DAVID ANDERSON

Serial Entrepreneur, CEO and Author

David Anderson is a leadership coach who has gained extensive experience in his over 25-year career as an entrepreneur and CEO. He has started multiple companies, including a marketing firm that has been in business for 25 years. David has experienced both successes and failures, learning from both scenarios. He is now focused on sharing his expertise to help others build their businesses, lead others effectively, and grow and prosper in their personal and professional lives.

In addition to his experience as an entrepreneur, David has worked for two Presidents of the United States in the Executive Office of the President and served as a US Congressional Staffer. He was also a staff appointee to two US Presidential Commissions. Furthermore, David has served on multiple Boards of Directors and recently served as a global board chair for the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), a global community of over 17,000 entrepreneurs in 60+ countries.

David is the author of the book "Leadership is Not a Title" and is a business coach using the Marshall Goldsmith methodology. As a father to two boys and being married for 27 years, David is well-versed in balancing his personal and professional life. He has also traveled the world to approximately 50 different countries, providing him with a deep understanding of navigating cultural differences worldwide. David brings all of this experience and expertise to his coaching, aiming to help individuals achieve success and growth in their leadership roles and personal lives.

ANDREW BRAY

SVP, Government Relations, and Membership, National Association of Landscape Professionals

Andrew Bray is a driven Government Relations professional and a tireless advocate with over 15 years of legislative, regulatory, campaign, and legal experience. Andrew is currently the Vice President of Government Relations at the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). In this role, Andrew leads all legislative and regulatory initiatives at the federal and state level. Andrew routinely engages Congressional offices on Capitol Hill, Regulatory Agencies, and industry coalitions to craft policy initiatives that protected the interests and needs of the landscape industry. Prior to joining NALP Andrew also worked in a government relations capacity for the National Pest Management Association, North American Meat Institute and the Grocer Manufacturers Association.

In addition to working in trade associations, Andrew honed his policy, advocacy and political skills while working on Capitol Hill in a Congressional Office and while working on multiple Federal, State, and local campaigns. Andrew earned his law degree in 2013 and maintains an active license to practice law in Virginia.

BRIAN BRUEGGEMANN

Consultant & Trainer, Bruce Wilson & Company

Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Horticulture from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. His career includes core competencies across industry segments and operations, including wholesale nursery and botanical garden management, design-build, residential and commercial landscape services, and senior management. In his new role, Brian supports Wilson's clients as a productivity advisor and training consultant, specializing in performance improvements and workflow and value stream mapping.

CHARLENE FARLEY CHACON

Residential Construction Team Manager, Designscapes

Charlene Farley Chacon has been a dedicated member of the Designscapes Colorado team since 2001, bringing over 25 years of industry expertise to her role as the residential team manager. With a passion for creating breathtaking landscapes, Charlene is committed to providing exceptional customer service and building strong relationships based on trust and integrity. Her unwavering dedication to exceeding client expectations has positioned Designscapes Colorado as a leader in the industry. Charlene believes that every landscape has the power to inspire and uplift, and she is grateful for the opportunity to work with clients, making their outdoor spaces a positive and integral part of their lifestyle. Guided by the quote, "Where flowers bloom, so does hope" by Lady Bird Johnson, Charlene strives to go above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction and create landscapes that bring joy and beauty to people's lives.

ROBERT CLINKENBEARD

CEO, Bruce Wilson & Company

Robert Clinkenbeard is the Chief Executive Officer of Bruce Wilson & Company, a leading privately-held green industry consultancy that specializes in helping landscape business owners and executives increase their influence and accelerate market growth.

Robert brings more than 20 years of executive leadership and management experience as former CEO and co-founder of ILM, one the largest landscape companies in the American southwest, which he and his partner subsequently sold to Aspen Grove Landscape Companies in 2016.

Robert is the past president of the Arizona Contractors Association and past president of the Arizona Chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO). He has served in multiple senior leadership roles within EO, and is a global business coach with The Radix Group. In addition to leading the Wilson branded companies, Robert is a Certified Scaling-Up coach, podcaster, speaker, and author focused on behaviors that improve leadership, legacy and impact.

BEN COLLINSWORTH

Director of Operational Technology, Yellowstone Landscape

Ben Collinsworth joined the company in 2019 and serves as Director of Advanced Technologies and Sustainability at Yellowstone Landscape. In his role, Ben is focused on expanding and implementing new technologies into the company’s operations. These include both software and systems, tools and capabilities, and leading the testing and field practices for new advances in autonomous and robotic mowing opportunities and battery and electric-powered devices. In May of 2023, Ben’s role expanded to include oversight of the company’s efforts to promote sustainability within our client properties, the company, and the landscape industry. Prior to joining Yellowstone, he founded and managed his own successful commercial landscaping company for more than 20 years, Native Land Design, operating locations in both Austin and Houston, Texas. Ben is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University, where he played defensive end on the A&M football team.

BRIAN CORBETT

Founder & Managing Partner, CCG Advisors

Brian D. Corbett is the Founder and Managing Partner of CCG Advisors, a highly respected investment banking firm based in Atlanta. With over 25 years of experience representing owners of successful, privately-held companies, he has a proven track record in maximizing and monetizing companies through strategic sales, private equity recapitalizations, and ESOPS. Mr. Corbett's expertise has resulted in hundreds of closed transactions, totaling billions of dollars in purchase price across a wide range of industries.

While CCG Advisors has a broad range of industry experience covering manufacturing, service, and distribution sectors, Brian is widely recognized for his national practice in the commercial landscape industry. His firm has closed more transactions in this sector than any other, with five market entrants acquiring their initial platform from CCG. His expertise and unique relationships have helped to transition the industry from old-guard buyers to new, as evidenced by his outstanding track record.

Brian's intimate understanding of the issues facing family-owned companies enables him to guide his clients through the complex and oftentimes emotional process of selling their businesses. He is known for focusing on helping his clients achieve their personal and financial goals while also establishing real and enduring client relationships. His commitment to excellence and his proven expertise make him a trusted advisor.

DEAN DESANTIS

President, DeSantis Landscapes

Dean DeSantis is the second-generation owner of DeSantis Landscapes, a full-service landscape contractor founded in 1974. With its headquarters in Salem, OR and three branch offices in the Portland metro area. DeSantis employs over 150 landscape professionals focusing primarily on commercial maintenance, commercial bid/build, and high-end residential design/build. Known for their sustainable focus and strong community ties, Dean is most proud of the workplace culture they’ve been able to create as evidenced by their being named a Top 100 Best Green Workplace in the state of Oregon for 13 consecutive years. Before joining the company full-time in 2001, Dean served in the Peace Corps in Ecuador, spent 2 years teaching English in Japan and spent another year traveling around the world visiting more than 20 countries.

HEIDI DILLON

Regional Manager, DeSantis Landscapes

Heidi Dillon is an experienced Regional Sales Manager at DeSantis Landscapes, where she oversees sales and operations in the Salem Branch. With a Bachelor's degree in Horticultural Science from Oregon State University, she has a demonstrated history of success in the environmental services industry. Heidi's skills in negotiation, team motivation, customer service, writing, and time management have been instrumental in her ability to provide exceptional customer service and drive growth for the company.

Heidi is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship and is passionate about helping clients achieve beautiful and sustainable landscapes. Her expertise in horticulture and her dedication to providing the highest level of service to her clients has made her a respected member of the DeSantis Landscapes team.

LESLIE HERNDON

President, Greenscape Inc.

Leslie Herndon is a 25+ year industry veteran, beginning with her first job at 15 years old working at a retail garden center, then a wholesale nursery and the Extension Service during college.  Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from NC State University and joined Greenscape Inc. in 2002 as a Floriculture Foreman.  Over 19 years later, Leslie is now President of the company and reports to the CEO. She is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the company and special projects.  Leslie is also active in her state trade association, North Carolina Nursery, and Landscape Association, and is the 2021 association president.  She enjoys representing the industry as a female leader and has a passion for the flowers and she still gets her hands dirty during flower install season!  In her spare time, she is an aerobic fitness instructor who loves to travel and attend rock concerts and cannot wait to get back to both of those soon.

CHARLIE JOHNSON

President, Outdoor Systems Management

Charlie Johnson is a dedicated and experienced landscape professional with a passion for nature. He founded Outdoor Systems Management in 2008, and he has been in the green industry for over 20 years and has built a reputation as an expert in his field and is a member of several professional associations. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and advancements in the industry.

Charlie is a family man and is married with four children. He is dedicated to his family and enjoys spending time with them. He is an active father and enjoys traveling with his family, and also enjoys playing sports and staying fit. He is an avid golfer and can often be found on the greens of Arizona’s golf courses.

In his free time, Charlie is an active volunteer in his church and the greater community. He is involved in various community programs and initiatives and is known for his philanthropy. He believes in giving back to the community and is committed to making a positive impact.

CHRIS KUJAWA, CCLP, FMP, LEED GA

President, Kujawa Enterprises, Inc.

Starting on a crew when he was in high school, Chris Kujawa has worked in nearly every aspect of his family business, Kujawa Enterprises, Inc., for more than four decades. Now serving as President and Chief Executive Officer, Kujawa has overseen the growth of KEI both organically and through acquisitions into a nationally recognized, full-service landscape management company serving Eastern Wisconsin.

In 2019, KEI was the first company acquired by Sperber Landscape Companies.  Chris is a partner in the organization and is a member of the Sperber Partner Advisory Team.

Kujawa founded ALCA’s Education Foundation and served as its President. He has held leadership positions on the Board of Directors of NALP’s legacy organization the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA). on boards for Project Evergreen, local BOMA, the Milwaukee Florentine Opera, Sculpture Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee Downtown Advisory Council. NALP recognized Kujawa with the association’s Lifetime Leadership Award in 2010.

CHRIS LEE

President, EarthWorks

Chris Lee is the president of EarthWorks and has over 24 years of green industry experience. He has worked for EarthWorks since 1998 and is a certified apartment supplier, licensed irrigator (LI 18300), and licensed pesticide applicator (#078546).

Chris studied business at the University of Arkansas and horticulture and landscape design at Tarrant County College. In 2000 Chris completed a Certificate in Financial Planning from Florida State University. He also is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program and of the Dale Carnegie Leadership Institute. He is also pursuing ongoing education through the Texas A&M Agrilife System.

JOHANNES LOUWERS

COO, Southview Design

Johannes Louwers is a highly accomplished business executive and leader with an impressive background that includes living in Australia, Europe, and Chicago before settling down in Minnesota. He graduated with honors from Illinois State University, where he earned a degree in AgriBusiness.

Johannes has been a part of the Landscape Maintenance industry since 2002 and has developed a wealth of experience and expertise in this field. His dedication to helping teams solve problems and build a strong company culture has made him an invaluable member of the Southview Design team.

When he's not working, Johannes enjoys spending time with his wife, three kids, and a dog (when he behaves). He is thrilled to be a part of the Southview team and is dedicated to helping the company achieve even greater success.

For Johannes, a great day is one where he can help his team solve problems and build a strong company culture. His passion for helping others succeed has made him a highly respected leader in the business community, and he continues to inspire and motivate those around him.

FRANK MARIANI

Founder and Executive Chairman of Mariani Premier Group

In 1973 Frank Mariani became President of Mariani Landscape at 19 years old following the tragic passing of his father, Vito Mariani, Sr. who had founded the company in 1958.  Under Frank’s leadership what began as a small residential landscape firm working primarily in Lake Forest and Highland Park has grown into an 800+ employee company that specializes in high-end residential landscape design, construction and maintenance across the area of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and beyond. Under Frank’s leadership the company has received numerous awards for excellence in all aspects of landscaping.  Now, Frank is leading the creation of the country’s first national, premium residential landscaping platform.  Over the past 3 years, Frank has built the Mariani Premier Group into a family of over a dozen of the nation’s finest landscaping firms with operations across the country.

Frank has served on the Board of Directors for NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals).  He is also a past President of the NALP Foundation board.  Frank serves on the board of several local businesses and charities. He is a Past President of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association and was honored as Man of the Year in 1994. He has also served as President and Board Member of the Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show for over 10 years.  Frank was a member of the Chicago Chapter of Young Presidents Organization and is currently a member of the World President Organization. In 2009 he was inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. 

MICHAEL MAYBERRY

Customer Success Lead, Scythe Robotics

Mayberry brings wide-ranging green industry experience to his role directing Scythe’s existing customer relationships to drive satisfaction and ensure successful robot deployment. Blending a passion for the outdoors with a deep interest in technology, he is skilled in digital systems development, field operations management, and strategic planning. Mayberry is a regular conference speaker and panelist who shares how technology can create new ways for the green industry to conduct business.

Rising from the field to executive leadership over the course of his decades-long career in the industry, Mayberry was most recently the Chief Technology Officer with Level Green Landscape in Upper Marlboro, Maryland where he directed the company’s strategic efforts and found ways for technology to support business goals while enhancing the company’s products and services.

UTKARSH SHARMA

Founder & CEO, SiteRecon

Utkarsh Sharma is the Founder and CEO of SiteRecon. SiteRecon platform completely automates property measurements and requires no human intervention. This is his second venture at the interface of artificial intelligence and geospatial mapping. Having built multiple continental-scale datasets of commercial properties in his first venture, Utkarsh realized that there is no plug-and-play solution that delivers ready-to-use information about the exteriors of a property. Utkarsh started SiteRecon to fill that gap, believing that rapid access to the truth about our physical world is a fundamental right of every business.

TIM SPIHLMAN

Managing Director, Lewis & Clark Holdings

Tim Spihlman brings 20+ years of senior leadership experience across a variety of industries.  Starting his career in accounting and finance in St. Louis, Tim has worked for companies in the service, technology, manufacturing, and chemical sectors ranging from startup mode to a global business with over $6B in revenue.  After many years as an operator of businesses, he recently switched career paths to be an investor in businesses, focusing on working with founders and leaders of businesses under $100 million in revenue.  He is currently the Managing Director of Lewis and Clark Capital and Lewis and Clark Ventures, managing over $300 million in investments across over twenty companies.  Tim serves on nine different boards, including a family-owned business in the green industry. He is also on the Board of a not-for-profit organization improving the lives of children in Haiti and on the Board of an alumni association at his alma mater, Bradley University.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Science degree and is a CPA.  He and his wife Jenny enjoy spending time with their four children and traveling.

CHERYL STEELBERG

Marketing & PR, Bruce Wilson & Company

Landscape industry public relations veteran Cheryl Steelberg has been creating compelling brand stories for content and integrated marketing for years. Knowing how to engage and connect with readers has been a hallmark of her ability to craft effective and powerful messages that get the attention of busy decision-makers.

An experienced marketing and communications professional, Cheryl leads corporate communications and media relations for the Bruce Wilson &Co. team, in addition to providing strategic leadership in marketing and communications for Wilson clients nationwide.

Cheryl began her career in automotive industry PR, before spending eight years in travel advertising and non-profit sector fundraising. Prior to joining the Wilson team in 2011, she served as Director of Public Relations for ValleyCrest Companies, the billion-dollar California-based landscape firm (now BrightView).

She has worked closely with traditional and digital media platforms and has managed media and promotional events for advocacy groups, higher education, and corporate campaigns. A skilled editor and innovative thinker, Cheryl never loses sight of why the brand story is important to a client’s mission, vision, and bottom line.

Cheryl is a graduate of California State University in Long Beach and lives in Los Angeles.

BRUCE K. WILSON

Founder & Chairman, Bruce Wilson & Company

Bruce Wilson has had a significant impact on the business of landscaping. A 2021 recipient of the National Association of Landscape Professionals Lifetime Achievement Award, Bruce is responsible for shaping careers, being a formidable advocate for continuous learning, forging the next frontier of organizational innovation, and taking companies from start-up to legacies they can be proud of.

A practicing landscaper since high school in Rye, New York, where a part-time job as a tree trimmer led to “Dutch elm disease put me through Cornell”, Bruce has been relentless in his passion, drive and talent, and belief in human potential. After more than 50 years boosting financial performance and strategic priorities, Bruce continues to move the green industry forward, laying the foundation for a new generation of innovators eager to learn how to win today’s race while running tomorrow’s.