About ArtisTree

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 ArtisTree supports so many people and their families. It gives me great pride to have built a company that sustains itself on talent, high ethics and hard work.

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.

New Business Developer Mike Casper combines his 25-plus years of operations, production and irrigation management to produce thorough proposals that meet 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 Tournament.

Hailing from Texas, Debra Morrow is ArtisTree’s top brand steward, bringing more than 25 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.

Vice President of Operations
Florida native Bill Walters, a veteran law enforcement officer and outdoor aficionado, leads ArtisTree’s Maintenance Division team after overseeing multiple internal departments. His management abilities play a significant role in retaining and attracting long-term maintenance clients.

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.

Scott Acton has worked in all facets of the landscape industry since 1992 and is particularly experienced in account management, operations and fertilization/pest services. From orchestrating schedules to educating our clients, he helps to ensure our properties are kept healthy year round.

What is your proudest moment?  Being married for 35 years, watching my two daughters grow up, and the birth of my grandson Levi.

What is your favorite food? Meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Oliver Herrera-Mercado began his 21-year landscape career as a crew worker before earning positions of senior account manager, production manager, associate branch manager and today North Branch Manager for ArtisTree. His determination to “beat all the odds” and learn all aspects of the business had guided his success.

Why is your job fun? I get to see all aspects of landscapes and nature. This line of work chose me.

What has been your proudest moment up until now? Meeting my wife and being present when my two kids were born and seeing them grow every day.

Eric Cerda’s 10-plus years in the landscape industry includes experience in account management, sales management, landscape installations and spray-tech supervision. Eric loves working outdoors and making sure our community properties look their healthiest best.

If you could attend any of the world’s sporting events, what would it be? World Series Baseball.

If you tell a customer one thing, what would it be? Be kind.

Dan Drumgool’s 20-plus years in the landscaping industry includes solid experience in account management, landscape maintenance, irrigation and even outdoor lighting. His versatility also extends to his personal life, where he cooks (he’s a real chef), volunteers and spends time with his family.

What amazing accomplishment did you achieve before age 10? Making the All Stars in Little League.

If you had a warning label, what would it say? Eating my food could be addictive.

Tim Drumgool brings 13-plus years of experience in landscape maintenance supervision and scheduling for multiple properties. He also enjoys designing and supervising installations. When Tim isn’t managing crews, you might find him working on his golf game or cooking for his family (he once studied at the American Culinary Federation). His work philosophy stems from a strong commitment to earning client trust and creating an enjoyable customer experience in every situation.

If you could attend any of the world’s sporting events, what would it be? The Masters Tournament.

If you could tell your customer one thing, what would it be? Trust me to always do my best.

Charles King has 13-plus years of experience as a landscape management professional specializing in residential/commercial projects and crew supervision. His strong leadership and communication skills play a key part in delivering an exceptional customer experience.

If you could attend any of the world’s sporting events, what would it be? The Super Bowl.

In three words describe your average day at ArtisTree. There’s no such thing as an average day at ArtisTree.

Troy Smith has more than 30 years’ experience in landscape operations, site development and golf course management. His turf, landscape, irrigation and installation knowledge combine to give ArtisTree customers peace of mind on every maintenance project.

How do you feel real career satisfaction? Looking back at property improvements and knowing I helped create positive change.

What hidden talent do you have? Cooking for family events. In fact, if I could have attempted any other career, it would have been a chef.

Texas native and former firefighter Jeff Tamayo has steadily grown with ArtisTree since 2009. His attention to detail and dedication to customer service make him a well-respected account executive within the communities he serves.

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.

New York native Alan Williams has worked in the landscaping industry for more than 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.

Longtime ArtisTree employee Luis Garcia supervises mow crews with a keen eye for getting things done. His expert organizational skills and ability to adapt operations to changing schedules make him a master coordinator.

What’s a favorite vacation? Visiting with family in Houston, TX.

What is your favorite sound? The voice of Columbian singer, Shakira.

Jose Rodriguez’s passion for the green industry began working alongside his father laying sod for residential properties. Today he uses his broad maintenance experience to coordinate mow operations and maximize production efficiencies for ArtisTree’s North Branch. Jose loves working outside and “making customers happy.”

What would you like to accomplish before you die? Leave my kids with enough knowledge of life so they know how life is.

What has been your proudest moment until now? When I graduated from high school and saw my parents’ faces of joy.

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.

Over the last few years, Leonel Gomez has steadily worked his way up through our Irrigation Department with expert problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills. His longtime dedication to attentive customer service is well-known by countless community residents.

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.

Venice native Randy Cravens has led ArtisTree’s Tree Department for 10-plus years by consistently exceeding customer expectations. He and his team play a critical role in providing expert tree and palm care to ArtisTree’s ever-growing client roster.

Why did you choose this line of work? I choose arbor care because I really enjoy working outdoors and it gives me a variety of daily challenges to meet. It’s always satisfying to see customers happy with our tree work.

What’s a favorite vacation? My favorite vacations always involve a cabin and the mountains.

Carl Sikkema has worked in the landscape industry for 15-plus years as a foreman, landscape crew supervisor and manager. His extensive experience includes turf management, identifying pest/health issues, and customer education. Carl is BMP-certified and bi-lingual in Spanish.

What is your favorite task? Diagnosis of unique turf and ornamental issues.

If you could tell your customer one thing, what would it be? Patience is the key to keeping things green.

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 also 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.

Landscape Designer, LEED GA, FL Water AP, LICHT
Joe Mantkowski grew up in the green business. His lifetime of maintaining and growing landscape plants in Venice, FL, coupled with 19 years of leadership and design expertise with luxury home builders, led Joe to being promoted to general manager in 2017 and then again to vice president in 2021. Joe oversees all facets of the landscape division and ensures exceptional delivery of services to ArtisTree’s discerning clientele.

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.

Brian Clouser graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s of science in landscape architecture. His 10 years of industry experience includes design-build landscape construction projects for multiple clients. Brian chose a landscape career because “it mixes science and art together unlike any other profession.”

What hidden talent do you have? I fished Collegiate Big 10 Bass Tournaments during college.

How do you feel real career satisfaction? I find it very fulfilling to see someone have their dream of “home” realized. For me, it’s rewarding to see the final product of my work after it’s installed and then years later still looking great.

Fort Lauderdale native Chris Culp graduated from Broward County Community College with an A.S. degree in Landscape Technology & Design followed by Business Administration studies at Charleston Southern University. His 30-plus years of industry experience has helped Florida homeowners make the most of their outdoor surroundings through thoughtful design and informed plant selections.

What is your favorite task? Cooking — I love to cook.

What is your favorite sound? The crackling of a campfire.

Clinton Lak brings 28 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.

Elisabeth Owen graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a Master of Science degree in environmental horticulture. Her 20-plus years in the green industry include design, managerial and sales experience for residential and commercial clients. Elisabeth combines her design creativity and passion for plants with strong problem-solving and customer service skills.

How do you feel real career satisfaction? Transforming a landscape from ordinary to extraordinary, seeing the final product realized and the customer more pleased than ever!

What is your favorite sound? The birds chirping in the morning.

After rigorous hands-on training, Casey Bartram was promoted to ArtisTree Lighting & Irrigation Manager overseeing renovation and new construction projects. His installations are consistently top notch, with troubleshooting being one of his favorite tasks. Casey takes great pride in his work, making sure all jobs are completed to specifications and in an efficient manner.

How do you feel real career satisfaction? Completing jobs correctly for our customers.

What is your nickname and how did you get it? It’s Casey Sabe Todo, which means Casey knows everything in Spanish. The guys at work gave it to me.

Nick Chapa, who joined ArtisTree in 2010 as landscape foreman and was later promoted to Production Manager, oversees residential installation projects with his signature communication skills. He works tirelessly on countless install jobs, earning customer accolades for his work ethic, project leadership and dedication to getting jobs done well and done right.

Why did you choose this line of work? I enjoy making something amazing when it was not. I have always loved the outdoors.

If you could tell your customer one thing, what would it be? You’re in the best hands of any company in Florida.

Hailing from Palm Beach County, Conan Michel has more than 15 years of experience in the horticulture industry. After overseeing ArtisTree’s landscape installation department, he now procures all plant material from nurseries throughout Florida. Conan’s passion for plants and the great outdoors is evident the minute you meet him.

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.

Nothing gets by on Jenni’s watch. As ArtisTree’s project coordinator, she keeps everything moving in the right direction right up to the point of installation and beyond. From time to time, she’ll also grab her wand and morph into ArtisTree’s Plant Fairy to surprise unsuspecting organizations/individuals with random acts of kindness.

What is your favorite task? Organizing.

In three words describe your average day at ArtisTree. Busy, busy, busy.

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.

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.