Mario’s phone rang three times—each call was from a customer looking to place a firewood order. Even as he lay recovering, he refused to let go of his business.
“Somehow, we have to find a way to support our family,” he told Hilda. “I can do this!”
Hilda, however, wasn’t so sure.
“I didn’t think we could do wood anymore,” she admits. “I said we have to be realistic and think of something else.”
But giving up wasn’t an option for Mario. He knew there was a way to keep the business alive—they just needed the right equipment.
A New Beginning with Bobcat Equipment
Just 15 days after the accident, Mario returned home. The first thing he did? Picked up his chainsaw.
But while his determination was strong, his body had changed. The physical demands of running Hildawood were now different, and if they wanted to continue, they needed machinery that could work with him—not against him.
That’s when Mario and Hilda turned to Bobcat equipment.
At Inland Bobcat, they found exactly what they needed:
Bobcat E42 Compact Excavator – for clearing timber efficiently.
Bobcat T770 Compact Track Loader – for moving pallets of firewood with ease.
Both machines featured joystick controls, which eliminated the need for foot pedals—a crucial factor for Mario’s comfort and ability to operate them effectively.
“The compact excavator and track loader work great with the prosthetic,” Mario says. “I don’t have to use my legs at all.”
With their new Bobcat machines, Mario and Hilda not only saved their business—they expanded it. Now, Hildawood wasn’t just about firewood. They were able to take on cleanup and dirt removal jobs, increasing their income and securing their future.
Perseverance, Partnership, and Family Strength
Throughout Mario’s recovery, Hilda was more than just a supportive spouse—she became his business partner in every sense. From splitting wood to operating the compact track loader, she did whatever it took to keep the business running.
“I wouldn’t do what I’m doing without her,” Mario says. “She is my biggest support.”
Together, the couple adapted, innovated, and rebuilt. Hildawood not only survived but thrived. The E42 compact excavator cleared trees faster than ever before, and the T770 compact track loader lifted firewood pallets with ease, allowing them to increase their sales exponentially.
Looking to the Future: Bigger Dreams on the Horizon
Despite his accident, Mario never stopped pushing forward.
By day, he continues his full-time job as an HVAC foreman. By night, he dedicates every spare moment to Hildawood, determined to expand the business even further.
“One day, I hope to add concrete and construction services to what we do,” Mario says.
More than anything, he wants to prove that obstacles are just opportunities in disguise.
“I’m a dreamer who wants to give everything for his family,” Mario says. “I will never give up, no matter what happens.”