We Bring You Our A-Game. Always.
Be ready. Our team gets pretty excited about everything — from the way a Passiflora quadrangularis transforms a pergola into a jeweled canopy to a rainforest-styled estate brimming with bromeliads and elaborate water features. And that’s just our design side. What rocks our maintenance team is seeing a lawn so tight you could bounce a coin off it. Beds are edged. Shrubs look just right. The entire landscape looks nice and healthy. Our companywide passion for what we do attracts the best-skilled teams in the area because good people want to work for a good company. And it shows. ArtisTree never wavers from doing the right thing or giving you our best. B.A., B.S., B.S. in LA, CLPs, LICHPs and CAs — not bad for a bunch of landscape and maintenance guys.
Our Mission
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.
Executives
CEO
After a successful 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.
Joe Gonzalez
CEO
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 is your favorite sound? Hearing my golf ball hit the bottom of the cup
What amazing accomplishment did you achieve before age 10? I won a silver medal at the Junior Olympics for wrestling.
Frank Fistner
President
Sales & Marketing
Business Development
New Business Developer Mike Casper combines his 25-plus years of operations, production and irrigation management to produce proposals that consider customers’ specific needs. “I don’t just put numbers together,” Mike says. “I’ve supervised the work myself and know what it takes to prepare a realistic estimate with no surprises after the fact.”
What has been your proudest moment up until now? The birth of my son, Matthew.
If you could attend any sporting event in the world, what would it be? The Masters.
Mike Casper
Business Development
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.
Debra Morrow
Vice President of Marketing
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? Finding new succulents for my garden.
Sara Roberts
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Maintenance Division
Operations Manager
Florida native Bill Walters, a veteran law enforcement officer and outdoor aficionado, leads ArtisTree’s tree care team. The communication and management skills he learned at a national retail chain serve him well in his dealings with ArtisTree’s customers and vendors.
What’s your favorite vacation? Any golfing trip that I get to take out of town.
What is your proudest moment up to now? Raising an outstanding young man, my son Bo, with my wife is my proudest moment. He is the pride of my life.
Bill Walters
Operations Manager of Production
North Branch Manager, FCHP
Jeremy Lepper brings ArtisTree clients more than 14 years of experience in comprehensive estate maintenance and landscaping. 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.
Best part of my job is: Knowing that every day brings a new challenge–the best part of the solution is the journey.
Why did you choose this line of work? I chose this industry in order to be able to live and raise a family in a part of our beautiful country where many choose to vacation or spend their retirement years. It’s hard to not take it for granted.
Jeremy Lepper
North Branch Manager
Account Executive, FCHP
A former owner/operator of a landscape company in Southwest Florida, Jason Baxter brings a wealth of plant knowledge to ArtisTree clients. His 19 years of industry experience and passion for the great outdoors show in his commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
Why is your job fun? I’m constantly learning new things. Most people have to wait until the weekend to get outdoors; I get to do it seven days a week.
Where would you spend your retirement? Touring the South Pacific islands
Jason Baxter
Account Executive
Account Executive
Hailing from Pennsylvania, Michael Mott derives a deep sense of satisfaction by helping homeowners resolve issues and supervising crews to achieve best results. On any given day you’ll see Michael greeting new customers, listening to their stories and exceeding their expectations.
What hidden talent do you have? Photography
What is the last book you read? Where’s Waldo?
Michael Mott
Account Executive
Account Executive
Since 2008, Gary Murray’s desire to keep landscapes healthy and looking their best has served customers well. His extensive experience in management and leadership has developed productive teams that surpass expectations for ArtisTree’s valued communities.
If you could star in any movie, what would it be? Rocky
What is your proudest moment to date? The birth of my son
Gary Murray
Account Executive
Account Executive, ICPI, MCMA
Missouri native Matt Stewart has more than 20 years’ experience in the green industry where he’s honed his customer service skills and developed a keen eye for detail. Matt loves the physicality of working outdoors in the Florida sunshine while leading his team to exceed his customers’ expectations.
What TV show could you watch over and over? Breaking Bad
If you could attempt any other career, what would it be? Stockbroker
Matt Stewart
Account Executive
Account Executive
Texas native Pedro Mares is the quintessential landscape professional with more than 25 years of experience. Pedro’s enthusiasm for leading his crews and giving top-level service creates the foundation for his success at ArtisTree.
What is your proudest moment? The birth of my sons and becoming a grandfather.
What’s a favorite vacation? Cruising to Alaska to see the majestic icebergs.
Pedro Mares
Central Account Executive
Account Executive
Texas native and former firefighter Jeff Tamayo has steadily grown with ArtisTree since 2009. His attention to detail and dedication to customer service are keys to his success.
What has been your proudest moment up until now? In February 2016 when my son Jeffrey was born and pretty much every moment of his life since.
What is your favorite task? Fixing anything that requires a tool belt and bench. I’m pretty handy.
Jeff Tamayo
Account Executive
Account Executive
FCHP, ISA Certified Arborist, No. SO-5211A
Former Ohio resident Ginger Watson has more than 20 years of experience in the horticulture industry and once worked as an urban forester. Her passion for plants and exceptional customer service are well-suited for ArtisTree’s central territories. Ginger is also an ISA Certified Arborist.
What are your favorite tasks? Gardening, pruning and weeding
What is your favorite sound? Laughter
Ginger Watson
Account Executive
Account Executive
New York native Alan Williams has worked in the landscaping industry for nearly 20 years and was privileged to have the opportunity to work at New York’s Quaker-Hill Native Plant Garden. Alan’s role at ArtisTree encompasses two of his passions–Florida’s outdoors and exceptional customer service.
What is your nickname and how did you get it? It’s Captain Al. The moniker was bestowed upon me by my fellow model plane enthusiasts.
What is the last book you read? The handbook to my new motorcycle.
Alan Williams
Account Executive
Production Supervisor
Luis Garcia supervises ArtisTree’s maintenance crews within all its valued communities. 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.
Luis Garcia
Production Supervisor
Irrigation Manager
Kentucky native Bob Hall has more than 25 years’ experience as a golf course superintendent where he developed a watchful eye for noticing the details in irrigation management. Water conservation coupled with beautiful turf in ArtisTree’s communities is the focus of Bob’s passion for the great outdoors.
What is your favorite vacation? Kentucky in October among the colorful leaves while watching UK football or enjoying a horse race at Keeneland.
How do you feel real career satisfaction? Seeing employees grow and advance within the company
Bob Hall
Irrigation Manager
Irrigation Service Supervisor
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.
Leonel Gomez
Irrigation Service Supervisor
Lawn & Ornamental Director & Account Executive, FCHP
Certified Pest Control Operator
Scott Acton oversees ArtisTree’s tri-county pest management and fertilization department and keeps everything running smoothly. More than 23 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 do you enjoy most away from work? Spending quality time with my grandson Levi
What three words best describe a typical day at ArtisTree? Challenging- Educational- Rewarding
Scott Acton
Lawn & Ornamental Director
Lawn & Ornamental Manager
Certified Pest Control Operator
Florida native Tim White tackles the responsibility of coordinating ArtisTree’s pest management and fertilization department with expertise from his decade of service in the landscape maintenance industry. Tim’s love of anything outdoors (surfing, fishing and softball games with his girls) has driven his years of success.
What is your favorite food? Steak and all the delicious sides
My proudest moment: The birth of my two girls, ages nine and eleven, without a doubt.
Tim White
Lawn & Ornamental Manager
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 25 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.
Paul Hurlock
Fleet Manager
Design Division
RLA Landscape Architect
LA#00001204
With more than 20 years in the green industry, Kirk Brummett brings master-planning expertise for both commercial and residential properties to ArtisTree. Kirk is a Florida-registered landscape architect and a graduate from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture.
Why is your job fun? I love to draw landscape plans, and the flexibility of working both inside and out makes my work fulfilling. Creating works of art never gets old.
What is your favorite sound? Horsepower!
Kirk Brummett
RLA Landscape Architect
Landscape Designer CLP, ISA Certified Arborist, No. FL-5397A
Designer Shawn Gulbrandsen has worked in the Florida landscape and tree-care industry for more than 20 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? I really enjoy working on new construction landscapes and seeing the transition from a work site to a home.
What TV show could you watch over and over? My whole family likes Impractical Jokers.
Shawn Gulbrandsen
Landscape Designer
Degreed Landscape Architect
Clinton Lak brings more than 24 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 from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst 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.
Clinton Lak
Degreed Landscape Architect
Landscape Designer
LEED GA, FL Water AP, LICHP
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.
Joe Mantkowski
Landscape Designer
Assistant Landscape Designer, FCHP
Alabama native Amy Crutcher received a bachelor’s degree in landscape horticulture from Auburn University’s esteemed program. Amy’s passion is to transform an empty lot into a piece of art and to search out innovative concepts for ArtisTree’s design clientele.
If you could attempt any other career, what would it be? I would love to have a small bakery where I’d create custom cakes, cookies and more.
What amazing accomplishment did you achieve before age 10? I won a fishing competition for the most and largest fish caught.
Amy Crutcher
Assistant Landscape Designer
Operations Manager
Hailing from Palm Beach County, Conan Michel has more than 15 years of experience in the horticulture industry and now oversees ArtisTree’s landscape installation department. His passion for plants, the great outdoors and creating pieces living pieces of art serve him well while ensuring ArtisTree’s installation customers are completely satisfied.
If you could attempt any other career, what would it be? Airline pilot
What amazing accomplishment did you achieve before age 10? I helped to build our log home in Maine
Conan Michel
Operations Manager
Purchasing Manager
FCHP, ISA Certified Arborist, No. FL-6112A; Certified FNGLA Judge
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.
What would you like to accomplish before you die? I would like to spend a month in Fiji.
If you could attempt any other career, what would it be? ER doctor in a large city
Maria Muhlhahn
Purchasing Manager
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.
Chris Barber
Production Manager
Project Coordinator, FCHP
Nothing gets by on Jenni’s watch. As our 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.
Jennifer Lassen
Project Coordinator
Administration
Director of Accounting & Administration
Pam Lasota joined ArtisTree in 2003 after relocating from Atlanta. She has dedicated her 30-year career in the horticulture 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
Pam Lasota
Director of Accounting & Administration
Human Resources Generalist
Originally from Rhode Island, Dawn Forest has led human resource departments for major data communications and manufacturing companies for more than 25 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.
Dawn Forest
Human Resources Generalist
Office Manager & Accounts Receivable Associate
Anita Nichols brings her Maryland-bred sensibility to managing the daily operations of ArtisTree’s busy administrative team. She’s also mastered organizational skills that give a whole new meaning to the word “multi-tasker.”
What is your favorite sound? Waves crashing in the ocean.
What is your proudest moment up to now? In 1974, I was the pitcher for an undefeated softball team.
Anita Nichols
Office Manager
Safety Mascots
Safety Mascot
A French bulldog who’s bullish on safety, Molly is big on reading chemical labels after her bad reaction to flea and tick shampoo during puppyhood. When not performing her safety mascot duties, she sleeps and plays at the home of ArtisTree’s Mike Casper.
What’s a favorite vacation? Visiting the Eiffel Tower in France, of course.
My proudest moment: When my human brother Matthew was born.
Molly
Safety Mascot
Safety Mascot
A longtime cheese connoisseur, Ballantine is big on wearing safety goggles thanks to a close run-in with an Anisomorpha buprestoides (walking stick). When not performing her safety mascot duties, she naps and noshes at the home of ArtisTree’s Debra Morrow.
What hidden talent do you have: I’m trained to shake with either paw. Really.
My proudest moment: Being named winner of Sarasota Magazine’s 2009 Best Pet Contest.
Balli
Safety Mascot
