Our mission is to be the benchmark in landscape maintenance and design by earning the satisfaction of our customers and the pride of our employees.
A partnership with ArtisTree means you’ll have an entire cadre of experts – crew members, supervisors, foremen, account execs, general managers, office staff and our owners – all working together to preserve the beauty and well-being of your landscape. Our left hand knows what the right one is doing, a rarity in our industry. Meet your A-Team.
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Joe Gonzalez
CEO
After a successful globetrotting career spanning from finance to fashion, Joe Gonzalez began a new life in 1990 and bought a small landscape company in Venice, FL. His laser focus on integrity, honesty and customer service has made ArtisTree a multi-million-dollar company serving luxury builders and community associations throughout Southwest Florida.
If you could attempt any other career, what would it be? Pilot
What brings you the most career satisfaction? The knowledge that my business supports so many people and their families. My passion is waking up every day feeling good about my business.
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Frank Fistner
President
Frank Fistner is one of ArtisTree’s original employees and became a partner in the company in 2003. There’s not a community or development around that he isn’t familiar with, and his long-time knowledge of every aspect of the business (not to mention his amazing recall with names and numbers) makes him our top relationship-builder.
What one thing do you want to accomplish before you die? I would like to have grandchildren to spoil.
What amazing accomplishment did you achieve before age 10? I won a silver medal at the Junior Olympics for wrestling. |
Sales & Marketing
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Debra Morrow
Vice President of Marketing
Hailing from Texas, Debra Morrow brings ArtisTree more than 20 years of experience in brand development, advertising, creative direction, agency management, marketing and consulting for national and international clients.
What has been your proudest moment up until now? Being asked to give the commencement speech at Texas Wesleyan University
If you had a warning label, what would it say? Caution: May bubble over.
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Sara Roberts
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Kentucky native Sara Roberts has had a diverse career in merchandising, property management, small business development and communications. Since 2005 Sara has provided ArtisTree with expert marketing and public relations leadership, which has garnered ArtisTree national recognition for growth and industry standing.
If you could appear in any movie, what would it be? I would want Angelina Jolie's role in Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
What is your favorite task? Planning a cocktail party menu then leisurely shopping for the necessary items in a gourmet grocery
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Paige Long
Business Development
Florida native Paige Long began her landscape career in a Tampa nursery. Her love of the industry led her to open her own green business where sustainability and earth-friendly practices were cornerstones of its success. Paige earned an accreditation in organic lawn care from the Northeast Organic Farmers’ Association.
What is your nickname and how did you get it? Grape Nuts—I have always loved the outdoors.
What’s the last book you read? I was reading Organizing from the Inside Out, but I lost it - really!
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Landscape Maintenance Division
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Scott Acton
General Manager, Maintenance Division
Scott Acton oversees ArtisTree’s tri-county Maintenance Division and keeps everything running smoothly. More than 14 years experience in horticulture and personnel management prepared Scott for his role in ensuring our clients' landscapes are kept beautiful and healthy year round.
What is your favorite food? Meatloaf and mashed potatoes
What three words best describe a typical day at ArtisTree? Challenging- Educational- Rewarding
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Mike Casper
Operations Manager of Production, Maintenance Division
Ohio native Mike Casper oversees our maintenance and irrigation crews on a daily basis and comes to ArtisTree with more than 10 years of golf course management experience. Mike says the best part of his job is “being able to motivate and inspire his crew members to reach their potential and seeing projects done well and on time.”
Why did you choose this line of work? You can actually see the immediate results from all the work you put in after a long, hard day.
If you could attend any sporting event in the world, what would it be? The Masters
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Garry Emery
Fertilization/Pest Control Manager
Florida native Garry Emery brings ArtisTree more than 20 years of experience in the green industry. As our knowledgeable fertilization/pest control manager, he oversees related operations within our Maintenance Division and is one of our master Q&A guys. Garry earned his certification in Best Management Practices from Sarasota County.
What amazing accomplishment did you achieve before age 10? I hit a triple in Little League. I was and am as slow as a turtle so it was quite a feat.
In three words describe your average day at ArtisTree. Busy, rewarding and educational.
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Paul Hurlock
Fleet Manager
Paul Hurlock relocated to Venice from Ontario, Canada, in late 2006 with one of his two daughters to enjoy the Florida lifestyle. For more than 23 years he was in the automotive fleet business with General Motors. Paul purchases ArtisTree's equipment and vehicles and manages our fleet maintenance.
What hidden talent do you have? I am a great cook.
What is the last book you read? Body of Death by Elizabeth George
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Bill Gipp
Account Executive
Bill Gipp is a licensed horticulturalist with more than two decades of experience in the local landscaping industry. Bill joined ArtisTree in 2005 from the Long Boat Key Club, where he was the resort's landscape superintendent. An industry veteran with exceptional problem-solving skills, he enjoys educating his clients on sustainable landscapes.
The best part of my job I like the fact that I'm in a position to help mold today's thinking by implementing the standards set by Florida's green industries.
I feel real career satisfaction when: I do a follow-up visit on a job well done.
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Mark Iglesias
Account Executive
New England native Mark Iglesias began his landscape career working at a regional multi-million-dollar excavation company before overseeing a variety of projects at an Orlando-based landscape firm. He's passionate about keeping his properties' landscapes vibrant and his customers happy.
My proudest moment: Being the first person in my family to graduate from college.
The best part of my job: When a customer tells me what a great job we're doing.
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Chad Keech
Account Executive
Chad Keech was born and raised in Sarasota which gives him a unique perspective on local landscape maintenance. With more than 10 years of experience in turf and ornamental care, Chad knows how to respond to any challenge or condition.
What hidden talent do you have? Art - I had a painting displayed in the Tallahassee Museum of Art at age 10.
If you had a warning label, what would it say? Warning: biohazard
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Jeremy Lepper
Account Executive
Jeremy Lepper brings ArtisTree clients more than nine years of experience in comprehensive estate maintenance. His love of the outdoors began growing up near his grandparents' farm, after which he worked for a specialty landscape company while earning a BGS degree from Indiana University and a certificate from the Kelley School of Business.
Best part of my job is: Combining the two environments of outdoors and decision-making.
My favorite task: Delegating work and seeing it through to completion. It's great being able to work outdoors and see the smiles on everyone's face after we complete the job.
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Dan Lisenko
Account Executive
Dan Lisenko learned his trade in his father's pest-management company and brings more than 20 years of experience to ArtisTree plus two application licenses: L&O and GHP. He enjoys the challenge of learning and the likes to share a new landscape tidbit with his customers every day.
What would you like to accomplish before you die? I would like to dive the Great Barrier Reef.
My favorite task: Cleaning my 300-gallon saltwalter tank and riding my Harley-Davidson.
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Todd Walters
Account Executive
After eight years in the U.S. Coast Guard, Todd Walters began his career in the local landscape industry. A New Hampshire native with more than five years of landscape management experience, he knows all aspects of the business: irrigation, fertilization, operations and client relations. Todd enjoys the personal interaction he has with his customers most of all.
My proudest moment: The birth of my two children.
The best part of my job: All of it. I'm doing what I love.
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Luis Garcia
Production Supervisor, Maintenance Division
Luis Garcia supervises ArtisTree’s maintenance crews in our northern territory. His keen organizational skills help him coordinate schedules to maximize efficiencies out in the field.
What's a favorite vacation? Visiting with family in Houston, TX
What is your favorite sound? The voice of Columbian singer, Shakira
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Leonel Gomez
Irrigation Service Supervisor
Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester & Repairer
Over the last few years, Leonel Gomez has steadily worked his way up through our Irrigation Department with his problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills.
Why is your job fun? I get to learn something new every day.
If you could attend any sporting event in the world, what would it be? World Cup soccer
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Juan Reyes
Irrigation Maintenance Supervisor
Juan Reyes has become a trusted leader of our north irrigation teams and the “go to” guy for property managers if something pops up unexpectedly. Juan enjoys the camaraderie he shares with his clients.
What is your favorite sound? I love the sound of rain.
How do you feel real career satisfaction?My satisfaction comes from being a good leader that my guys can come to with any questions. Their success is my success.
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Landscape Design Division
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John Lay, LICM
General Manager, Landscape Division
With more than 13 years experience, John Lay is well-versed in horticultural and landscape design. He oversees our design and installation teams and will gladly speak to anyone about how a beautiful landscape design can have a tremendous impact on property values.
If you could live in another time, when would it be? I would want to live during the Roman Empire.
What is your proudest moment up until now? Running three miles in 17:53 in 1996
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Maria Muhlhahn, FCHP
ISA Certified Arborist, No. FL-6112A
Operations Manager, Landscape Division
Maria Muhlhahn is a seasoned professional in the landscaping industry. Since 1989, she has worked in many different industry areas-- from purchasing to operations management. Her greatest satisfaction comes from being part of a company that strives to do the best for its clients and employees.
If you could attempt another career, what would it be? I would love to be an ER doctor.
What is your nickname? How did you get it? My landscape crews have nicknamed me Mother Nature.
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Chris Barber
Production Manager
Florida native Chris Barber has worked his way up in ArtisTree from crew leader to production manager since 2003. His dedication to satisfying our clients with superior customer service has been a key to his success.
What is your favorite food? Lasagna
If you could attend any sporting event in the world, what would it be? NBA playoffs
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Shawn Gulbrandsen, LICM
ISA Certified Arborist, No. FL-5397A
Designer
Shawn Gulbrandsen has worked in the Florida landscape and tree-care industry for more than 12 years. He enjoys the general diversity and day-to-day challenges of the horticultural business and is a master at understanding customer needs.
What is your favorite task? Listening to our customers and selling
What TV show could you watch over and over? SpongeBob SquarePants but not by choice
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Clinton Lak, BSLA
Designer
Designer Clinton Lak brings more than 14 years experience in the green industry to ArtisTree and has an outstanding eye for colors and textures. He holds a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture and is inspired by new home sites where he can develop elaborate designs on open land.
What three words best describe a typical day at ArtisTree? Communicate- Adapt- Deliver
What would you like to accomplish before you die? I would like to achieve national recognition for a landscape project.
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Joe Mantkowski, LICHT
Designer
Joe Mantkowski grew up in the green business. His lifetime of maintaining and growing landscape plants in Venice, FL, equips him with a realistic perspective on caring for plant life.
What hidden talent do you have? I can play the guitar.
If you had a warning label, what would it say? Warning: likes to laugh
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Jennifer Lassen
CAD Technician/Project Coordinator
Nothing gets by on Jenni’s watch. As our CAD technician and project coordinator, she keeps everything moving in the right direction right up to the point of installation and beyond.
What is your favorite task? Organizing
In three words describe your average day at ArtisTree. Busy, busy, busy.
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Tree Services Division
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Steven J. Tanaka
ISA Certified Arborist, No. FL-5306A
Tree Division Manager
A graduate of Auburn University's esteemed horticultural program, Steven Tanaka began his career as assistant golf course superintendent at Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota before serving as the supervisor of landscaping for the City of Sarasota.
Why is your job fun? The equipment I get to use is as fun as hell. It's like being a kid in a sandbox but now I have bigger toys to play with.
What hidden talents do you have? I can sing, cook, play piano and throw pottery.
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Administration
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Pam Lasota
Director of Accounting & Administration
Pam Lasota joined ArtisTree in 2003 after relocating from Atlanta. She has dedicated her 30-year career to the horticultural industry while managing offices for landscape architects and maintenance companies. Pam holds an A.S. degree in ornamental horticulture.
If you could live in another time, when would it be? The 80s!
What is your favorite task? Repotting plants
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Dawn Forest
Human Resources Generalist
Originally from Rhode Island, Dawn Forest has led human resource departments for major data communications and manufacturing companies for more than 15 years.
What is your favorite vacation? I love to cruise islands in the Caribbean.
Why is your job fun? HR is so diversified and you get to interact with all levels of the company.
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Our friendly and talented administration team: Linda, Marilyn, Anita, Debbie & Lanora
Clients should seek a "certified" professional for all projects to ensure they will be planned and executed by professionals with the highest level of knowledge attainable in the field. ArtisTree's certifications benefit our clients in the following ways:
ArtisTree is a drug-free workplace and runs full, pre-employment background checks. We are also the only local company of our kind to conduct random drug-testing every quarter.
Each of our new hires in the field wears a green safety vest during closely supervised training. As a result of our low worker’s comp claims, ArtisTree has received national safety awards for several consecutive years.