Read more about these NALP members and partners in the news.
Hoffman Landscapes Names New Branch Director
Stephen Dumark has accepted the role as branch director for the design/build department at Hoffman Landscapes. This promotion is part of the transition surrounding Hoffman’s purchase of Kent Greenhouse & Gardens.
Brian Cossari, who was over the design/build branch for over 20 years, has taken on an expanded role at the acquired Kent Greenhouse & Gardens.
“I am extremely honored to have been selected for this promotion by the executive leadership of the caliber we have here at Hoffman,” Dumark says. “I think I bring a unique perspective to the role, introducing a business acumen to a group of artistic people. I am focused on helping develop, implement, and improve upon business processes so that our team can operate as smoothly as possible while providing stellar customer service and creating outdoor environments that our clients will enjoy for life.”
Dunmark graduated from Quinnipiac University with a degree in accounting. He worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young and has experience in the field of corporate financial planning. He joined Hoffman Landscapes in 2015 as the company’s estimator.
Since then he has taken on more responsibilities such as pre-construction orientation, material procurement, and subcontractor scope during production. With this official promotion, Dumark is now the leader of the company’s landscape architecture and outdoor construction teams.
Weed Man Announces Aggressive South Florida Development Plans
Weed Man welcomes its newest sub-franchisor, ASI Landscape Management, run by CEO Joe Chiellini and COO Mark Almeda. The two-man team has taken their company to a multi-county $14 million commercial business.
As the official sub-franchisors, ASI Landscape Management will drive Weed Man expansion plans and services throughout South Florida.
Starting in 2021, they will be operating throughout the Tampa Bay area with 14 territories to start. They will increase Weed Man brand awareness throughout Southern Florida with both new qualified franchisees and multiple corporate locations.
“We’ve always been motivated to put Weed Man on the map in Florida but knew it had to be done with the right partners, with a strong existing presence in the market and who matched our company’s winning culture,” says Jennifer Lemcke, Weed Man’s Chief Executive Officer. “They understand the vision and know that Weed Man’s proven systems, paired with their level of experience in the area is exactly what it will take to be successful in Florida.”
The sub-franchisors have plans to expand into another Florida market with 11 additional territories planned. They will be seeking qualified franchise partners to join them in establishing Weed Man throughout the region.
“We know our established roots and reputation in the area will be beneficial as we grow the franchise,” Chiellini says. “Especially, as we begin working directly with new and driven Weed Man business owners, our role as sub-franchisor will serve as a hands-on, local point of contact. We will be the extra layer and extension of support to the existing corporate leadership team and network of other successful Weed Man franchise owners throughout the United States.”
Cid Wilson and John C. Wagner Join Ruppert Landscape Board of Directors
Ruppert Landscape has appointed Cid Wilson of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility and John C. Wagner of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to join the company’s board of directors.
As president of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), Wilson guides the advocacy efforts to increase the representation of Hispanics in corporate America. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in economics. He is a proud Dominican American with New Jersey roots.
“As a company with a diverse workforce, many of whom are of Hispanic heritage, we will most certainly benefit from Cid’s cultural perspective and insight into how we can further engage and empower our people,” says Phil Key, president of Ruppert Landscape. “Additionally, his considerable analytical experience makes him a valuable addition to our board as we aim to make data-driven decisions to grow the company in a way that benefits employees.”
John C. Wagner focuses on the risks associated with construction and real estate companies. He has worked for several construction companies and a high-end management consulting and risk management firm. He has a master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
“John has extensive experience in the construction industry, which constitutes about half of our business, and is deeply knowledgeable on the subject of safety and risk management,” says Craig Ruppert, Ruppert Landscape CEO. “Perhaps more importantly, he is intimately familiar with the Ruppert culture through our long-time partnership with Gallagher and has been supportive of our various initiatives over the years. Additionally, he has experience in succession planning, having developed a CEO forum group that helps transition second and third-generation family businesses. We are looking forward to the many insights that he will undoubtedly bring as a member of our board.”
